2023 Hyundai Kona vs. 2023 Kia Seltos

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is one little SUV that is filled with plenty of reliable features. Its potent turbocharged engines are complemented by balanced handling. An easy-to-use infotainment system gives a boost to what it offers.

The 2023 Kia Seltos promises a roomy space for its passengers. It also has a long list of standard features to offer. Expect no major changes when comparing it to its predecessor.

Design & Style

One thing you will notice when you get inside the Kona 2023 edition is the use of premium materials inside. It is sturdy, like its other brothers from the brand, and also boasts of a tech-centric cabin. At the back, there is space that accommodates 19.2 cubic feet, opening up to 45.8 cubic feet when the rear seats are not in use. This sits up to five passengers.

That of the 2023 Kia Seltos scores good in terms of cabin space since its back area can accommodate 62.8 cubic feet when rear seats are folded. This one is stylish in terms of overall design, but with some hard plastics used to highlight many of the elements in its cabin, it is hard to appreciate its overall styling. There is enough room to accommodate five adults inside, but the firmer backseats are quite a discomfort for those seated there.

Technology & Safety

Giving the 2023 Kona some boost for entertainment is its crisp eight-inch touch screen display, that quickly responds to user inputs. There are three USB ports, Bluetooth, and six speakers, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration is now wireless for this model. Drivers will love the standard driver aids that include rearview camera, forward automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, driver-attention monitoring, lane-departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear seat alert.

Just like the Kona, the Seltos uses an eight-inch touch screen display that is praised for its crisp graphics. It has six speakers, a USB port, and Bluetooth. It opted to still use the wired version for smartphone integration via Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It offers the same safety aids as those found in the Kona but does not offer blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.

Performance

The 2023 Kona is gifted with a base engine that can hit up to 147 horsepower. Go for the next trim and this hits a score of 195 horsepower. The best of its engine versions hits a rating of 276 horsepower. In the case of the 2023 Seltos, the two powertrain choices result in 146 horsepower and 175 horsepower.

The Bottom Line

There are features in the 2023 Kia Seltos that deserve some praise, but when pitted against the 2023 Hyundai Kona, it is defeated many times. This makes the Hyundai the better SUV between the two.

Ready to Schedule a 2023 Hyundai Kona Test Drive Today?

At Empire Hyundai of New Rochelle, we make sure that you will save time and money when shopping for your next vehicle. If you have set your eyes on the 2023 Hyundai Kona, call us in advance to book your test drive appointment. Visit us to find out more about how we will exceed your expectations. We serve Hyundai-related needs of drivers from the Tri-State Area.