Kia Seltos trim comparison
2026 Kia Seltos EX vs SX
The Seltos EX starts at $26,490 while the SX is $31,490. That $5,000 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The SX gets the 1.6L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $5,000 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
This is a real hardware fork, not just a trim-label shuffle. The EX is enough if the 2.0L I4 with FWD already fits your routine; the SX only earns the jump when the 1.6L I4 Turbo and AWD setup is the point of the upgrade.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $89/month more over 60 months, or roughly $5,340 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
The EX and SX are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,000 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $833 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | EX | SX |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $26,490 | $31,490 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 | 1.6L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 28 | 24 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 31 | 25 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 13.2 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,750/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 2,970 lbs | 3,363 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 103.5" |
| Length | 172.6" | 172.6" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 64.2" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2026 Kia Seltos EX vs SX Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Kia Seltos lineup, the Kia brand hub, the Subcompact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2026 Seltos SX cost than the EX?
The SX starts at $31,490 compared to $26,490 for the EX. That is a $5,000 difference, or approximately $89/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Kia Seltos EX and SX have the same engine?
No. The EX uses a 2.0L I4 (147 hp, 132 lb-ft), while the SX has the 1.6L I4 Turbo (190 hp, 195 lb-ft). That is 43 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Does the 2026 Seltos EX come with AWD?
No. The EX comes standard with FWD while the SX has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
Is the 2026 Seltos EX or SX safer?
Both share the same Kia Seltos platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 Kia Seltos come with?
All 2026 Kia Seltos trims, including both the EX and SX, come with Kia's standard warranty: 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2026 Kia Seltos SX worth $5,000 more than the EX?
The SX changes both the engine and drivetrain for $5,000 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2026 Kia Seltos trim gets better fuel economy, the EX or the SX?
The EX is the more efficient of the two at 31 combined MPG, versus 25 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Is the Seltos SX Worth $5,000 More?
Spending $5,000 more on the Seltos SX buys the 1.6L I4 Turbo engine (+43 hp) and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the EX has the 2.0L I4, the SX the 1.6L I4 Turbo. That means 43 more horsepower and 63 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. In return, expect about 6 fewer combined MPG. AWD on the SX means better grip in bad weather. If you live somewhere with mild winters, the EX's FWD may be fine.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Seltos EX gets 6 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $325 per year or $1,625 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The Seltos SX costs $5,000 more than the EX (about $89/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 6 meaningful changes at $833 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Kia Seltos EX
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the EX best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Kia Seltos SX
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the SX when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2026 model year. 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 Kia or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.