Seltos vs Sorento: Quick Guide for SUV Buyers

If you’re hunting for an SUV, chances are you’ve seen the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Sorento pop up on the lot. Both look solid, but they serve different needs. Below you’ll get a straight‑to‑the‑point rundown so you can decide which one feels right for you.

Size and Space

The Seltos sits in the compact‑SUV category. It’s about 173 inches long, which makes parking in tight city spots a breeze. Inside, you get comfortable seating for five, and the cargo area is decent – about 31 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The Sorento moves up to the midsize segment, measuring roughly 189 inches. That extra length translates to three rows of seats and room for seven passengers. Even if you never use the third row, the second‑row bench folds flat, giving you a huge 75‑cubic‑foot cargo space.

Price and Value

Budget matters, so let’s talk dollars. The base Seltos starts around $22,000, making it one of the most affordable compact SUVs on the market. The Sorento’s entry price sits near $30,000, and it climbs quickly if you add all‑wheel‑drive or premium packages.

Both brands offer good warranty coverage – five years or 60,000 miles for basic, and ten years or 100,000 miles for powertrain. That safety net helps keep long‑term costs predictable.

When it comes to fuel, the Seltos typically gets 27‑30 mpg combined, while the Sorento averages 22‑24 mpg. If you’re doing daily commutes, the Seltos saves you a few gallons each week.

Tech and Comfort

The Seltos comes with an 8‑inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a decent set of driver‑assist features like lane‑keep assist and forward‑collision warning. Higher trims add a larger 10.25‑inch screen and a sunroof.

In the Sorento, the baseline screen is also 8 inches, but the higher trims upgrade to a 10.25‑inch unit with navigation. You’ll find more upscale touches like heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an available 12‑speaker premium audio system.

Both SUVs have similar safety scores from the NHTSA, but the Sorento’s larger size gives it a slightly higher crash‑test rating in some categories.

Which One Should You Pick?

Choose the Seltos if you need a city‑friendly SUV, want to keep costs low, and don’t need a third row. It’s easy to drive, cheap to run, and still feels modern.

Opt for the Sorento if you regularly transport more than five people, need extra cargo space for gear, or prefer a more premium feel inside. The extra length also gives a smoother ride on the highway.

Ultimately, both vehicles deliver reliability and a solid warranty. Test drive each, think about how many passengers you usually carry, and match the price to your budget. That’s the fastest way to know which SUV wins for you.