Kia Seltos vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, albeit at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The vehicle's exterior design was improved with body-color trim, although some colors retained the black overfender trim. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, and the fabric seats featured an upscale pattern. The center touchscreen was increased to 14 inches, integrating climate control functions, though the digital driver display remained a point of contention due to its placement and readability.

The 2027 Kia Seltos was offered in five trim levels: LX, S, EX, X-Line S, and X-Line SX, with prices ranging from $26,485 to $34,285, including the destination charge. The X-Line versions came standard with AWD, while it was an optional feature for the other trims. The X-Line SX, which we tested, featured a turbocharged engine and the Prestige Package, bringing the MSRP to $37,190. Despite its small SUV classification, the X-Line SX exuded a premium feel, with styling elements borrowed from the Kia EV9 and Telluride. The interior continued this theme with quality materials and a panoramic display screen. However, the Saturn Black interior felt dark, and a lighter color option would have been welcome. The Seltos was praised for its urban maneuverability, thanks to its compact size, boxy dimensions, and excellent outward visibility.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options. The XLE with FWD featured a single electric motor paired with a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Opting for the larger 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, maintaining the same efficiency. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced a combined 338 hp, with the XLE AWD offering a range of 288 miles. The bZ could be recharged using a DC fast charger, reaching 80% in about 30 minutes, or a Level 2 home charger, taking seven hours for the larger battery. Efficiency tests showed the bZ performed better than EPA estimates in Eco mode but slightly underperformed in Normal mode. The bZ was a comfortable cruiser but struggled with handling on winding roads due to its tires and steering.

The 2027 Kia Seltos, except for the X-Line SX, was equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The X-Line SX featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivering 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system. The Seltos Hybrid was expected to arrive in early 2027. The X-Line SX had an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg combined, and during testing, it averaged 26.5 mpg. The powertrain was responsive in Sport mode, but Normal mode felt sluggish. The Seltos handled well on urban roads, but its ride was less composed on mountain roads. Its compact size and excellent visibility made it easy to maneuver in city environments.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. The front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available on both trims. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats on the Limited trim. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was limited. The cargo area offered 27.7 cubic feet of space, with an underfloor storage well, but the rear window design limited maximum cargo capacity.

The 2027 Kia Seltos excelled in interior space, comfortably accommodating four adults and offering a spacious back seat for children. The cargo area was practical, with a dual-level load floor providing up to 27.8 cubic feet of space. The test vehicle featured heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and extensive power adjustments. The Prestige Package added a "relaxation seat" mode for the driver. Rear-seat passengers benefited from air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a center armrest with cupholders. Storage was well-designed, with door panel trays, a wireless smartphone charger, and a smart hands-free power liftgate. Folding the back seat expanded cargo capacity to 64.2 cubic feet.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display was criticized for its placement and readability, while the infotainment system was generally user-friendly but lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and voice assistant, which performed well during testing.

The 2027 Kia Seltos featured a panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 5-inch climate control panel, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The Prestige Package added a camera-based blind-spot monitor and a surround-view camera system. The Leading Vehicle Departure Alert was a notable feature, notifying drivers when the vehicle ahead moved.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional safety, and the Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with Good ratings for front-crash avoidance but Poor ratings for headlights.

The 2027 Kia Seltos offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. The Prestige Package added a camera-based blind-spot monitor and a surround-view camera system. Adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist was available, providing a pleasant driving experience in lighter traffic. At the time of writing, safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not available.