by Chinese Kia Seltos Costs Half as Much as the American Version
The difference in car prices between different countries can be very significant, and the Kia Seltos is a prime example. In the US, this crossover is positioned as affordable, but in China, its cost is so low that it seems like a completely different category of car.
The model debuted in China back in 2019 under the name KX3, and after an update in 2023, it received the global name Seltos. Currently, the car remains virtually unchanged, but a major update is expected in 2026.
Huge Price Difference for an Almost Identical Car
Externally, the Chinese and American versions of the Seltos are practically indistinguishable, but their prices are a completely different story. In the US, the base variant starts at $24,690, while in China the price starts at approximately $15,300. Moreover, there is currently a special offer where the mid-range trim can cost as little as $10,900—that’s less than half the price of the American version.
Additionally, some categories of buyers, such as university graduates, can receive additional discounts of up to $700, making the offer even more attractive.
What Does the Seltos Offer for Such a Price?
Despite the low cost, the Chinese version has a lot of standard equipment: 17-inch wheels, LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch multimedia screen, and leather seats. The car’s dimensions are identical to the American version, but there are differences in the engines.
In China, two options are offered: a 1.5-liter (113 hp) and a turbocharged 1.4-liter (140 hp), both with front-wheel drive. In the US, the base engine is a 2.0-liter (146 hp), and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter (190 hp) with an all-wheel-drive option is also available.
Although the idea of importing a cheap Chinese Seltos might seem appealing, in practice it is impossible due to high additional costs. Even if Kia decided to export this model, its final price would increase significantly.
Interestingly, even with such low prices, the Kia Seltos in China offers a level of equipment that in the US can only be found in more expensive models. This once again highlights how different automakers’ market strategies can be depending on the region.
