2024 Honda CR-V vs 2024 Kia Seltos

2024 Honda CR-V

VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, front-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $39,845/$39,845
Options: none

ENGINE
DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 145 hp, 138 lb-ft + AC motor, 181 hp, 247 lb-ft (combined output: 204 hp, 247 lb-ft; 1.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack)
Transmission: direct-drive

TRANSMISSION
continuously variable automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.3-in vented disc/12.2-in disc
Tires: Continental CrossContact LX Sport
235/55R-19 101H M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length: 184.8 in
Width: 73.5 in
Height: 66.5 in
Passenger Volume: 104 ft³
Cargo Volume: 36 ft³
Curb Weight: 3914 lb

2024 Kia Seltos

VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $31,315/$31,490
Options: carpeted floor mats, $175

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 98 in³, 1598 cm³
Power: 195 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/11.0-in disc
Tires: Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91
235/45R-18 94V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.5 in
Length: 172.6 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 64.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 53/46 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 63/27 ft³
Curb Weight: 3294 lb

A Comprehensive Comparison

Introduction

In the bustling landscape of compact SUVs, the 2024 Honda CR-V and the 2024 Kia Seltos stand out as top contenders. This detailed comparison aims to provide potential buyers with a comprehensive understanding of both vehicles, aiding in the decision-making process based on individual preferences and requirements.

Overview of the 2024 Honda CR-V:

The 2024 Honda CR-V, building on the success of its predecessor, offers a winning combination of well-tuned chassis, fuel-efficient powertrains, and modern tech features. With a choice between a 190-hp turbocharged engine and a 204-hp hybrid version delivering a stellar 40 mpg combined, the CR-V caters to diverse driving needs. The addition of a Sport-L trim level enhances the lineup, offering a mix of luxury features and hybrid efficiency.

Key Points:

Well-tuned chassis and fuel-efficient powertrains.
Choice between a 190-hp turbocharged engine and a 204-hp hybrid.
Introduction of the Sport-L trim level with added luxury features.

Overview of the 2024 Kia Seltos:

The 2024 Kia Seltos, with its stylish design and spacious cabin, carves its niche in the subcompact SUV segment. Available with two engine options – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder – the Seltos offers versatility. A styling refresh for 2024 enhances its appeal, along with the introduction of a turbocharged engine that generates 195 horsepower.

Key Points:

Stylish design and spacious cabin.
Two engine options: 2.0-liter four-cylinder and turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
Styling refresh and introduction of a more powerful turbocharged engine.

Comparison of Engine Options

The heart of any vehicle lies in its engine, and both the CR-V and the Seltos provide diverse powerplant options. The CR-V offers a choice between a 190-hp turbocharged engine and a 204-hp hybrid powertrain, emphasizing efficiency. In contrast, the Seltos presents a selection of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for those seeking a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

Key Points:

CR-V: Options include a 190-hp turbocharged engine and a 204-hp hybrid.
Seltos: Choices between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 195-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

Comparison of Exterior Design

Exterior aesthetics play a crucial role in attracting buyers, and both the CR-V and the Seltos offer distinct visual identities. The CR-V maintains a sleek and modern appearance, focusing on practicality and aerodynamics. On the other hand, the Seltos, with its styling refresh, exudes a contemporary and bold presence, making a statement in the subcompact SUV market.

Key Points:

CR-V: Sleek and modern appearance with a focus on practicality.
Seltos: Contemporary and bold design with a recent styling refresh.

Comparison of Interior Features and Comfort

Interior comfort is paramount in the competitive SUV market, and both the CR-V and the Seltos aim to provide a comfortable and feature-rich experience. The CR-V impresses with a well-designed interior, modern tech features, and the option of a hybrid powertrain. The Seltos, with its spacious cabin, dual-screen infotainment system, and available turbocharged engine, offers a comfortable and connected driving experience.

Key Points:

CR-V: Well-designed interior with modern tech features and hybrid option.
Seltos: Spacious cabin, dual-screen infotainment system, and available turbocharged engine.

Comparison of Safety Features

Safety is a paramount consideration for SUV buyers, and both the CR-V and the Seltos prioritize this aspect. The CR-V comes equipped with standard driver-assistance technology, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. The Seltos, likewise, incorporates standard safety features, including automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

Key Points:

CR-V: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking.
Seltos: Standard automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning.

Pricing and Value for Money

Affordability is a key factor in the decision-making process, and both the CR-V and the Seltos offer competitive pricing. The CR-V starts at $30,825, with a range of trims, including hybrid options. The Seltos, with a starting price of $25,715, emphasizes value for money, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

Key Points:

CR-V: Starting at $30,825, offering a range of trims, including hybrids.
Seltos: Starting at $25,715, emphasizing value for money.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Balancing passenger space and cargo capacity is crucial for SUVs, and both the CR-V and the Seltos address this aspect differently. The CR-V impresses with its cargo space, especially in hybrid configurations, catering to those needing practicality. The Seltos strikes a balance between passenger and cargo space, focusing on style and versatility.

Key Points:

CR-V: Impressive cargo space, especially in hybrid configurations.
Seltos: Balances passenger and cargo space, focusing on style and versatility.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a vital consideration in the current automotive landscape, and both the CR-V and the Seltos provide competitive estimates. The CR-V, with its hybrid powertrain, offers excellent fuel efficiency, with a stellar 40 mpg combined. The Seltos, considering its size and available engine options, strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy.

Key Points:

CR-V: Hybrid powertrain with excellent fuel efficiency (40 mpg combined).
Seltos: Balance between performance and fuel economy.

Conclusion

The decision between the 2024 Honda CR-V and the 2024 Kia Seltos ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities. The CR-V caters to those seeking a well-rounded and fuel-efficient SUV with hybrid options. In contrast, the Seltos appeals to those desiring a stylish and versatile subcompact SUV with a focus on value for money. Consider your unique needs – whether they revolve around engine choices, exterior design, interior features, or budget constraints – to make an informed decision. Both the CR-V and the Seltos bring distinct strengths to the compact SUV market, catering to different segments of discerning buyers.