Sportage or Seltos? A Johnson County Guide | Oakes Kia of Olathe
Posted at Mon, Oct 12, 2026 3:37 PM
Sportage or Seltos: The Short Version
Choose the 2027 Kia Sportage ($28,990 and up) if you need more room, want a hybrid or plan to tow up to 2,500 lbs. Choose the 2027 Kia Seltos ($24,990 and up) if you want the lowest price, easier parking and up to 30 MPG combined. The Sportage is about 10 inches longer and has roughly 10 more cubic feet of cargo space with the seats down. Both are on the lot at Oakes Kia of Olathe, KS.
Shoppers around Olathe, Overland Park and the rest of Johnson County keep landing on the same two Kia crossovers. The numbers below come from Kia's 2027 specifications, so you can compare them without a spreadsheet. Want to see how the Sportage handles a rival? Read our Sportage vs Honda CR-V breakdown.
Round by Round: Sportage vs Seltos
Round 1: Sticker price
The Seltos starts at $24,990 and the Sportage starts at $28,990, a $4,000 gap before destination, taxes and fees. The Seltos wins on price. The Sportage hybrid begins at $30,590, and the plug-in hybrid at $40,590.
Round 2: Power
Every gas Sportage uses a 2.5L four-cylinder with 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Most Seltos trims use a 2.0L with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Only the Seltos X-Line SX steps up, to a turbocharged 1.6L with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft. The Sportage wins on standard power.
Round 3: Fuel economy
Seltos LX, S and EX models are EPA-rated at 28 city, 33 highway and 30 combined. Front-drive Sportage models are rated 25, 33 and 28. The Seltos wins among gas models, but the Sportage Hybrid reaches up to 41 MPG combined and takes this round overall.
Round 4: Cargo and passenger room
Behind the rear seat the Sportage holds 39.6 cu. ft. against 27.8 cu. ft. in the Seltos. With the seats folded, it is 74.1 cu. ft. against 64.2. Both seat five. The Sportage is the roomier of the two.
Round 5: Towing
Kia rates the Sportage for 2,500 lbs of trailer when the trailer has brakes, enough for a small camper or utility trailer. Kia does not list a towing rating for the Seltos on its specs page. Sportage wins.
Round 6: Parking and city driving
At 174.4 inches long, the Seltos is about 10 inches shorter than the 184.4-inch Sportage. That makes tight lots and garages easier. Seltos wins.
The Scorecard
| Category | Kia Sportage | Kia Seltos | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $28,990 | $24,990 | Seltos |
| Standard engine power | 187 hp | 147 hp | Sportage |
| Gas fuel economy (combined) | 28 MPG | 30 MPG | Seltos |
| Hybrid available today | Yes, up to 41 MPG | Not yet; Seltos Hybrid expected late 2026 | Sportage |
| Cargo, seats folded | 74.1 cu. ft. | 64.2 cu. ft. | Sportage |
| Towing | Up to 2,500 lbs | Not listed by Kia | Sportage |
| Length | 184.4 in. | 174.4 in. | Seltos for parking |
Pricing and specifications are for the 2027 model year from Kia USA. Pricing excludes destination, handling, taxes and fees. Fuel economy is EPA estimated for front-wheel drive. Confirm availability with Oakes Kia of Olathe.
Which One Fits Your Driveway?
Go Sportage if you haul things
Kids, hockey bags, camping gear or a small trailer all fit the Sportage better. It is also the only one of the two with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid on sale today. Read more on our [[2026 Sportage page|https://oakeskiaolathe.com/all-new-2026-kia-sportage]].
Go Seltos if you value simplicity
A lower payment, easier parking and a lighter footprint make the Seltos a smart daily driver. Opt for the X-Line SX if you want turbo power. Read more on our [[2026 Seltos page|https://oakeskiaolathe.com/all-new-2026-kia-seltos]].
Sportage vs Seltos: Questions Olathe Shoppers Ask
What is the price difference between the Kia Sportage and Seltos?
Sticker prices open at $28,990 for the 2027 Sportage and $24,990 for the 2027 Seltos, so the Seltos costs $4,000 less to start. Destination, handling, taxes and fees are extra.
Is the Seltos smaller than the Sportage?
Yes. The Seltos is 174.4 inches long, while the Sportage is 184.4 inches long. The Sportage also has more cargo space, with 74.1 cu. ft. against 64.2 cu. ft. with the seats folded.
Which Kia has the better gas mileage?
On gas power alone, the Seltos has the edge: 30 MPG combined for LX, S and EX, versus 28 for front-drive Sportage trims. Add a hybrid powertrain and the Sportage jumps ahead at up to 41 MPG combined.
Can I get a turbo in the Seltos?
Only on the top trim. The X-Line SX swaps the base engine for a boosted 1.6L making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, mated to an 8-speed automatic.
Which Kia SUV is better for towing?
That would be the Sportage, rated by Kia for as much as 2,500 lbs when the trailer has its own brakes. The Seltos specs page gives no towing figure.
Are both SUVs available with all-wheel drive?
Yes, with limits. AWD can be added to the Sportage and comes standard on X-Line and X-Pro Prestige. On the Seltos it is tied to the X-Line S and X-Line SX trims.
Are there hybrids in the Sportage lineup?
Yes, two. A gas-electric Sportage Hybrid begins at $30,590, and a Sportage Plug-in Hybrid begins at $40,590. Kia has announced a Seltos hybrid for late 2026, but it is not on sale yet.
Where in Olathe can I drive both before I decide?
Come to Oakes Kia of Olathe at 130 N Fir Street, Olathe, KS 66061. You can look through the Sportage lineup and the Seltos lineup first, or phone 913-390-6800 to book a drive.
Drive Both Back to Back in Olathe
The easiest way to decide is to drive them one after the other. Stop by 130 N Fir Street in Olathe, KS, or call 913-390-6800 to set a time.