Compare the2023 Hyundai Santa Fe HybridVS 2023 Kia Seltos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and Seltos have child safety locks to prevent children from opening the rear doors. The Santa Fe Hybrid has power child safety locks, allowing the driver to activate and deactivate them from the driver's seat and to know when they're engaged. The Seltos’ child locks have to be individually engaged at each rear door with a manual switch. The driver can’t know the status of the locks without opening the doors and checking them.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Santa Fe Hybrid. But it costs extra on the Seltos.

The Santa Fe Hybrid offers an optional Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Seltos only offers a rear monitor.

The Santa Fe Hybrid 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/Nightfall/SX offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Santa Fe Hybrid 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/Nightfall/SX offers Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.

Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras and driver alert monitors.

The Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid weighs 761 to 1279 pounds more than the Kia Seltos. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

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

	Santa Fe Hybrid	Seltos
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	16%	24%
Neck Stress	149 lbs.	237 lbs.
Neck Compression	13 lbs.	23 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	50/51 lbs.	460/429 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	244	405
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	27%	41%
Neck Stress	99 lbs.	127 lbs.
Neck Compression	89 lbs.	171 lbs.

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

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 Santa Fe Hybrid is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Santa Fe Hybrid	Seltos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	61	109
Chest Movement	1.1 inches	1.2 inches
Abdominal Force	164 lbs.	170 lbs.
Hip Force	415 lbs.	428 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	148	234
Spine Acceleration	54 G’s	70 G’s
Hip Force	736 lbs.	754 lbs.

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

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its standard headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Santa Fe Hybrid its highest rating: “Top Safety Pick Plus” for 2022, a rating granted to only 126 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The Seltos is only a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2022.

Warranty

The Santa Fe Hybrid’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 Santa Fe Hybrid for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Hyundai will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Seltos.

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the Santa Fe Hybrid has a standard 760-amp battery. The Seltos’ 640-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Santa Fe Hybrid’s reliability 23 points higher than the Seltos.

Engine

The Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 80 more horsepower (226 vs. 146) and 126 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 132) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 51 more horsepower (226 vs. 175) and 63 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 195) than the Seltos Nightfall/SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid is faster than the Kia Seltos 4 cyl.:

	Santa Fe Hybrid	Seltos
Zero to 30 MPH	3.1 sec	3.6 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	8.3 sec	9 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	4.4 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	16.4 sec	17.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	88 MPH	84 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Santa Fe Hybrid gets better mileage than the Seltos:

			MPG
Santa Fe Hybrid
	AWD	Blue 1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	36 city/31 hwy
		1.6 turbo 4-cyl. Hybrid	33 city/30 hwy
Seltos
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	29 city/35 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy
		1.6 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/30 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Santa Fe Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Seltos doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Santa Fe Hybrid has 4.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (17.7 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid higher (7 out of 10) than the Kia Seltos (5). This means the Santa Fe Hybrid produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Seltos every 15,000 miles.

Brakes and Stopping

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

	Santa Fe Hybrid	Seltos	Seltos Nightfall/SX
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 Santa Fe Hybrid has a standard brake assist system 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.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Santa Fe Hybrid has larger tires than the Seltos (235/65R17 vs. 215/55R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited has standard 19-inch wheels. The Seltos’ largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid 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 Santa Fe Hybrid has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Santa Fe Hybrid flat and controlled during cornering. The Seltos 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s wheelbase is 5.4 inches longer than on the Seltos (108.9 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the Santa Fe Hybrid is 3.5 inches wider in the front and 3.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Seltos.

The Santa Fe Hybrid Limited handles at .79 G’s, while the Seltos S pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Santa Fe Hybrid Limited executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Seltos S (28 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Santa Fe Hybrid has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Seltos (8.2 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Santa Fe Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Passenger Space

The Santa Fe Hybrid has 1.2 inches more front headroom, 2.7 inches more front legroom, 4 inches more front hip room, 3.6 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom, 2.8 inches more rear legroom, 3.5 inches more rear hip room and 3.6 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

Cargo Capacity

The Santa Fe Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Seltos with its rear seat up (36.4 vs. 26.6 cubic feet). The Santa Fe Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Seltos with its rear seat folded (72.1 vs. 62.8 cubic feet).

The Santa Fe Hybrid’s cargo area is larger than the Seltos’ in almost every dimension:

	Santa Fe Hybrid	Seltos
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	42.4”/77.4”	32.7”/62.4”
Max Width	54”	52.3”
Min Width	43.4”	41.6”
Height	31”	32.5”

Pressing a button automatically lowers the Santa Fe Hybrid’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Seltos doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Santa Fe Hybrid’s power liftgate can be opened just by waiting momentarily behind the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Santa Fe Hybrid’s power liftgate can also be opened or closed by pressing a button. The Seltos doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Towing

The Santa Fe Hybrid has a 2000 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Assist on the Santa Fe Hybrid 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.

Servicing Ease

The Santa Fe Hybrid uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Seltos uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

When different drivers share the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited, the memory system makes it convenient. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Seltos doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Santa Fe Hybrid 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 Santa Fe Hybrid’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 Santa Fe Hybrid’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Seltos’ standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

The Santa Fe Hybrid’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 Santa Fe Hybrid 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 Santa Fe Hybrid’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.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Santa Fe Hybrid to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Seltos doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The Santa Fe Hybrid’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Kia only offers heated mirrors on the Seltos S/EX/Nightfall/SX.

When the Santa Fe Hybrid 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.

The Santa Fe Hybrid has standard heated front seats. Heated front seats cost extra on the Seltos, and aren’t available on the Seltos LX. The Santa Fe Hybrid 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.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Santa Fe Hybrid Limited keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Seltos doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the Santa Fe Hybrid 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 Santa Fe Hybrid’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.

Both the Santa Fe Hybrid and the Seltos offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Santa Fe Hybrid has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Seltos doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Seltos EX/SX offers wireless charging.

The Santa Fe Hybrid Limited has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The Seltos doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Santa Fe Hybrid Limited’s Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. Remote Smart Parking 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.

Economic Advantages

The Santa Fe Hybrid will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the Santa Fe Hybrid will retain 50.72% to 50.86% of its original price after five years, while the Seltos only retains 49.25% to 49.41%.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.