Kia Seltos vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

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Lexus NX

$59,900 - $103,598

2025 price

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Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2025 Lexus NX

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

1.3L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

14.0 kWh/100km

Electric range

87 km

Battery capacity

18.10 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Plush cabin space with nice trims
Premium technology that's easy to use
Refined on road driving experience

Dislikes

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

Misses out on a few items for a flagship model
Not as flashy inside as rivals
Plug-in hybrid powertrain won't win over everyone

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

2025 Lexus NX Summary

The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.

On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2025 Lexus NX

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

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.

Kia Seltos vs Lexus NX What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs Lexus NX
What's the difference?