The subcompact SUV class is full of strong competitors, and the competition heats up with the introduction of the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos. The new Seltos gets bigger and bolder while retaining an affordable price tag. Meanwhile, the Honda HR-V soldiers on as one of this segment’s most popular SUVs for being such a practical and well-rounded car.
Let’s take a closer look at how the all-new Seltos competes with the HR-V.
2027 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is an undeniably great value, and among the top-ranked utes in our Best Subcompact SUVs. It’s fully redesigned for 2027 with a bigger interior, more trims, more engine options, and a longer list of standard and optional features. Kia started with an SUV that was already good and took it to the next level, all while retaining a good value proposition.
Kia Seltos Highlights
Bigger interior: With this year’s redesign, the Kia Seltos now beats the Honda HR-V in every category when it comes to interior space. Compared to the HR-V, the Seltos has an extra 1.7 inches of rear legroom and about 14% more cargo space behind the back seats. Maximizing space matters in a small SUV like this, and we’re pleasantly surprised by the Kia’s roominess.
Class-leading warranty: No one beats Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranties, including its Honda rival here. Knowing major repairs are covered for so many years gives you peace of mind.
Available turbo engine: The HR-V’s base engine is more powerful than the one in the Seltos. But it’s the only option Honda offers. The Kia Seltos SX comes with a turbo engine, making an impressive 190 horsepower. Although it’s not out yet, Kia also says a hybrid version of the Seltos is on the way. We always like to see variety under the hood.
Read our Kia Seltos Expert Review or see Kia Seltos models for sale near you.
2027 Honda HR-V
The 2027 Honda HR-V represents the brand’s smallest and least-expensive SUV. But despite its smaller stature and attractive pricing, it brings the traits Honda’s known for: ease of use, immense practicality, and low ownership costs. For 2026, it got upgraded technology, styling updates, and new paint options. It’s available in three trims, with front- or optional all-wheel drive (AWD).
Honda HR-V Highlights
More powerful base engine: The HR-V comes with a 158-hp engine, a dozen more than the Seltos’ 146 from its base engine. Honda’s reputation for practical cars that are fun to drive is alive and well in this small SUV.
Honda Sensing Advanced Safety Features: Standard on every HR-V, Honda Sensing features a variety of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and lane departure warning with steering assistance.
Outstanding resale value: The Kia may have the better warranty, but the Honda has better resale value. Near the top of its class in this category, the Honda HR-V has the second-best resale value of any subcompact SUV, with the exception of the Toyota Corolla Cross. That means more money in your pocket when it’s time to sell or trade in.
Read our Honda HR-V Expert Review or see Honda HR-V models for sale near you.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2027 Kia Seltos vehicles and New 2027 Honda HR-V vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2027 Kia Seltos | 2027 Honda HR-V | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 158 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 138 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg | 26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 inches | 104.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 174.4 inches | 179.8 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 62.9 inches | 63.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | N/A | 35.1 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 38.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 37.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.5 inches | 56.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.3 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | 24.4 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 64.2 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V occupy spots in our top tier of compact SUVs, meaning either is a great choice. The redesigned Seltos has a lower base price, better warranty coverage, and more interior space, making a strong case as the value choice in this comparison. However, the Honda HR-V has the gutsier base engine and better resale value. With two options this good, we recommend weighing your budget, testing both, and seeing which is a better fit for you.
