Kia Seltos vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?

Kia Seltos

$17,990 - $36,999

2023 price

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Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

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Summary

2023 Kia Seltos

2024 Volvo XC40

By Laura Berry

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.0L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

485 km

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

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

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Dislikes

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

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

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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2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Seltos 2024 Volvo XC40

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 Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

Kia Seltos vs Volvo XC40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Seltos vs Volvo XC40
What's the difference?