Kia Seltos vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

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Volvo C40

$34,990 - $49,990

2023 price

View pricing & specs

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Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

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Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2023 Volvo C40

By Laura Berry

By Tom White

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

Great charging and range
Two well specified variants
Impressive driving performance

Dislikes

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

Single motor not as good value
Seats could be more comfortable
Rear seat space compromised

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 Volvo C40 Summary

Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.

The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering

But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2023 Volvo C40

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 C40 becomes a compelling option in the electrified small SUV space, offering a premium look and feel, great range and tech inclusions at the price, as well as awesome on-road dynamics.

Its main downsides are the rear seat, which is compromised by its platform and design-led roofline, and the overwhelming power and added traction of the dual-motor makes the single motor less attractive on the value front.

Still, regardless of variant chosen, the C40 looks to offer a stand-out balance of price, range, and performance, against its traditional rivals and newcomers alike.

Kia Seltos vs Volvo C40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs Volvo C40
What's the difference?