2027 Kia Seltos vs 2027 Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 100 to 69.8, on fuel & range.
2027 Kia Seltos
The 2027 Kia Seltos is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Seltos FWD, is EPA-rated at 30 mpg…
2027 Tesla Model Y
The 2027 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as an electric compact SUV. Its longest-range version, the Model Y L (20in Wheels), is EPA-rated at 328 miles with 11…
2027 Tesla Model Y
Clear winThe Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 100 to 69.8, on fuel & range.
| Category · weight | 2027 Kia Seltosoverall 69.8 | 2027 Tesla Model Yoverall 100 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 29.5 | 100 | |||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | |||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 100 | |||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | |||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Performancenot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Tech & comfortnot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | Specs not available | Specs not available | |||||||||
| Overall | 69.8 | 100 | |||||||||
Safety-only comparison · 2 of 7 categories compared · specs not available for Tesla Model Y
Kia Seltos: base trim LX FWD · Tesla Model Y: safety only (EPA and NHTSA record; specs not available). Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Tesla Model Y wins
- It is rated 114 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $1,550 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($700 against $2,250).
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
42 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $24,990 | — |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | — |
| Engine displacement | 1,999 cc | — |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) Atkinson engine | — |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | — |
| Valve configuration | 16 Valves with Roller Swing | — |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 147 hp | — |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | — |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 28 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 33 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 6.483 | — |
| Transmission type | Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | — |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.5 in | — |
| Overall height | 63 in | — |
| Overall length | 174 in | — |
| Overall width | 72 in | — |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | — |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 64.2 cu-ft | — |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 27.8 cu-ft | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.5 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | 38.9 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | 39 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,406 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,109 lbs | — |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,332 lbs | — |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson Strut | — |
| Rear suspension type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (FWD) | — |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack & Pinion / Electric | — |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | — |
| Parking brake type | Electronic | — |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | — |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | — |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | — |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | — |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P205/65R16 | — |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Kia Connect | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.5 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.4 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
84 features · differences first, then sharedSafety26 differ · 26 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA) | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC2) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA2) | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) | std | — |
| Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) with Active steering | std | — |
| Rear-view camera display | std | — |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors (PDW-F/R) | std | — |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors (PDW-F/R) | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | std | — |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | std | — |
| Adjustable front headrests, 4-way | std | — |
| Antilock Brakes System (ABS) | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | — |
| Front Driver side advanced airbags | std | — |
| Front Passenger side advanced airbags | std | — |
| Front Thorax, Pelvis and Curtain airbags | std | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | std | — |
| Rear seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) High Line | std | — |
Infotainment7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-in. Touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA (ccNC Lite) | std | — |
| 12.3-in. Touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA (ccNC Lite) | std | — |
| 6-speakers | std | — |
| Bluetooth® Multi-connection (connect up to two devices simultaneously) | std | — |
| Front USBc charger (x2) | std | — |
| Front USBc connection (x1) | std | — |
| Rear USBc charger (x2) | std | — |
Convenience5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key and push-button start, includes immobilizer and remote start button on key fob | std | — |
| 12V power outlet (x1), in center console | std | — |
| Auto-up/down and safety operation driver's window | std | — |
| Power door locks with driver and passenger control | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry with burglar alarm, panic button and immobilizer | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Air conditioner | std | — |
Seating5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split-folding rear seats with recline | std | — |
| Heated front seats (3-level) | opt | — |
| 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat | std | — |
| 6-way manual adjustable passenger's seat including height adjuster | std | — |
| Cloth seat cover | std | — |
Interior11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch Digital Cluster with integrated 4.2-inch TFT | std | — |
| Door pocket bottle holder | std | — |
| Four-spoke design, SynTex Steering Wheel | std | — |
| Front center armrest with storage box and cup holders | std | — |
| LED luggage lamp | std | — |
| LED room lamp | std | — |
| Soft PVC gear shift knob | std | — |
| Sunvisor vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Day/night interior rear view mirror | std | — |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | std | — |
| LED overhead console lamp | std | — |
Exterior18 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| 16-inch Alloy wheels with dark gray finish | std | — |
| Acoustic laminated windshield | std | — |
| Auto light control | std | — |
| Black radiator grille | std | — |
| Black side sills | std | — |
| Black window DLO surround (beltline) | std | — |
| Conventional blade type windshield wipers | std | — |
| LED Multi-Focus Reflector (MFR) headlights | std | — |
| LED outside mirror turn signal indicators | std | — |
| LED positioning lamp | std | — |
| LED Star Map Signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | — |
| Matte black lower door garnish | std | — |
| Privacy glass (rear side, tailgate) | std | — |
| Rear combination lamps | std | — |
| Tinted glass (windshield, front doors) | std | — |
| Rear-window defroster with timer | std | — |
| Rear spoiler with LED high mounted stop light | std | — |
| Temporary Compact Spare Tire | opt | — |
Powertrain6 differ · 6 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | — |
| 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder engine | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select (DMS): Normal, Sport | std | — |
| Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | std | — |
| Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) | std | — |
| SULEV 30 emissions | std | — |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) rear suspension | std | — |
| MacPherson strut front suspension | std | — |
| Multi-link rear suspension | opt | — |
Cargo2 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo net hooks | std | — |
| Dual-level cargo floor | std | — |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia Seltos
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Tesla Model Y
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia SeltosLX FWD | Tesla Model Y | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,990 (base trim) | — |
| Price range across trims | $24,990 – $32,790 14 trims | — |
| Powertrains | GAS | BEV |
| EPA configuration compared | Seltos FWD | Model Y L (20in Wheels) |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 30 | 114 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,250 | $700 |
| EV range | — | 328 mi |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Kia Seltos or the 2027 Tesla Model Y?
The Tesla Model Y wins clearly, 100 to 69.8, on fuel & range. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Tesla Model Y scores 100 and the 2027 Kia Seltos 69.8. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Kia Seltos or the 2027 Tesla Model Y?
2027 Kia Seltos: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Tesla Model Y: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Kia Seltos and the 2027 Tesla Model Y?
Where the 2027 Tesla Model Y wins: it is rated 114 combined against 30 (EPA mpg or MPGe) and costs $1,550 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($700 against $2,250). What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.