Kia Seltos vs BMW X Models
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

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BMW X Models

$63,400 - $254,300

2026 price

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Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2026 BMW X Models

By Laura Berry

By Chris Thompson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

—

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

—

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

—

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Roomy for a small SUV
1.6-litre turbo engine
New styling

Smooth ride, steering acceleration
Premium look and feel
Value for power and range

Dislikes

LED headlights only on top grade
No hybrid version
CVT transmission with the 2.0-litre engine

Huge battery should mean more range
Lack of physical controls
No cover on sunroof

2023 Kia Seltos Summary

Looking for a small SUV that’s not tiny? The Kia Seltos could be that SUV, and it’s been updated for 2023.

This review covers the entire Seltos range and reviews this small SUV based on its safety, practicality, price and features, plus ownership costs, its fuel economy and what it’s like to drive.

So, if you’re thinking about a Honda HR-V, a Toyota Corolla Cross or something even as large as a Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage then you need to be thinking about a Kia Seltos, too.

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2026 BMW X Models Summary

When the BMW iX first showed up a few years ago, it was a promising look at what BMW seemed capable of when it comes to electric cars.

While mildly flawed, the iX was fast, comfortable and felt properly premium. Now it’s had a decent update, with the iX xDrive45 M Sport here to replace the former entry-level xDrive 40.

BMW claims among other mechanical and tech updates a power increase of 25 per cent, a 30 per cent greater energy content for the battery, a 38 per cent increase in driving range and a 17 per cent faster charging rate.

But in the time since the iX launched, there have been big strides in the premium electric SUV space, including new arrivals from European opposition like the Polestar 3; even a new American in the form of the Cadillac Lyriq.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2026 BMW X Models

Verdict

Kia’s updated Seltos is more expensive than the previous version but it's better as well.

The entry grade no longer has hubcaps and gets alloy wheels, all grades have directional air vents in the second row, the jerky dual-clutch auto is gone and an excellent regular eight-speed auto has arrived, plus there’s more safety tech and modern displays screens.

What hasn’t changed is the Seltos’s size. It’s a big, small SUV, that’s easy to park in tight spaces but roomy inside even for tall, awkward humans like me.

The sweet spot in the range is the Sport+ with the 1.6-litre engine, if only it had the LED headlights that only come on the GT-Line.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.

Verdict

If anyone was worried that it would be too late to get a decent bit of value out of an entry-level iX, there's reassuring news.

With more power, range and features added to the model and the cost remaining close to its former sticker price, the iX has held up well despite now existing in a more competitive environment.

Kia Seltos vs BMW X Models What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs BMW X Models
What's the difference?