VS
At a Glance
Power
83kW@4000
85 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
250 Nm
Fuel
9.2
5.2 l/100km
Towing
1600
900 Kg
0-100 km/h
14.7
12.0 s
Engine
1991
1493 cc
Choosing between the HYUNDAI TUCSON and the Kia Seltos is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HYUNDAI TUCSON delivers 83kW@4000 while the Kia Seltos produces 85 kW. On fuel, the TUCSON returns 9.2 while the Seltos uses 5.2 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R299 900 for the TUCSON and R561 995 for the Seltos. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
83kW@4000
85 kW
Torque
245Nm@2000
250 Nm
0-100 kph
14.7
12.0 s
Top Speed
191
175 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991
1493 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
4
6
Drive Wheels
ALL
front
Full Time 4x4
✗
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2
5.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
10.1
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.1
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
50 l
CO2 Emissions
210
145 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4325
4365 mm
Width
1830
1800 mm
Height
1730
1620 mm
Wheelbase
2630
2610 mm
Ground Clearance
195
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1781
1382 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
433 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
900 Kg
Load Capacity
1856
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✗
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✗
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✗
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✗
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5
Warranty Distance
150000
unlimited Km
Service Plan
S
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
4
Service Plan Distance
—
60000
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Seltos
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
TUCSON
Practicality
TUCSON
Pros & Cons
HYUNDAI TUCSON
Lower starting price (R299 900)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2)
No factory service plan
Kia Seltos
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (12.0 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the TUCSON or Seltos?
The TUCSON uses 9.2 and the Seltos uses 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the TUCSON or Seltos?
The TUCSON produces 83kW@4000 and 245Nm@2000 of torque while the Seltos delivers 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the TUCSON and Seltos?
The TUCSON starts from R299 900 and the Seltos from R561 995. The TUCSON is cheaper by R262 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the TUCSON or Seltos?
The TUCSON has a braked towing capacity of 1600 and the Seltos can tow 900 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the TUCSON or the Seltos?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.