Compare the2023 Toyota Rav4 HybridVS 2023 Kia Seltos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Payload and Towing
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Kia Seltos doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Toyota Rav4 Hybrid has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Rav4 Hybrid has a standard Secondary Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Seltos doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Rav4 Hybrid. But it costs extra on the Seltos.

The Rav4 Hybrid XSE/Limited offers an optional Bird’s Eye View Camera to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Seltos only offers a rear monitor.

Both the Rav4 Hybrid and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Rav4 Hybrid	Seltos
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	284	405
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	37.4%	41%
Neck Compression	95 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 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	Rav4 Hybrid	Seltos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	83	109
Chest Movement	.5 inches	1.2 inches
Abdominal Force	138 lbs.	170 lbs.
Hip Force	246 lbs.	428 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	146	234
Spine Acceleration	49 G’s	70 G’s
Hip Force	508 lbs.	754 lbs.

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

Warranty

The Rav4 Hybrid’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Seltos runs out after 100,000 miles.

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the Rav4 Hybrid for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Seltos.

There are over 59 percent more Toyota dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Rav4 Hybrid’s warranty.

Reliability

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 Rav4 Hybrid’s reliability 36 points higher than the Seltos.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota second in overall reliability. Kia is ranked 15th.

Engine

The Rav4 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 73 more horsepower (219 vs. 146) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Rav4 Hybrid’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 44 more horsepower (219 vs. 175) than the Seltos Nightfall/SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid is faster than the Kia Seltos:

	Rav4 Hybrid	Seltos 4 cyl.	Seltos Nightfall/SX
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	3.2 sec	2.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.1 sec	8.3 sec	7.4 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	12 sec	14.3 sec	13.1 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.7 sec	4.2 sec	3.9 sec
Quarter Mile	15.4 sec	16.5 sec	15.9 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	90.1 MPH	85.5 MPH	86.9 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Rav4 Hybrid gets better mileage than the Seltos:

			MPG
Rav4 Hybrid
	AWD	2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	41 city/38 hwy
		Woodland 2.5 4-cyl. Hybrid	38 city/35 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

The Rav4 Hybrid can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 1.6 miles. The Seltos can’t move without running its internal combustion engine.

Regenerative brakes improve the Rav4 Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Seltos doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Rav4 Hybrid has 1.3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (14.5 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 Toyota Rav4 Hybrid higher (7 out of 10) than the Kia Seltos (5). This means the Rav4 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 Rav4 Hybrid’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Seltos:

	Rav4 Hybrid	Seltos
Front Rotors	12 inches	11 inches
Rear Rotors	11.1 inches	10.3 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 Rav4 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.

The Rav4 Hybrid stops shorter than the Seltos:

	Rav4 Hybrid	Seltos
60 to 0 MPH	120 feet	122 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Rav4 Hybrid has larger tires than the Seltos (225/65R17 vs. 215/55R17).

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Toyota Rav4 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 Rav4 Hybrid has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Rav4 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 Rav4 Hybrid’s wheelbase is 2.4 inches longer than on the Seltos (105.9 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Rav4 Hybrid is 1.6 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Seltos.

The Rav4 Hybrid’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (56% to 44%) than the Seltos’ (59% to 41%). This gives the Rav4 Hybrid more stable handling and braking.

The Rav4 Hybrid XSE handles at .80 G’s, while the Seltos S pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Rav4 Hybrid XSE executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Seltos S (27.6 seconds @ .63 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Rav4 Hybrid has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Seltos (8.1 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Rav4 Hybrid to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Rav4 Hybrid uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Seltos doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Rav4 Hybrid has .8 inches more front hip room, 2.3 inches more front shoulder room, 1.1 inches more rear headroom and 1.7 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

Cargo Capacity

The Rav4 Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Seltos with its rear seat up (37.6 vs. 26.6 cubic feet). The Rav4 Hybrid has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Seltos with its rear seat folded (69.8 vs. 62.8 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the Rav4 Hybrid easier. The Rav4 Hybrid’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 27.8 inches, while the Seltos’ liftover is 29.4 inches.

The Rav4 Hybrid’s cargo area is larger than the Seltos’ in almost every dimension:

	Rav4 Hybrid	Seltos
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	40”/73.4”	32.7”/62.4”
Max Width	59”	52.3”
Min Width	39.4”	41.6”
Height	36.6”	32.5”

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Rav4 Hybrid. The Seltos doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the Rav4 Hybrid (except LE/Woodland Edition) offers an optional power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button or, optionally on the Rav4 Hybrid Limited, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Seltos doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

Payload and Towing

The Rav4 Hybrid has a 1750 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the Rav4 Hybrid uses the Vehicle 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.

The Rav4 Hybrid has a much higher standard payload capacity than the Seltos (1210 vs. 860 lbs.).

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Rav4 Hybrid (except LE/SE/Woodland), the optional memory seats make it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Seltos doesn’t offer memory seats.

The Rav4 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 Rav4 Hybrid’s front and rear power windows all 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.

If the windows are left open on the Rav4 Hybrid the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. (This window function must be activated by your Toyota service department.) The driver of the Seltos can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Rav4 Hybrid XLE/SE/XSE/Limited’s optional 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 Rav4 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.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Rav4 Hybrid Limited offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Seltos doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Both the Rav4 Hybrid and the Seltos offer available heated front seats. The Rav4 Hybrid Limited also offers optional 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 Rav4 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 Rav4 Hybrid XLE/SE/XSE/Limited’s optional 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 Rav4 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 Rav4 Hybrid and the Seltos offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Rav4 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.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Kia Seltos isn't recommended.

The Toyota Rav4 outsold the Kia Seltos by almost 10 to one during the 2022 model year.

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