Compared: 2023 Dodge Hornet vs. 2023 Kia Seltos

Dodge puts performance first while Kia banks on value.

Matt St-Pierre | 

Jul 3, 2023 | 2 min read

Kia | Dodge

The all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet marks the brand's foray into the small-crossover segment, showing up the competition with an abundance of power. One of its rivals, the 2023 Kia Seltos, has proven to be a strong contender in the hotly contested field, boasting decent fuel economy and a bargain price. Let's look at how these two SUVs compare.

Dodge

Seltos Edges Out Hornet in Price

The base Hornet, called the GT, has a starting price of about $32,000. The model comes standard with all-wheel drive and employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces an impressive 268 horsepower. The 2024 model year will introduce a 288-hp R/T plug-in hybrid variant, but pricing has yet to be announced.

Kia

The entry-level Seltos is more affordable, starting around $26,000. It features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 146 ponies. The top two trims — the cheaper of which costs around $30,000 — are treated to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four that's good for 175 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard across the board except for the one-up-from-base S model.

Dodge

Hornet's Digital Cockpit Much Larger Than Seltos'

Every Hornet has a large tech setup, with a 12.3-inch digital cockpit and a 10.3-inch central display. In contrast, Kia fits the base Seltos with a 4.2-inch display in the instrument panel and an 8.0-inch touchscreen in the dash, though a 7.0-inch digital cluster and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen are available in certain trims. Both vehicles boast Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but only the Hornet provides wireless connectivity.

Kia

Dodge better equips its entry-level model, which features standard automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and optional adaptive cruise control. Buyers can find all of those features in the top Seltos, which costs less than the starter Hornet.

As for size, the Hornet stretches about six inches beyond the Seltos, yet its cargo area can fit the same 27 cu-ft worth of stuff as the Kia's.

Dodge

Gas Mileage Is Better With Seltos

The Hornet GT sees 24 mpg, which makes it one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles in the segment. The R/T plug-in hybrid will surely do better, but the EPA has yet to publish that model's efficiency ratings.

Kia

As for the Seltos, it returns a respectable 31 mpg when equipped with front-wheel drive. Those with the 2.0-liter and all-wheel drive manage 29 mpg, while models with the turbocharged engine achieve a rating of 27 mpg.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication) and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

Matt St-Pierre

With over 25 years of experience in automotive journalism, Matt's diverse background spans multiple mediums such as TV, radio, print, and online platforms. When he's not working, Matt indulges in his passion for collecting four-wheeled treasures with a particular interest in those weighing 3,000 pounds or less. Plus, he's also a proud father of two.