Honda Cr-v Vs Kia Seltos: Battle Of The Compact Suvs – Which One Offers The Best Value?

In the realm of compact SUVs, two formidable contenders stand out: the Honda CR-V and the Kia Seltos. Both vehicles boast impressive features, sleek designs, and a reputation for reliability. But which one emerges as the superior choice? To answer this question, we’ll delve into a comprehensive comparison, scrutinizing their performance, features, comfort, safety, and overall value.

Performance: Power and Efficiency

1. Engine Options:

• Honda CR-V: Powered by a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating 190 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque.
• Kia Seltos: Offers two engine options: a 2.0L 4-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

2. Fuel Economy:

• Honda CR-V: With its standard CVT transmission, the CR-V achieves an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
• Kia Seltos: The Seltos equipped with the 2.0L engine and CVT transmission delivers an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The turbocharged 1.6L engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission offers 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

3. Driving Dynamics:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V’s responsive handling, precise steering, and comfortable ride make it a joy to drive.
• Kia Seltos: The Seltos exhibits agile handling, well-balanced steering, and a smooth ride quality, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.

Features: Technology and Convenience

1. Infotainment Systems:

• Honda CR-V: Boasts a user-friendly 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
• Kia Seltos: Features a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display with a user-friendly interface, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and built-in navigation.

2. Driver Assistance Features:

• Honda CR-V: Offers a suite of Honda Sensing safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Kia Seltos: Comes equipped with Kia Drive Wise safety features, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.

3. Comfort and Convenience Features:

• Honda CR-V: Provides heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof for added comfort.
• Kia Seltos: Offers ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad for enhanced convenience.

Comfort: Space and Amenities

1. Interior Dimensions:

• Honda CR-V: Offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, with a spacious cargo area.
• Kia Seltos: Provides generous interior space, with comfortable seating for five passengers and a versatile cargo hold.

2. Seating and Upholstery:

• Honda CR-V: Features cloth upholstery as standard, with leather-trimmed seats available in higher trims.
• Kia Seltos: Offers a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, providing a premium feel to the cabin.

3. Cargo Capacity:

• Honda CR-V: Provides 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
• Kia Seltos: Offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Safety: Protecting What Matters Most

1. NHTSA Safety Ratings:

• Honda CR-V: Earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• Kia Seltos: Also achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, demonstrating its commitment to passenger protection.

2. IIHS Safety Ratings:

• Honda CR-V: Received a “Top Safety Pick+” designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
• Kia Seltos: Similarly, earned a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS, indicating its high level of crashworthiness and safety features.

3. Active Safety Features:

• Honda CR-V: Offers a comprehensive suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.
• Kia Seltos: Comes equipped with a range of active safety features, such as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist.

Value: The Complete Package

1. Pricing:

• Honda CR-V: The CR-V has a starting price of $26,800 for the LX trim and goes up to $38,350 for the Touring trim.
• Kia Seltos: The Seltos has a slightly lower starting price of $23,990 for the LX trim and ranges up to $33,490 for the SX Turbo trim.

2. Standard Features:

• Honda CR-V: The base LX trim comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Honda Sensing safety features.
• Kia Seltos: The LX trim offers a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of Kia Drive Wise safety features.

3. Warranty Coverage:

• Honda CR-V: Backed by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
• Kia Seltos: Offers a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, providing peace of mind to owners.

Key Points: Unveiling the Victor

After a thorough comparison of the Honda CR-V and the Kia Seltos, it’s evident that both vehicles possess distinct strengths. The Honda CR-V excels in terms of performance, offering a more powerful engine and better fuel efficiency. It also provides a spacious cabin with ample cargo space, making it ideal for families or those who frequently transport large items. Additionally, the CR-V’s impressive safety ratings and comprehensive warranty coverage inspire confidence in its overall reliability.

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos stands out with its advanced infotainment system, a larger touchscreen display, and a more affordable starting price. It offers a range of convenience features, such as ventilated front seats and a wireless charging pad, enhancing the overall driving experience. Moreover, the Seltos matches the CR-V in terms of safety ratings and provides a competitive warranty package.

Ultimately, the choice between the Honda CR-V and the Kia Seltos depends on individual preferences and priorities. Those seeking a powerful and fuel-efficient SUV with a spacious interior and a strong safety record may find the Honda CR-V to be the superior choice. However, those seeking an affordable SUV with a feature-rich infotainment system and a more comprehensive warranty may be drawn to the Kia Seltos.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Q: Which vehicle has a more powerful engine?

• A: The Honda CR-V offers a more powerful engine with 190 horsepower compared to the Kia Seltos’ 175 horsepower turbocharged engine.

2. Q: Which SUV provides better fuel economy?

• A: The Honda CR-V delivers superior fuel economy with an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway compared to the Kia Seltos’ 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

3. Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo capacity?

• A: The Honda CR-V offers a more spacious cargo area with 39.2 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, compared to the Kia Seltos’ 26.6 cubic feet and 62.8 cubic feet, respectively.

4. Q: Which SUV has a better warranty coverage?

• A: The Kia Seltos provides a more comprehensive warranty package with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the Honda CR-V offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

5. Q: Which vehicle is more affordable?

• A: The Kia Seltos has a lower starting price of $23,990 compared to the Honda CR-V’s starting price of $26,800.