Kia Seltos vs Renault Captur
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

View pricing & specs

Renault Captur

$15,500 - $23,950

2023 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2023 Renault Captur

By Laura Berry

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

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

Appealing design
Premium cabin
Invigorating driving experience

Dislikes

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

Expensive
Fiddly gear selector
Requires 95 RON premium petrol

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

2023 Renault Captur Summary

One of Renault’s most successful models globally with over 1.5 million sales of the original, the Captur has nevertheless struggled in Australia since its 2015 launch.

Last year, it was Europe’s 11th bestseller outright, outselling stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Only the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc were more popular amongst SUVs. In contrast, only 533 found homes over here in 2011.

However, with the largely all-new second-generation Captur launched locally last year now gaining market traction with a 200 per cent-plus sales spike, the 123-year-old brand’s VW T-Cross rival may yet finally fly Down Under.

We take a look at the recently-released RS Line range-topper, to see just how well the Captur shapes up in urban Australia.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2023 Renault Captur

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’s no denying the Captur RS Line is expensive.

But it’s also sophisticated, cultured, comfy, friendly and fun, possessing a quality and capability normally expected – but rarely delivered as roundly – in more premium-branded small SUVs. Seen in this light, the Renault’s value is relative.

Better still, if the price is just too rich for you, there are three cheaper grades offering equal promise. Which is why the charming Captur deserves to succeed in Australia.

$40,800 before on-road costs

Based on new car retail price

Kia Seltos vs Renault Captur What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs Renault Captur
What's the difference?