VS
At a Glance
Power
84 kW
85 kW
Torque
144 Nm
200 Nm
Fuel
6.7 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Towing
1100 Kg
1200 Kg
0-100 km/h
12.3 s
10.2 s
Engine
1497 cc
999 cc
Choosing between the Kia Seltos and the Volkswagen T-Cross is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Seltos delivers 84 kW while the Volkswagen T-Cross produces 85 kW. On fuel, the Seltos returns 6.7 l/100km while the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R467 995 for the Seltos and R418 200 for the T-Cross. 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
84 kW
85 kW
Torque
144 Nm
200 Nm
0-100 kph
12.3 s
10.2 s
Top Speed
170 Km/h
193 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1497 cc
999 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.7 l/100km
5.6 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
40 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
126 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
4135 mm
Width
1800 mm
1760-1993 mm
Height
1620 mm
1573 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2551 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
188 mm
Kerb Weight
1282 Kg
1291 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
433 l
385-455-1281 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1100 Kg
1200 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
Optional
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
4
3
Service Plan Distance
60000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volkswagen T-Cross
4 / 4 categories
Performance
T-Cross
Fuel Economy
T-Cross
Value
T-Cross
Practicality
T-Cross
Pros & Cons
Kia Seltos
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (6.7 l/100km)
Less power than rival (84 kW vs 85 kW)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen T-Cross
More powerful engine (85 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.6 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R418 200)
Higher towing capacity (1200 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (10.2 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or T-Cross?
The Seltos uses 6.7 l/100km and the T-Cross uses 5.6 l/100km on the combined cycle. The T-Cross 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 Seltos or T-Cross?
The Seltos produces 84 kW and 144 Nm of torque while the T-Cross delivers 85 kW and 200 Nm of torque. The T-Cross is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and T-Cross?
The Seltos starts from R467 995 and the T-Cross from R418 200. The T-Cross is cheaper by R49 795 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or T-Cross?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of 1100 Kg and the T-Cross can tow 1200 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos or the T-Cross?
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.