Kia Seltos vs BMW X2
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

View pricing & specs

BMW X2

$62,350 - $79,999

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2024 BMW X2

By Laura Berry

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

7.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Broad range of EV or petrol options
Attention-grabbing design
Excellent powertrains

Dislikes

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

Pricier than some rivals
Some options should be standard
Overly thick steering wheel

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.

View full pricing & specs

2024 BMW X2 Summary

BMW’s original X2 crossover from 2018 was not a massive sales success in Australia. The related X1, however, was and continues to be a very popular pick in the ultra competitive premium small SUV class.

BMW has flipped the script for the second-generation X2, giving it a dramatic makeover that ushers in a bold design that’s now in keeping with its SUV strategy. That is to offer a ‘conventional’ SUV - X1, X3 and X5 - and then a coupe-style sibling - the X2, X4 and X6 - to sit alongside it.

Beyond the new look there are significant changes throughout the car, including the introduction of an all electric version - the iX2.

We drove the two flagship grades at the international launch in Lisbon, Portugal - the petrol-powered M35i xDrive, and the iX2 xDrive30. They might look the same, but they maintain their own distinct characters. Let’s dive in…

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2024 BMW X2

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

There is little doubt the new X2 represents a vast improvement over the original model. The design alone gives it a lot more presence.

More interior and boot space also helps widen the SUV’s appeal and the significant tech updates are welcome.

It is on the pricey side and there are a few too many options that should be standard.

However, the M35i is hard to ignore as a sporty premium crossover, and the iX2 xDrive30 is the sort of electric SUV that should worry Volvo.

They both have their own distinct flavours, so there’s no dud in this line-up. Of course, we will hold final thoughts for the local launch when we can drive all four grades. But until then, it’s a welcome return to form for the X2.

Kia Seltos vs BMW X2 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs BMW X2
What's the difference?