The Toyota RAV4 is the best-selling small SUV in America, one with an ironclad reputation for reliability, practicality, and resale value that few vehicles in any segment can match. Since arriving in the U.S. in 1996, Toyota has sold millions of units, and comparing anything to the RAV4 might seem like a bold move. To suggest the all-new 2027 Kia Seltos can stand toe-to-toe with the mighty RAV4 is a bold claim.
However, when you look at what Kia is delivering with the Seltos for the money, the comparison becomes harder to dismiss.
Debuting at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, the second-generation Seltos arrives on a new platform with an updated feature set, a bolder design, and a technology suite that invites a comparison with SUVs that cost a good deal more.
Although official pricing for the 2027 Seltos has not yet been confirmed, based on the outgoing model, expect it to start under $30,000, with the X-Line SX (the top trim level) likely landing in the low-to-mid $30,000 range.
Even taking the current 2026 models, the Toyota RAV4 starts at $31,900, whereas the Kia Seltos starts at $23,790. At the top of the lineup, the RAV4 Limited starts at $43,300, while the Seltos SX starts at $31,490. Both are well below the national average for current vehicle prices, though the starting MSRP gap between the RAV4 and Seltos warrants closer examination.
Base Trim Engine
2.0-liter Four-cylinder
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Two different approaches to what’s under the hood
Seltos punches above its class, RAV4 wins at the pump
The 2027 Seltos offers two engines depending on the trim level.
The LX, S, X-Line S, and EX run a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft. of torque, paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the X-Line SX steps you up to a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder making 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. of torque, matched with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard on X-Line S and X-Line SX.
EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2.0-liter engine with front-wheel drive is 28 in the city, 33 on the highway, and 30 combined with front-wheel drive. The turbocharged X-Line SX with all-wheel drive delivers 24 in the city, 30 on the highway, and 26 combined.
Quiz8 Questions · Test Your Knowledge
Kia Seltos
Read on and then test your knowledge
Think you know Kia’s popular compact SUV? Put your knowledge to the test with these Seltos questions.
DesignPerformanceFeaturesHistorySpecs
Begin
In which year did the Kia Seltos make its global debut?
A2017B2018C2019D2020
That’s right! The Kia Seltos was officially unveiled in 2019 and went on sale in markets around the world shortly after. It was introduced to fill the gap between the smaller Stonic and the larger Sportage in Kia’s SUV lineup.
Not quite — the Kia Seltos debuted in 2019. Kia launched it globally to compete in the booming compact SUV segment, and it quickly became one of the brand’s best-selling models in markets like India, Australia, and the United States.
Continue
The name ‘Seltos’ is inspired by which figure from Greek mythology?
AHelios, the god of the sunBCeltos, son of HeraclesCSelene, goddess of the moonDAtlas, titan of endurance
Correct! The Seltos name is derived from Celtos, the son of Heracles in Greek mythology. Kia chose the name to evoke a sense of strength, adventure, and legendary heritage — fitting for a rugged-looking compact SUV.
Actually, Seltos is inspired by Celtos, the son of Heracles from Greek mythology. The name was chosen by Kia to give the SUV a sense of strength and heroic character, tying its adventurous styling to a legendary lineage.
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Which of the following engines was available in the Kia Seltos at its North American launch?
A2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinderB1.6L turbocharged four-cylinderC2.5L turbocharged four-cylinderD1.4L turbocharged three-cylinder
Spot on! The Kia Seltos launched in North America with a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing around 175 horsepower, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It offered a sportier driving feel compared to the base 2.0L naturally aspirated option.
The correct answer is the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine produced approximately 175 horsepower and was paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, giving the Seltos a more dynamic driving character than its base engine option.
Continue
What is the name of Kia’s infotainment system featured in the Seltos?
AKia ConnectBUVO LinkCKia InTouchDKia Infosphere
That’s correct! UVO Link is Kia’s connected car and infotainment platform, offered in the Seltos to provide navigation, remote vehicle control, and smartphone connectivity. The system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless device integration.
The right answer is UVO Link — Kia’s proprietary connected car platform. It features navigation, remote start capabilities, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making the Seltos cabin a tech-friendly space for modern drivers.
