Compare the2025 Honda CR-VVS 2025 Kia Seltos

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

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Honda CR-V have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision. The Kia Seltos doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Honda CR-V has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help 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.

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the CR-V deploy with different levels of force or don’t deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The CR-V’s side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Seltos’ side airbags don’t have smart features and will always deploy full force.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Honda CR-V achieved an “Acceptable” rating for its forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Kia Seltos which scored “Poor” - the lowest rating - in these critical safety features.

The CR-V EX-L/Sport L/Sport Touring has standard Parking Sensors to help warn the driver about vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles behind or in front of their vehicle. The Seltos doesn’t offer a front parking aid.

Both the CR-V and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front wheel drive, 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, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, 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 Honda CR-V is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	CR-V	Seltos
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	17.1%	22.2%
Neck Stress	181 lbs.	242 lbs.
Neck Compression	48 lbs.	52 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	217/317 lbs.	371/423 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Stress	211 lbs.	239 lbs.
Neck Compression	37 lbs.	135 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 and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Honda CR-V is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	CR-V	Seltos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	72	79
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1 inches
Abdominal Force	115 lbs.	167 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	71	177
Spine Acceleration	51 G’s	63 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	12 inches	12 inches

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

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Honda CR-V is much safer than the Seltos:

	CR-V	Seltos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	138	234
Neck Tension	178 lbs.	268 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	ACCEPTABLE	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.91 in	1.42 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	ACCEPTABLE	POOR
Pelvis Force	1093 lbs.	1383 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	119	258
Neck Tension	45 lbs.	112 lbs.
Neck Compression	89 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	.94 in	2.17 in
Shoulder Force	223 lbs.	335 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.06 in	2.01 in
Torso Deflection Rate	7 MPH	14 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Warranty

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

There are over 34 percent more Honda dealers than there are Kia dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the CR-V’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 Honda CR-V Hybrid’s reliability 11 points higher than the Seltos and the Honda CR-V is rated 17 points higher than the Seltos.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Honda fourth in overall reliability. Kia is ranked 9th.

Engine

The CR-V’s standard 1.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 44 more horsepower (190 vs. 146) and 47 lbs.-ft. more torque (179 vs. 132) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The CR-V Hybrid’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder hybrid produces 9 more horsepower (204 vs. 195) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (247 vs. 195) than the Seltos X-Line/SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Honda CR-V turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Kia Seltos 4 cyl.:

	CR-V	Seltos
Zero to 60 MPH	8.8 sec	9 sec
Quarter Mile	17 sec	17.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	86 MPH	84 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the CR-V gets better mileage than the Seltos:

			MPG
CR-V
	FWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	43 city/36 hwy
	AWD	2.0 4-cyl. Hybrid	40 city/34 hwy
		1.5 turbo 4-cyl.	26 city/31 hwy
Seltos
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	28 city/34 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy
		1.6 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/27 hwy

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

Regardless of its engine, the CR-V’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip (not available Hybrid). Kia only offers an automatic engine start/stop system on the Seltos 2.0.

The CR-V has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Seltos doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the CR-V’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Seltos:

	CR-V	Seltos	Seltos AWD
Front Rotors	12.3 inches	11 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	12.2 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 CR-V has standard Brake Assist 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 CR-V stops shorter than the Seltos:

	CR-V	Seltos
60 to 0 MPH	118 feet	123 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the CR-V has larger tires than the Seltos (235/60R18 vs. 215/55R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid has standard 19-inch wheels. The Seltos’ largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Honda CR-V 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 CR-V has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the CR-V 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 CR-V’s wheelbase is 2.8 inches longer than on the Seltos (106.3 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the CR-V is 1.9 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Seltos.

The CR-V Sport Touring Hybrid handles at .85 G’s, while the Seltos SX pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The CR-V EX-L AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.4 seconds quicker than the Seltos S (27.4 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

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

Chassis

The front grille of the CR-V 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.

The CR-V uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Seltos doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The CR-V has 7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Seltos (106 vs. 99).

The CR-V has 2.1 inches more front hip room, 2.4 inches more front shoulder room, 3 inches more rear legroom and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

Cargo Capacity

The CR-V has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Seltos with its rear seat up (39.3 vs. 26.6 cubic feet). The CR-V has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Seltos with its rear seat folded (76.5 vs. 62.8 cubic feet).

A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the CR-V easier. The CR-V’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 28 inches, while the Seltos’ liftover is 29.4 inches.

The CR-V’s cargo area is larger than the Seltos’ in almost every dimension:

	CR-V	Seltos
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36.6”/74.7”	32.7”/62.4”
Max Width	58”	52.3”
Min Width	41.5”	41.6”
Height	36.5”	32.5”

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

Towing

The CR-V has a 1000 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The CR-V 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.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Honda service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Honda 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 41% lower rating, Kia is ranked 27th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the CR-V EX-L/Sport-L/Sport Touring, the memory seats make it convenient for both. Each keyless remote activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position. The Seltos doesn’t offer memory seats.

The CR-V EX-L/Sport-L/Sport Touring’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 CR-V’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 CR-V’s standard 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 CR-V EX-L/Sport L/Sport Touring’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches. With the Seltos S/EX/SX/X-Line’s power windows, only the driver’s window opens or closes automatically.

On a hot day the CR-V’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance with the keyless remote or at the outside door handle. The driver of the Seltos can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The CR-V has a standard Pushbutton Start that allows you to start the engine without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Only the Seltos S/EX/X-Line/SX offers a Smart Key.

The CR-V’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 CR-V’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Seltos’ manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The CR-V Sport Touring’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The CR-V’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.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The CR-V’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Seltos’ headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

On extremely cold winter days, the CR-V Sport Touring’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 CR-V EX/Sport’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.

Compared to traditional radio, the Honda CR-V’s standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio costs extra on the Seltos and is not availble on the Seltos LX.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Honda CR-V and the Kia Seltos, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The CR-V was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “5Best Trucks/10Best” for 2025 and 5 more times in the last 24 years. The Seltos has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

Motor Trend selected the CR-V as their 2018 Sport Utility of the Year. The Seltos has never been chosen.

The Honda CR-V outsold the Kia Seltos by almost seven to one during 2024.

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