Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Buyers after the raised SUV look who don't want to sacrifice efficiency or affordability have quite a few options in the subcompact segment. The Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos are two of the most stylish, high-tech vehicles in this class, but which one is more popular in 2026? The latest sales figures are in, while Kia recently launched an all-new Seltos, so it's the perfect time to see if the newer vehicle here is resonating more with buyers. We'll also compare their basic specifications to see which is the better buy.Kona Vs. Seltos 2026 Sales2027 Hyundai KonaHyundaiView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThese aren't the best-selling SUVs from Hyundai or Kia, as many buyers prefer larger options. But for drivers on a tighter budget, the Kona and Seltos make sense. Here's a look at the sales performance of each vehicle.August 2026August 2025% Change2026 YTD2025 YTD% ChangeHyundai Kona6,1657,083-13%48,37453,200-9%Kia Seltos9,2145,574+65%50,52535,430+43%Comparing the 2025 and 2026 results, there's been a significant change in fortunes for these two models. The Kona was easily outselling the Seltos last year, but the Kia has come out fighting in 2026, with a 43% increase in year-to-date sales. The Seltos was around 15,000 units behind the Kona this time last year, but it's now 2,000 or so units ahead, and August sales suggest it will extend this lead.The launch of the new Seltos has likely contributed to this change. It's the newer, fresher vehicle here. While the Kona is still modern, it arrived for the 2024 model year in its current form, so it's a more familiar sight.Related: Hyundai Vs. Kia Reliability: The Winner Is Closer Than You ThinkKia Seltos Vs. Hyundai Kona Pricing and Powertrain Specs2027 Kia SeltosCole Attisha/AutoblogView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementDespite being the newer vehicle, the 2027 Kia Seltos has a pricing advantage over the 2027 Hyundai Kona.Kia SeltosHyundai KonaLX: $24,990SE: $25,500S: $26,390SEL Sport: $26,825EX: $28,390SEL Premium: $28,425X-Line S: $28,990Limited: $32,535X-Line SX: $32,790Trim for trim, the Seltos is slightly cheaper. Both Seltos X-Line trims also come with standard all-wheel drive, whereas every Kona requires an extra cost to add AWD. Both models come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as standard, which produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Each vehicle is available with a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine making a much more impressive 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, and here's where it gets interesting.2027 Hyundai Kona turbo engineHyundaiYou need to spend $32,790 on the Seltos X-Line SX to get the turbocharged engine. The Kona SEL Premium, meanwhile, is available with the turbo mill for $28,425. The Kona is also slightly more efficient, with up to 31 mpg possible in models with FWD and the 2.0L engine, which is 1 mpg better than the Seltos. We drove both these cars and found them to offer an effortless, if not exciting, driving experience. They're also heavier than the previous-gen models, so even the turbo model feels adequate rather than quick.Later in 2026, Kia will launch a hybrid Seltos, which will give it the efficiency edge over the Kona. However, buyers who want a more enjoyable driving experience with the turbo engine can save significantly by choosing the Kona over the Seltos. AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: I Drove The 2027 Kia Seltos: Here's My Honest First Drive Review Of Kia's Baby Telluride Compact SUVDesign and Features2027 Hyundai KonaHyundaiView the 4 images of this gallery on the original articleThese crossovers are both fashionable and distinctive. The new Kia Seltos looks a bit more rugged with its mini-Telluride proportions, while the Hyundai Kona looks like the perfect urban runabout for younger drivers. Both have high-tech interiors with an available dual-screen layout ahead of the driver. 2026 Hyundai KonaHyundaiView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Kia has slightly more cargo space (27.8 cubic feet to the Hyundai's 25.5), but each car has a similar amount of space when the back seats are folded flat. The Kona has slightly more front legroom but the Seltos has more rear legroom; both are spacious for subcompact crossovers, though. Here's a look at the standard and optional features:Hyundai KonaKia SeltosAir conditioningSSDual-zone automatic climate controlOOTouchscreen12.3 inches12.3 inchesDriver's display4.2-inch standard, 12.3-inch on top trim4.2-inch standard, 12.3-inch optionalHeated front seatsOOUpholsteryCloth (H-Tex on top two trims)Cloth (SynTex on top three trims)Smart cruise controlSSBlind-spot warningSOForward collision warningSSThe cars are nearly identical in terms of standard and optional features. Both can be loaded up with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and other features that make them feel surprisingly premium.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: Hyundai Ioniq 5 Vs. Kia EV6 Sales: It's Not Even CloseFinal Verdict: The Sales Don't Tell The Full Story2027 Hyunda KonaHyundaiView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleEven though the newer Kia Seltos is outselling the Kona, the best buy between these two crossovers is the Hyundai Kona SEL Premium. It gets you a decent selection of features and a much better turbocharged engine for $4,365 less than the only turbocharged Seltos. At this price point, that's a huge difference.If you're buying a model with the standard 2.0-liter engine, the Kia is the slightly better choice. It's newer, cheaper, and slightly more economical. For many drivers, the standard engine will be perfectly adequate. Current sales also suggest that buyers prefer the look and feel of the Kia, but the Hyundai is by no means outclassed by the newer Seltos.AdvertisementAdvertisementRelated: Hyundai Santa Fe Vs. Kia Sorento Sales: It's Not Even CloseThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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