Kia Seltos 2024 vs. Compare Honda HR-V 2024

This year, the least expensive option at most car dealerships is a subcompact SUV. But don’t let this fact mislead you. The 2024 subcompact SUVs are not barebones economy models. Many are well-equipped, comfortable vehicles capable of filling most roles with ease.

Two of the most well-reviewed cars are the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V. Each starts at less than $25,000 and gives you the muscle of highway traffic, the cargo space of most Craiglists’ trucks, and modern technology like screens that mirror your phone.

Let’s take a closer look and find the right SUV for you.

Kia Seltos 2024

The Kia Seltos is an undeniably great value. It has won Best Buy in the subcompact SUV category in each of the past two years (2024 testing is now ongoing). But Kia saw fit to improve it for 2024 anyway, giving it a new look and a revised infotainment system. Pricing starts at $24,390.

Kia Seltos features

More miles per gallon: Some of us shop for subcompact SUVs because we don’t want to spend more money than we have to spend to get around comfortably. Seltos has our back. The EPA estimates that Seltos owners will spend about $150 less per year on the pump than HR-V owners.

This long warranty: However, Kia’s value argument focuses on long-term costs. Nobody beats Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranties. Knowing which major repairs are covered in year nine gives you peace of mind. Honda’s 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain and 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranties don’t do it.

Turbo engine available: The HR-V’s base engine is more powerful than the one in the Seltos. But it’s the only option Honda offers. Kia dealers can also sell you a Seltos X-Line or SX with a 195-hp turbocharged engine, which is more powerful than anything Honda offers in this price range.

Check it out this week Fair purchase price Or see Kia Seltos models For sale near you.

2024 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is technically unchanged for 2024, but only because Honda has completely redesigned it for 2023. Nothing about it is dated. Honda is legendary for its reliable cars with long resale value, and the HR-V is the most affordable way to get those ideal attributes. The 2024 HR-V starts at $24,100.

Honda HR-V features

More powerful core engine: The HR-V comes with a 158-horsepower engine. The Seltos gets 146 from its base engine. This difference doesn’t seem like much. But in a car this small, a little horsepower goes a long way. If you regularly drive in mountainous areas or commute on the highway, you will notice this.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available: In-car infotainment technology has come a long way in a short time. Most 2024 cars offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, systems that mirror your phone onto the car’s touchscreen so you can safely use streaming entertainment while driving. Each of these cars offers that. But only Honda makes a wireless version available.

Active Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation technology is a norm in luxury segments. Almost unheard of at this price point. It makes the HR-V’s cabin a quieter place, especially on the highway.

Check it out this week Fair purchase price Or see Honda HR-V models For sale near you.

Similarity

The base price for these two models is so close that it’s an irrelevant consideration, and passenger space is nearly identical (although the Seltos can carry more cargo).

Conclusion

The Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V rank first and second on our list of the best small SUVs, so this comparison is pretty close.

We advise shoppers weighing in for a test drive in case there’s something personal that tells you which one is right for you.

If they come out even after a test drive, this may have to do with how long you can expect to keep your car. The Honda’s great resale value may sway you if you plan to sell it within a few years. If you don’t, your ten-year warranty may send you to your local Kia dealer.

But sometimes, there is more than one correct answer.

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