For families looking for a practical, budget‑friendly crossover, the 2027 model year brings two strong contenders: the Honda HR‑V and the Kia Seltos. Both aim to deliver the utility of an SUV while keeping size, cost and fuel consumption modest. Edmunds put the two vehicles through a side‑by‑side evaluation to see which one better serves everyday needs.
Comfort and convenience
The Seltos impresses with a spacious rear seat that accommodates taller passengers comfortably. Easy‑access child‑seat anchors reinforce its family‑oriented design, and the ride remains smooth over typical road imperfections. The HR‑V also offers a roomy cabin, generous door openings and a seat height that eases entry and exit. However, reviewers noted that the HR‑V’s front seats feel overly firm and lack lumbar adjustment, which can make longer trips less comfortable. The Seltos adds rear air vents, a feature absent from the HR‑V, giving rear occupants a bit more climate control.
Power and fuel economy
Both models are modestly powered. The HR‑V’s 158‑horsepower engine reaches 0‑60 mph in 10.2 seconds, while the base Seltos, with 147 horsepower, posts a 10.6‑second time. Kia does offer a turbocharged 190‑horsepower option for the Seltos, improving acceleration for those who want a bit more zip. Fuel‑efficiency ratings are close: the HR‑V is rated up to 28 mpg combined, and the Seltos up to 30 mpg combined with its standard engine. The turbocharged Seltos drops to about 26 mpg combined, but an upcoming hybrid version could improve those numbers later in the year.
Cargo and utility
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Seltos leads with 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum of 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, placing it among the roomiest in its class. The HR‑V provides 24.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 55.1 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. While the Seltos’s front console is narrow, it offers numerous smaller storage compartments. The HR‑V includes a rubberized compartment for wireless charging and a deep center‑armrest bin, though its door pockets and glovebox are smaller than many would like.
Value and pricing
Pricing favors the Seltos. The base HR‑V LX starts at $28,150, with the EX‑L trim at $32,000. The Seltos begins at $26,485, and even fully loaded versions stay competitive, typically under $40,000. The Seltos also provides a larger standard touchscreen, more driver‑assist features, and optional upgrades such as a power‑adjustable driver’s seat and leather upholstery at a lower overall cost. Kia’s warranty advantage is notable: five years/60,000 miles for basic coverage and ten years/100,000 miles for the powertrain, compared with Honda’s standard three‑year/36,000‑mile bumper‑to‑bumper warranty.
Overall recommendation
Edmunds concludes that while the HR‑V meets expectations for an extra‑small SUV, the redesigned Seltos raises the bar with its generous passenger and cargo space, broader powertrain options and stronger value proposition. For families prioritizing versatility, comfort and long‑term warranty peace of mind, the Kia Seltos emerges as the clearer choice.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