Continue
What is the approximate cargo capacity of the Kia Seltos behind the rear seats?
A19.8 cubic feetB26.6 cubic feetC30.2 cubic feetD22.1 cubic feet
Correct! The Kia Seltos offers approximately 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is competitive for its class. With the rear seats folded, that number expands significantly, making it a practical choice for everyday hauling.
The Seltos actually provides around 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This puts it in a strong position among compact SUV rivals, and folding the rear seats opens up even more room for larger items.
Continue
Which country was the primary initial market that received the Kia Seltos before its wider global rollout?
ASouth KoreaBUnited StatesCIndiaDAustralia
Absolutely right! India was the primary launch market for the Kia Seltos, and it became a massive hit there almost immediately. Kia used the Indian market as a strategic entry point, and the Seltos helped establish Kia as a major automotive player in the country.
India was actually the primary initial market for the Kia Seltos. The SUV launched there to enormous success and helped Kia quickly build a strong foothold in one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive markets before rolling out globally.
Continue
Which of these exterior design elements is a signature styling feature of the Kia Seltos?
AFloating roof with contrasting color panelBFlush door handlesCHidden rear door handlesDA full-width rear light bar
Nice work! The Seltos features a distinctive two-tone floating roof design, where the roof is offered in a contrasting color to the body. This styling cue gives it a sporty, youthful appearance and has become one of its most recognizable visual traits.
The signature styling feature is actually the two-tone floating roof, where the roof panel is painted in a contrasting color to the body. This design choice was a deliberate move by Kia to appeal to younger buyers and give the Seltos a bold, distinctive look.
Continue
Which transmission is paired with the base naturally aspirated engine in the Kia Seltos for the North American market?
A6-speed manualB7-speed dual-clutch automaticC8-speed torque converter automaticDContinuously variable transmission (CVT)
Correct! The base 2.0L naturally aspirated engine in the North American Kia Seltos is paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This setup prioritizes smooth, comfortable driving, making it well-suited for daily commuting and highway cruising.
The base naturally aspirated engine in the North American Seltos is actually paired with an 8-speed torque converter automatic. This transmission type is known for its smooth shifts and reliability, complementing the engine’s focus on everyday comfort over outright performance.
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For the 2026 model year, Toyota discontinued its gas engine across the entire RAV4 lineup. Every RAV4 now comes standard with either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. It is worth noting that not every car buyer shops apples-to-apples exactly, and comparing a hybrid RAV4 to a gasoline-powered Seltos is a good example of that.
The RAV4 leverages a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder paired with Toyota’s hybrid system, producing 226 horsepower for front-wheel drive models and 236 horsepower in all-wheel drive configurations. As expected, fuel economy is a strong point of Toyota’s hybrid system, with the RAV4 delivering up to 47 in the city, 40 on the highway, and 43 combined with front-wheel drive.
Base Trim Engine
2.5L Inline 4 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
CVT
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Hybrid payback timeline
Where the RAV4 is at a disadvantage
While the RAV4 maintains an efficiency advantage over the Seltos, the Kia might still be the better overall financial pick. As my How-To Geek colleague Tyler Dypont has observed, even though hybrids are touted as a way to save money on gas, the reality isn’t that straightforward, as there are many factors that determine whether a hybrid’s fuel savings can actually offset its initial premium.
If you have a new hybrid in mind, like the RAV4, run some numbers on its MSRP versus how much you think you’ll spend on gas each year. Here is a formula you can use to help determine how long it will take to recoup the premium paid in fuel savings.
- Hybrid MSRP – Non-hybrid MSRP = Premium for hybrid model.
- Number of miles you may drive in a year ÷ EPA combined MPG = Gallons per year.
- Gallons per year x Average national fuel price = Cost of fuel per year.
- Non-hybrid cost of fuel per year – Hybrid cost of fuel per year = Hybrid fuel savings (per year).
- Premium for hybrid model ÷ Hybrid fuel savings per year = Payback time in years.
