Although Kia offers a wide range of automobiles, most buyers prefer to buy an SUV. They search for a smaller SUV since they don’t want the larger SUV to be difficult to drive. What Kia SUV is the smallest?
The smallest SUV produced by Kia is the Soul. This crossover SUV has a rectangular appearance, seating for up to five passengers, and good performance. Despite being small and compact, it has enough cargo room in the trunk to hold duffle bags and suitcases.
You might be curious as to what other SUVs Kia makes now that you are aware that the Soul is the company’s smallest SUV. Learn more by continuing to read.
In This Article...
Which of Kia’s SUVs is the smallest?
Similar to its relative, Kia has developed a strong array of SUVs in recent years. Hyundai vehicles tend to be more sophisticated and mature in appearance, whilst Kia designs have a sporty and edgy flair. Almost entirely because of former Audi design chief Peter Schreyer, who is currently working alongside former Nissan designer Karim Habib, a Canadian native. Here, we examine the Kia SUV portfolio in more detail and discuss what to anticipate from each model, from smallest to largest:
Which is better: the Kia Sportage or KIA Seltos?
The choice between the Kia Sportage and the Kia Seltos comes down to personal preference. The Seltos more agile in traffic and has a greater ground clearance, although the Sportage is slightly bigger and has more horsepower. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers both of these new crossovers that are available for purchase and have five seats. It can accelerate you from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds. Although the Sportage is quicker than the Seltos, the Seltos has a higher estimated combined MPG per the EPA. Performance vs. fuel economy may be the deciding factor.
Is the Kia Seltos bigger than the Kia Sportage?
In actuality, the Kia Sportage is smaller than the Kia Seltos. The two cars are seated in various size classes. One of these cars is likely to better suit your demands than the other, depending on your needs and those of your loved ones. The 2023 Kia Seltos features a spacious interior and responsive handling. Parking is also incredibly simple. While the Kia Sportage has a larger interior, it is slightly more difficult to drive.
What is the main difference between the KIA Seltos vs. Sportage?
The primary distinction between these new Kia SUVs for sale, despite sharing many of the same features, options, and conveniences, is size. The Sportage offers more internal space and less maneuverability than the Kia Seltos because it is a size class larger. The Kia Seltos is for you if you appreciate convenience in parking and driving. See how your family fits in the 2019 Kia Sportage if you’re searching for an SUV with a little bit extra passenger volume. In comparison to its larger sibling, the Seltos has a greater combined EPA estimated fuel efficiency.
Does Kia produce a little SUV?
Yes, the 2023 Kia Sportage is a respectable little SUV. It has a roomy interior, class-leading cargo capacity and backseat legroom, state-of-the-art interior technology, and a comprehensive list of standard equipment. It does have certain drawbacks, most notably the weak performance of its only engine option.
The tiniest Kia model?
The Picanto is a little hatchback and the smallest vehicle offered by Kia. Although small, it has a surprising amount of interior space and is enjoyable to drive, which will appeal to anyone searching for a city car. It aims to lure customers away from vehicles like the Toyota Aygo and the Volkswagen Up.
Kia Seltos is a subcompact or tiny car.
Kia is the manufacturer of the subcompact crossover SUV known as the Seltos (Korean). The Seltos, a mid-2019 introduction, sits in Kia’s lineup of international SUVs between the smaller Stonic, Soul, or Sonet and the bigger Sportage. [13]
Three varieties of the Seltos have been introduced for various markets and are categorized as a worldwide product. The first variant, code-named SP2, is the largest Seltos model and is produced in South Korea with a focus on developed markets like North America and Australasia. The Indian-made Seltos (codename: SP2i) and the very related Chinese variant branded as the Kia KX3 are the two other versions (codename: SP2c). The SP2i and SP2c models, which are based on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform and have a close resemblance to the second-generation Hyundai Creta/ix25, are the low-cost Seltos designed to enter emerging countries. The Seltos is not offered in the European market despite being a model with a worldwide marketing campaign. [14]
The Greek mythological character “Celtos,” who was the son of Hercules and Celtine, inspired the name “Seltos.”
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[16] The Seltos, according to Kia, is specifically targeted at millennials and “youthful, tech-savvy shoppers” searching for a standout car. [7] [10][17]
A tiny SUV, is the Kia Seltos?
You should consider the 2023 Kia Seltos if you’re looking for a subcompact SUV. The Seltos has a huge amount of interior room for people and goods despite its diminutive exterior.
Do Kia Seltos frequently experience issues?
The 2021 Kia Seltos receives an average dependability rating from customers. There are 24 complaints about the Kia Seltos’ engines, 13 about early transmission failure, and one about inadequately heat-treated oil piston rings that might result in engine stall, fire, and damage.
Does the Kia Seltos Have Transmission Problems?
Numerous owners claim that the transmission in their Kia Seltos broke down at or below 6,500 miles. Transmission shake, loss of acceleration or power at 70 mph, engine shut-off, and the inability to reverse are among the NHTSA complaints. According to one owner, the timing chain on the CVT broke after 8,800 miles, causing metal shavings to appear in the engine oil.
Are Kia Seltos and Ford Escape the same size?
Ford Escape vs. Kia Seltos: Overall Size The Seltos is the smallest of the two, according to these outside measures. This aspect is advantageous because it gives you stronger cornering skills when you come across tight curves.
Niro or Seltos, which one is larger?
