2026 Hyundai Venue SE vs 2026 Kia Seltos LX
$4,440 less and 2 mpg better vs 26 more hp and 13.5″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,440 price gap, 121 vs 147 hp, 31 vs 29 MPG.
The Venue SE leads on $4,440 less, 2 MPG better. The Seltos LX leads on 26 more hp, 13.5″ longer. The spec table compares 8 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 8 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Hyundai Venue SE | 2026 Kia Seltos LX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $20,550 | $24,990 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.6L I4 | 2.0L I4 |
| Horsepower | 121 hp | 147 hp |
| Torque | 113 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 29 | 27 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 31 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 11.9 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,400/yr | $1,500/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,738 lbs | 3,186 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 99.2" | 103.5" |
| Length | 159.1" | 172.6" |
| Width | 69.7" | 70.9" |
| Height | 61.6" | 63.6" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE and 2026 Kia Seltos LX?
The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE starts at $20,550, $4,440 less than the 2026 Kia Seltos LX at $24,990. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $78/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE?
The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,440 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $93/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2026 Kia Seltos LX?
The 2026 Kia Seltos LX is the stronger pick when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE or 2026 Kia Seltos LX?
The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE rates 31 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE or 2026 Kia Seltos LX?
The 2026 Kia Seltos LX produces 147 hp, 26 more than the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE at 121 hp. The 2026 Kia Seltos LX also leads in torque at 132 lb-ft vs 113 lb-ft. The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE runs a 1.6L I4; the 2026 Kia Seltos LX uses a 2.0L I4. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE, AWD on the 2026 Kia Seltos LX.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE bigger than the 2026 Kia Seltos LX?
The 2026 Kia Seltos LX is 13.5″ longer at 172.6″ vs 159.1″. The 2026 Kia Seltos LX has a 4.3″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE and 2026 Kia Seltos LX have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2026 Kia Seltos LX comes with AWD, while the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
How do the warranties compare?
Both offer similar warranty coverage: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain.
Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Venue trims, Kia trims, Kia Seltos trims
- 2026 Hyundai Venue SE Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- 2026 Kia Seltos LX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
- Compare Fuel Economy (EPA)
Venue vs Seltos: What This Matchup Is Really About
The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE and 2026 Kia Seltos LX sit in the subcompact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $4,440 gap adds up to $78/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Under the Hood
The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE runs a 1.6L I4; the 2026 Kia Seltos LX uses a 2.0L I4. The 2026 Kia Seltos LX has 26 more hp (147 vs 121), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2026 Kia Seltos LX comes with AWD; the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
Running Costs: Venue vs Seltos
The 2026 Hyundai Venue SE saves roughly $93/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $465.
How Each One Fits Your Daily Life
The 2026 Kia Seltos LX is 13.5″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Kia Seltos LX weighs 448 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Bottom Line
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE when you want to keep $4,440 in your pocket and the 2026 Hyundai Venue SE covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Kia Seltos LX when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. At $78/month more, the 2026 Kia Seltos LX needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Kia or any dealership.