Compare the2025 Hyundai TucsonVS 2025 Kia Seltos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Hyundai Tucson have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Kia Seltos doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

With its standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, the Hyundai Tucson is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Kia Seltos, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Tucson	Seltos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-20 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	-23 MPH	-13 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-3 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
37 MPH Brights	-36 MPH	-21 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	1.9 sec	1.4 sec
37 MPH Low beams	-35 MPH	-5 MPH
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.6 sec	.3 sec

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Hyundai Tucson achieved a higher rating for its forward collision warning and automatic braking systems than the Kia Seltos which was rated “Poor” in these critical safety features.

The Tucson Limited has a standard Around View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Seltos only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

The Tucson has a standard blind spot warning system that uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them and moves the vehicle back into its lane. Only the Seltos S/EX/X-Line/SX offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Tucson has standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist automatically engages the brakes to help avoid a collision. Only the Seltos S/EX/X-Line/SX offers Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

Both the Tucson and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Hyundai Tucson is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Tucson	Seltos
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	325	405
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	35%	41%
Neck Stress	125 lbs.	127 lbs.
Neck Compression	59 lbs.	171 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	51/13 lbs.	144/44 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Tucson is safer than the Seltos:

	Tucson	Seltos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Forces L/R	45/90 pounds	495/270 pounds
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	MARGINAL
Thigh Forces L/R	45/90 pounds	495/270 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH, results indicate that the Hyundai Tucson is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Tucson	Seltos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	71	109
Chest Movement	1 inches	1.2 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	37	234
Spine Acceleration	59 G’s	70 G’s
Hip Force	751 lbs.	754 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Hyundai Tucson is much safer than the Seltos:

	Tucson	Seltos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	121	234
Neck Tension	223 lbs.	268 lbs.
Neck Compression	-45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	1.1 in	1.42 in
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	290 lbs.
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	759 lbs.	1383 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	116	258
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	112 lbs.
Neck Compression	-134 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	1.1 in	2.17 in
Shoulder Force	245 lbs.	335 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.38 in	2.01 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	14 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	669 lbs.	759 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Hyundai Tucson has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Seltos is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The Tucson’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the Seltos’ (7/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Hyundai pays for scheduled maintenance on the Tucson for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Hyundai will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Seltos.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than Kia vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Hyundai third in initial quality, above the industry average. With 1 more problems per 100 vehicles, Kia is ranked fourth.

Engine

The Tucson’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 41 more horsepower (187 vs. 146) and 46 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 132) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Tucson AWD gets better fuel mileage than the Seltos 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder (24 city/30 hwy vs. 24 city/27 hwy).

The Tucson has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (14.3 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Tucson’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Seltos:

	Tucson	Seltos	Seltos AWD
Front Rotors	12.8 inches	11 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	12 inches	10.3 inches	11.2 inches

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The Tucson has standard Brake Assist to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

The Tucson stops shorter than the Seltos:

	Tucson	Seltos
60 to 0 MPH	118 feet	123 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	131 feet	133 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Tucson has larger standard tires than the Seltos (235/65R17 vs. 215/55R17). The Tucson SEL/XRT’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Seltos (245/60R18 vs. 235/45R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Tucson offers optional 19-inch wheels. The Seltos’ largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Hyundai Tucson has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Seltos 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Tucson has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Tucson flat and controlled during cornering. The Seltos 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Tucson’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Seltos doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Tucson’s wheelbase is 5 inches longer than on the Seltos (108.5 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Tucson is 2.2 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Seltos.

The Tucson XRT AWD handles at .85 G’s, while the Seltos S pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Tucson Limited AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Seltos S (27.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Tucson has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Seltos (8.3 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Tucson to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Tucson uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Seltos doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Tucson has 9.2 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Seltos (108.2 vs. 99).

The Tucson has .1 inches more front headroom, 1 inch more front hip room, 2.1 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom, 3.3 inches more rear legroom, 1.1 inches more rear hip room and 1.3 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

Cargo Capacity

The Tucson has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Seltos with its rear seat up (38.7 vs. 26.6 cubic feet). The Tucson has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Seltos with its rear seat folded (74.8 vs. 62.8 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Tucson’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Seltos doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Payload and Towing

The Tucson has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Tucson uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Seltos doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Tucson has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Seltos (1288 vs. 860 lbs.).

The Tucson has a much higher maximum payload capacity than the Seltos (1289 vs. 860 lbs.).

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Tucson Limited, the memory seats and mirrors make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position and outside mirror angle. The Seltos doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Tucson Limited’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Seltos doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Tucson Limited has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Seltos doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The Tucson’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Seltos has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Tucson’s standard driver’s power window opens or closes with one touch of the switch, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths. The Seltos’ standard power window’s switch has to be held the entire time to close it fully. The Tucson SEL/XRT/Limited’s front power windows open fully with one touch of the switches, and its driver’s window also automatically closes. With the Seltos S/EX/SX/X-Line’s power windows, only the driver’s window opens or closes automatically.

On a hot day the Tucson’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Seltos can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Tucson’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Seltos’ passenger power window and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Tucson Limited’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Seltos’ manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

The Tucson’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Seltos’ standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Tucson’s headlights were rated “Good” to “Acceptable” by the IIHS, while the Seltos’ headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

When the Tucson Limited is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Seltos’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Tucson and the Seltos offer available heated front seats. The Tucson Limited also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Seltos.

On extremely cold winter days, the Tucson Limited’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Seltos doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Tucson SEL/XRT/Limited’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Seltos doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

The Tucson Limited’s Remote Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Park Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Seltos doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Seltos, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Hyundai Tucson outsold the Kia Seltos by over three to one during 2024.

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