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Is the Kia Seltos Bigger than the Sportage?

Is the Kia Seltos Bigger than the Sportage?

Is the Kia Seltos Bigger than the Sportage?

When comparing the Kia Seltos to the Kia Sportage, it’s essential to understand that these two vehicles occupy different segments within Kia’s SUV lineup. The Sportage is a compact SUV, while the Seltos is a subcompact SUV. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you understand the differences in size, dimensions, and interior space between the two.

Exterior Dimensions

  1. Overall Length
    • Kia Seltos: The Seltos measures approximately 172.0 inches in length. As a subcompact SUV, it’s designed to offer a balance between maneuverability in urban settings and sufficient interior space for passengers and cargo.
    • Kia Sportage: The Sportage, being a compact SUV, is larger with an overall length of around 183.5 inches. This extra length contributes to more interior space and a more substantial presence on the road.
  2. Width
    • Kia Seltos: The Seltos is about 70.9 inches wide, which is typical for a subcompact SUV. This width makes it easy to navigate tight spaces and park in crowded urban environments.
    • Kia Sportage: The Sportage is wider, with a width of approximately 73.4 inches. This additional width provides more shoulder room inside the cabin and contributes to a more stable and planted feel on the road.
  3. Height
    • Kia Seltos: The Seltos stands at around 63.6 inches in height. This height offers a good balance between a commanding driving position and aerodynamics.
    • Kia Sportage: The Sportage is slightly taller at about 65.4 inches, enhancing its SUV stance and providing more headroom for passengers.
  4. Wheelbase
    • Kia Seltos: The wheelbase of the Seltos is approximately 103.5 inches. A shorter wheelbase generally translates to better maneuverability, making the Seltos more agile in city driving.
    • Kia Sportage: The Sportage has a longer wheelbase of around 108.5 inches, which contributes to a smoother ride, especially at higher speeds, and provides more legroom for rear passengers.

Interior Space

  1. Passenger Volume
    • Kia Seltos: The Seltos offers about 99 cubic feet of passenger volume. This space is well-utilized, providing comfortable seating for five passengers, though the rear seats may feel slightly snug for taller occupants.
    • Kia Sportage: The Sportage boasts a larger passenger volume of around 102 cubic feet. The extra space is noticeable, particularly in the rear seats, where passengers will find more legroom and headroom.
  2. Cargo Space
    • Kia Seltos: The Seltos has a respectable cargo space of 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes it one of the more spacious options in the subcompact SUV category.
    • Kia Sportage: The Sportage offers more cargo space with 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. This substantial difference makes the Sportage a better option for those who frequently carry larger loads or need more flexibility in cargo capacity.

Driving and Handling

  1. Kia Seltos: The smaller dimensions of the Seltos make it more nimble and easier to handle in tight urban environments. Its lighter weight also contributes to better fuel efficiency. The Seltos is ideal for those who prioritize city driving and need a vehicle that’s easy to park and maneuver.
  2. Kia Sportage: The Sportage’s larger size and wider stance provide a more stable ride, especially on highways. The increased size also contributes to a quieter cabin, as the larger vehicle is better at isolating road noise. The Sportage is better suited for those who often travel with more passengers or need extra cargo space.

Conclusion: Which Is Bigger?

In terms of physical dimensions and interior space, the Kia Sportage is undeniably bigger than the Kia Seltos. The Sportage offers more length, width, height, and cargo capacity, making it a better choice for those who need extra space for passengers or cargo. On the other hand, the Seltos, being smaller, is more maneuverable and easier to handle in city driving conditions.

Your choice between the two will largely depend on your specific needs. If you prioritize a larger, more spacious vehicle with extra room for passengers and cargo, the Sportage is the better option. However, if you’re looking for something more compact, easier to park, and still offering good interior space for its class, the Seltos could be the perfect fit.

When comparing the Kia Seltos to the Kia Sportage, it’s important to note that these vehicles cater to different types of drivers, with the Seltos being a subcompact SUV and the Sportage being a compact SUV. The distinction in size between these two models is noticeable, not only in terms of exterior dimensions but also in how each vehicle serves its intended purpose.

The Kia Sportage, as a compact SUV, offers a more substantial presence on the road. It’s designed with families and those who frequently need extra space in mind. The larger size of the Sportage means it comes with a more spacious cabin, which is particularly advantageous for rear-seat passengers who benefit from additional legroom and a more comfortable seating experience. This makes the Sportage a great option for longer road trips or for drivers who regularly have more than two passengers.

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos is tailored for those who value versatility within a smaller footprint. The Seltos is ideal for urban environments where parking and maneuverability are crucial. Despite being smaller, the Seltos still manages to offer ample interior space and smart storage solutions, making it a practical choice for individuals or small families who want the utility of an SUV without the bulk of a larger vehicle.

Another key difference lies in the driving experience. The Sportage, with its wider stance and longer wheelbase, provides a more stable and composed ride, especially on highways. It also tends to offer a quieter cabin, which is a benefit of its larger size and better insulation. The Seltos, while smaller, delivers a more agile and responsive driving experience, making it easier to navigate through crowded city streets and tight parking spaces.

In terms of aesthetics, both vehicles reflect Kia’s modern design language, but the Sportage’s larger canvas allows for more bold and aggressive styling cues, which may appeal to drivers looking for a more commanding appearance. Meanwhile, the Seltos’ design is more compact and streamlined, appealing to those who prefer a sleek and modern look without sacrificing practicality.

Dimension Kia Seltos Kia Sportage
Overall Length 172.0 inches (4,366 mm) 183.5 inches (4,658 mm)
Overall Width 70.9 inches (1,805 mm) 73.4 inches (1,864 mm)
Overall Height 63.6 inches (1,614 mm) 65.4 inches (1,660 mm)
Wheelbase 103.5 inches (2,628 mm) 108.5 inches (2,758 mm)
Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) 26.6 cubic feet (753 liters) 39.6 cubic feet (1,120 liters)
Max Cargo Space (With Rear Seats Folded) 62.8 cubic feet (1,779 liters) 74.1 cubic feet (2,097 liters)

This chart provides a clear comparison of the exterior dimensions and cargo capacities of both vehicles, highlighting the larger size and cargo space of the Kia Sportage compared to the Kia Seltos.