Honda HR-V vs Kia Seltos, a budget SUV Edmunds comparison

Crossovers have become a popular choice for buyers who want the practicality of an SUV without the size and expense of a larger vehicle. For many shoppers, that means finding a vehicle that’s easy to live with, offers enough room for everyday duties, keeps fuel costs in check, and provides the versatility to be useful for a range of needs. The 2027 Honda HR-V and 2027 Kia Seltos both make a case for that balance, but they take somewhat different approaches to the formula.

Honda’s HR-V is the little sibling to the larger CR-V and sets a benchmark for what to expect from an extra-small SUV. Kia’s Seltos is less well known but enters 2027 with a full redesign that brings more space, revamped styling and a newly available hybrid powertrain. Both are compelling options, but which one is the better buy?

Edmunds put these two SUVs head-to-head to find out. Comfort and convenience Both the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V make good use of their compact dimensions, offering roomy cabins with generous space in both rows. The Seltos has an especially accommodating rear seat, even for taller passengers.

Easy-access child seat anchors add to its family-friendly appeal. For a small SUV like this, the Seltos also boasts a reasonably smooth ride over bumps. The HR-V is similarly roomy, with large door openings and a comfortable seat height that make entry and exit a breeze.

But Edmunds noticed a difference in seat comfort between these two SUVs. The HR-V’s overly firm front seat cushions and lack of lumbar adjustment take a toll on long-distance comfort. If you frequently have rear passengers, the Seltos has another advantage by way of its rear air vents.

Winner: Kia Seltos Power and fuel economy Neither the 158-horsepower Honda HR-V nor the 147-horsepower Kia Seltos is quick off the line. In Edmunds’ testing, the HR-V needed 10.2 seconds to get from zero to 60 mph, while the Seltos posted a 10.6-second run to 60 mph. Thankfully, you can get a Seltos with a more powerful 190-horsepower turbocharged engine that livens up the car’s acceleration.