As noted a moment ago, pricing for the 2027 Seltos has not been announced as of this writing. However, using the 2026 starting MSRP figures for both vehicles (Toyota RAV4 at $31,900 and Kia Seltos at $23,790), the RAV4 carries an $8,110 premium over the Seltos at the entry level.
At the current national average of $4.53 per gallon (at the time of this writing) and the federal average of 13,500 miles driven per year, the base Seltos consumes roughly 450 gallons annually at 30 mpg combined, costing about $2,038 in fuel.
The RAV4 LE, rated at 43 mpg combined, uses around 314 gallons, costing roughly $1,422. That works out to about $616 in annual fuel savings in the RAV4’s favor.
However, divide the $8,110 price gap by $616 in annual savings, and the math lands at approximately 13.2 years before the RAV4 has paid back its higher purchase price through fuel savings alone.
It is worth noting that this calculation shifts as gas prices do. For buyers in high-cost fuel markets planning to keep their vehicles for a long time, the RAV4 might be a good option. For everyone else, the Seltos is probably the better pick.
Kia also offers a longer factory warranty, which buyers can consider when evaluating long-term maintenance costs. Every Seltos has a five-year, 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota covers the RAV4 with a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, though the hybrid battery carries its own 10-year/100,000-mile coverage plan.
Related
2027 Kia Seltos delivers flagship Audi tech for over $15,000 less
New Kia Seltos has a tech suite that invites a comparison with SUVs that cost far more.
Tech and safety features
Seltos makes its case
Step inside either vehicle, and the generational shift in expectations for this segment becomes obvious.
The 2027 Seltos has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices, and front and rear USB-C charging ports. The X-Line SX adds an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a five-inch climate display, and a Harman Kardon eight-speaker system with an external amplifier and subwoofer.
Standard driver assist technology on the Seltos is equally thorough. Smart cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision avoidance, lane departure warnings, and front and rear parking sensors are standard across the lineup. Blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and safe exit warning are standard from the S trim onward.
Meanwhile, the RAV4 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, which includes features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alerts with steering assist, among others.
The base RAV4 LE has a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while higher trim levels have a 12.9-inch display. Like the Seltos, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the RAV4.
Seating materials and surfaces are comparable between the two models. The Seltos has SynTex seating on X-Line S, EX, and X-Line SX, a step up from basic cloth that gives the cabin a more premium feel. The RAV4 starts with fabric, but SofTex synthetic leather is available on XLE Premium and above.
Material
Oxford
Special Feature
Foldable
This 13.5-gallon trunk organizer features compartments to organize and store groceries, sports equipment, emergency supplies, and other daily essentials.
Cargo and passenger space
RAV4 wins on cargo, Seltos on rear legroom
This is where the Toyota RAV4 makes its most convincing argument. With 37.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 70.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, the RAV4 is simply a larger vehicle with more room to work with.
The Seltos offers 27.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 64.2 cubic feet with seats folded, meaningful numbers for a small SUV, but noticeably less than the Toyota.
Passenger dimensions are a little closer, however. The Seltos has 41.3 inches of front legroom and almost 39 inches of rear legroom. The RAV4 offers 41 inches up front and nearly 38 inches in the rear. On those two measures, the Seltos actually holds a slight edge as rear passengers in the Kia have a little more legroom than in the RAV4.
However, for taller drivers and passengers who are cross-shopping the RAV4 and Seltos, those numbers are worth a test-sit beforehand.
RAV4 for efficiency, Seltos for value
The RAV4 is a segment leader for a reason, and its hybrid fuel economy, cargo capacity, and long-term reliability record are genuine advantages. If you need maximum cargo room or want the best possible fuel economy in a small SUV, the RAV4 makes a strong case.
However, the 2027 Kia Seltos is worth a second look, even against the long-standing reputation of a vehicle like the Toyota RAV4. The Seltos gets the value proposition right, especially in its X-Line SX guise with the Prestige Package. That combination presents buyers with a turbocharged all-wheel drivetrain, a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, and an available premium audio system for a competitive price.
Official 2027 Seltos pricing has not yet been confirmed, but based on the outgoing model and segment trends, its lower price will likely appeal to a wide swath of SUV buyers.