The Kia Niro and Kia Seltos are around the same width. The Kia Niro and Kia Seltos occupy almost the same amount of space in your garage when comparing overall length.
Which Kia SUV is the best?
“For their designs, quality, and safety, Telluride, Sportage, and Sorento have all won accolades on a global scale.
Every Kia SUV has a unique character. The Sportage and Sorento are two well-liked and recognizable SUVs from Kia. The Telluride, Kia’s newest SUV, is praised for both its look and performance. The IIHS named the 2019 Sorento one of its Top Safety Picks. The IIHS selected the Sportage as one of the safest vehicles for the 2018 model year. Additionally, the 2020 Telluride won the top spot in all three categories.
It can be difficult to select the ideal SUV for your needs, those of your family, and your way of life. Asking oneself certain important questions can help you eliminate possibilities.
The Sportage has a stellar track record, having taken home all three internationally renowned design accolades in 2016, including the Good Design Award and the iF Design Award. It received a 5-star safety rating from the 2019 U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was ranked first in the Compact SUV segment by J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS) and Vehicle Dependability Study. With more than 5.5 million vehicles sold worldwide, it was also one of the Top Safety Picks by IIHs (VDS). The Sportage was also chosen by AutoPacific as the 2017 Ideal Vehicle Award (IVA) Winner. It is a very adaptable SUV with a well-designed cabin, useful amenities, and a comfortable ride.
The Sorento received the highest safety rating from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Top Safety Pick Plus (TSP+), in 2019 after receiving a 5-star rating from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). J.D. Power’s Initial Quality Study named it the winner of the midsize SUV class in 2018, and Strategic Vision named it the “Most Loved Vehicle” in the fiercely competitive midsize CUV segment in 2016. The Sorento is a highly capable infotainment system with exceptional ride comfort that has won accolades for its presentation and performance on a global scale. With over 5,000 vehicles sold each month and 3.28 million vehicles sold globally, it is a major contributor to Kia RV sales.
The Telluride won the top honors at various competitions. It beat out almost a dozen other SUVs to win the SUV category at the prestigious Texas Off-road Invitational in 2019, which was hosted by the Texas Motor Press Association. At the 25th annual Mudfest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year event, held by the Northwest Automotive Press Association (NWAPA), the Telluride had been selected as the “mid- and the full-size CUV category winner. The Telluride also won the top spot in the Texas Auto Roundup after shocking everyone with its off-road prowess and a refined driving experience that outperformed several of the venerable cars.
Styling and Presence
Hyundai and Kia have extremely comparable vehicle lineups. Though it’s important to note that Hyundai has established a luxury branch named Genesis that largely addresses those gaps, Kia does provide a few vehicles that Hyundai doesn’t. Hyundai’s aesthetic is generally much more restrained and understated, with slender curves and unobtrusive round forms making up the majority of the design elements. However, compared to their Hyundai cousins, Kia vehicles have sportier style that gives them a more aggressive and dynamic appearance. In a similar vein, compared to the Hyundai model, Kia SUV vehicles have a more robust, off-road oriented look. In general, Hyundai automobiles are more likely to blend in with the crowd, but Kia styling is more angular and futuristic, designed to grab attention and make a statement.
Performance and Handling
Although Hyundai and Kia share platforms and drivetrains, we previously mentioned that each company maintains its own independent engineering divisions. This is significant because it enables individual ride and handling characteristics to be tuned for each brand of car. It’s risky to generalize given the large range of vehicles available, including hatchbacks, sedans, crossovers, and vans. In contrast, a comparable Hyundai vehicle is probably going to prioritize a smoother, but disconnected-feeling ride, whilst you will probably find that Kia vehicles provide more dynamic, engaging handling qualities. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but in our opinion, Kia automobiles’ special chassis tuning significantly increases fun.
Price and Value
Kia automobiles are typically less priced than their Hyundai counterparts. The comparable Hyundai Elantra starts at $19,850, while the Kia Forte starts at $17,890. Although the Forte is less priced, Kia didn’t scrimp on quality or features. Like Hyundai, Kia provides one of the best warranties in the industry, which is ten years and 100,000 miles. Both companies offer quality that is unmatched in the industry and stand behind their products. In the J.D. Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study*, Kia placed third for 2021, ahead of brands like Toyota, Chevrolet, and even Mercedes-Benz. Even Hyundai’s luxury division, Genesis, ended behind Kia. Only Porsche and Lexus were ranked higher among mass market brands in terms of quality than Kia. At the top of that list, Kia is, in our opinion, in good company. It’s also important to note that J.D. Power named the Kia Optima, Sorento, and Sportage as the top models in each of their respective classes.
The Kia Advantage
In conclusion, Kia cars offer greater value and better quality, with bolder style and a more dynamic driving experience, even though Kia and Hyundai offer comparable vehicles. Simply put, no matter what you value most in a car, Kia automobiles are better overall. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide. We recognize that purchasing a new car is a significant investment. We advise you to test drive both brands since we are certain that you will ultimately decide on a Kia. Any way you look at it, it’s unquestionably the better option. Please forgive me, Hyundai.
Is the Kia Sportage an SUV or a crossover?
The South Korean company Kia has been producing sport utility vehicles under the Kia Sportage brand since 1993. The Sportage was once classified as a compact SUV, but since 2004 it has become a compact crossover SUV. In Kia’s SUV portfolio, it sits between the three-row Sorento and the Seltos or Niros, and after four iterations, it is currently in its fifth form.