The 2025 Kia Seltos and Sportage rank among the top picks for drivers in Corinth, Texas, but each one is built for different needs and lifestyles. This side-by-side look at the Kia Seltos vs. the Sportage will simplify things and help you decide which matches your driving habits, budget, and family situation in North Texas.
Key Differences at a Glance
Compact and subcompact SUVs, such as the Sportage and the Seltos, are gaining increasing popularity. Now, practically every automaker offers at least one, as the production of new sedans begins to decline.
Size is the main difference between these two SUVs, with the compact-class Sportage being considerably larger than the subcompact Seltos. Consequently, the Sportage offers more rear legroom and cargo space. The Sportage also offers superior off-road capability, with multi-terrain drive modes and active all-wheel drive (AWD) that monitors road conditions.
If, however, what you most need is good fuel economy and a city-friendly size, then the Seltos is the way to go. Keep reading to find out everything these vehicles have to offer.
Pricing and Value Comparison
The 2025 Kia Seltos base model has an MSRP of $23,690, while the 2025 Kia Sportage starts at $28,690. The range-topping trims are the Seltos SX, which starts at $31,390, and the Sportage X-Pro Prestige, which starts at $39,590.
Both include Kia's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. Resale values for both models exceed class averages, too.
The price gap between the two also narrows when considering financing and features, so it mostly boils down to your lifestyle needs. Contact our finance center at Huffines Kia Corinth to explore current deals and specials that match your budget and driving habits.
Performance and Engine Options
Both models offer two engine options and a smooth drive with easy handling. Let's examine the specifications for each one.
2025 Seltos
Base Seltos models are equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, which is perfect for daily commutes. The range-topping SX trim boasts a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque — among the most powerful engines in the subcompact class.
2025 Sportage
The Sportage offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged hybrid model delivers 232 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque for Dallas-Fort Worth highways and Hill Country drives.
If you need towing power, the Sportage handles 2,500 pounds with trailer brakes (1,653 pounds without) — that's enough for Jet Skis, boats, motorcycles, or even small camping trailers. Trailer stability assist monitors sway and applies brakes independently for your Lake Lewisville or Possum Kingdom outings.
As mentioned before, the Sportage offers the advantage of off-roading capabilities with a ground clearance of 7.1 inches on front-wheel-drive models and 8.3 inches on AWD versions. The X-Pro Prestige trim also adds all-terrain tires for better grip on those North Texas roads and dirt trails, and a multi-terrain mode selector helps you confidently handle mud, snow, and sand.
Size, Space, and Practicality
Once you get inside both SUVs, you'll notice the difference in space, with the Seltos being noticeably smaller than the Sportage. However, Seltos still offers decent passenger and cargo space that meets your needs. Here's a glance at the details.
2025 Seltos
Rear passengers get a decent 38 inches of legroom, and you'll find 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seats, with 62.8 cubic feet when those seats are folded. There's more than enough room for singles, couples, or small families who value fuel savings and easy parking at Corinth shopping centers.
2025 Sportage
The Sportage feels noticeably roomier with 41.3 inches of legroom at the back, cargo space that jumps to 39.6 cubic feet behind the seats, and an impressive 74 cubic feet with seats down. That extra room matters when loading camping gear, kids' sports equipment, or making large Costco runs. For growing families needing passenger and cargo flexibility, the Sportage can make daily life easier.
Let Your Lifestyle Be Your Guide
Your lifestyle will drive your choice here. If you want a nimble vehicle for city driving and tight-spot parking with the added advantage of excellent fuel economy, check out our Seltos inventory. If you have a growing family and outdoor hobbies that require more space and flexibility, browse our Sportage inventory for a better match.
2025 Model-Year Updates and Changes
The Seltos and Sportage have both received updates for 2025 that offer an enhanced driving and day-to-day experience.
2025 Seltos
Kia gave the 2025 Seltos some nice upgrades to make your life easier. The EX and SX now include rear parking sensors as standard, and the SX and AWD EX models get a smart power liftgate to help you out when your hands are full. A power sunroof package can be added to the EX and SX models, while the base model now gets a 4.25-inch driver display as standard. The cabin feels more upscale, too, with better quality materials throughout, putting the Seltos in competition with higher-end subcompact SUVs.
2025 Sportage
For 2025, the Sportage adds a premium package to the EX model with a hands-free power liftgate and an optional panoramic moonroof. The X-Line and X-Pro Prestige get darker accents, including gloss black on the bumpers and side sills, and exclusive black-finished alloy wheels.
Real-World Ownership Experience
Maintenance costs vary slightly between the two models. The Seltos' dual-clutch transmission requires fluid inspection at around 30,000 miles, while the Sportage's automatic transmission needs changes every 60,000-100,000 miles. Turbo engines need oil changes every 5,000 miles, compared to every 7,500 miles for non-turbo versions.
Insurance costs stay reasonable. The 2025 Seltos averages $1,958 yearly, while the Sportage's yearly insurance is slightly higher at around $1,962. Both are similar to the national average insurance cost for compact SUVs.
Choose Your Perfect Kia SUV for Corinth Living
Your lifestyle should ultimately determine your choice between the Kia Seltos vs. the Sportage and what matters most to you. Both are exceptional vehicles designed for different needs and situations.
See the difference between the Kia Sportage vs. Seltos for yourself at Huffines Kia Corinth in Texas. Take both vehicles for a spin and chat with our team. We know North Texas roads like the back of our hands, and we're ready to help you find the perfect SUV that fits your life, budget, and driving style.