A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Seltos has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EXTER remains close.
EXTER starts ZAR 120,095 cheaperEXTER from ZAR 269,900 · Seltos from ZAR 389,995
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
EXTER
Seltos
Maximum Power
EXTER5 kW
Seltos85 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
EXTER114 Nm
Seltos260 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
EXTER1197 cc
Seltos1493 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
EXTER16.9 km/l
Seltos19.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
EXTER185 mm
Seltos190 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Hyundai EXTER
1.2 Elite AMT Two Tone
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
EXTER
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published ownership cover
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Specification evidence leader
Seltos
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
EXTER
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Seltos
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Model Introduced Year
Current local generation year not confirmed
2020
Generation
Current South African EXTER listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data.
First generation (SP2); SA launch 2020; 2023 facelift model current
Facelift History
Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle.
2023 facelift with revised front and rear styling, updated ADAS suite and interior upgrades
Facelift Launched Since
Original current-generation version
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Compact SUV
SUV
Color Note
Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering.
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Steel Grey, Gravity Blue, Intense Red, Pewter Olive, Glacier White Pearl (dual-tone on GT-Line)
Dealer Stock Note
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
999 kg
1430 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Length
3815 mm
4370 mm
Width
1710 mm
1800 mm
Height
1631 mm
1640 mm
Wheelbase
2450 mm
2610 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
185 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
Not Officially Disclosed
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
391 l
433 l
Kerb Weight
999 kg
1430 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Not Officially Disclosed
1920 kg
Payload Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
456 kg
Towing Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
1100 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
Not Officially Disclosed
10.6 m
Front Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
990 mm
Rear Headroom
Not Officially Disclosed
950 mm
Front Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
1030 mm
Rear Legroom
Not Officially Disclosed
860 mm
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Front Track Width
Not Applicable
1570 mm
Rear Track Width
Not Applicable
1560 mm
Front Suspension
Not Available
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Not Available
Coupled Torsion Beam
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Chassis Type
-
Unibody
Front Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
-
Coil Spring
Shock Absorber Type
-
Telescopic
Front Anti-Roll Bar
-
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
-
Yes
Power Steering
-
Yes
Steering Column
-
Adjustable
Front Suspension Type
Not Available
MacPherson Strut
Suspension
-
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Not Available
Coupled Torsion Beam
Rear Axle Type
-
Coupled Torsion Beam
Shock Absorbers
-
Telescopic
Chassis Material
-
Unibody
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Climate Control
Not Available
Yes
Power Windows
Not Available
Yes
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Yes
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Wireless
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Yes
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Automatic Headlamps
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1385 l
AC Type
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Dampers
Not Available
No
Engine Warranty
4
7 Years / 150,000 km
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Performance Data Logger
Not Available
No
Rev Matching
Not Available
No
Seat Type
Cloth
Leather Seats
Steering Mounted Controls
Multifunction
Yes
Battery Preconditioning
Not Available
Not Available
Bed Extender
Not Available
Not Available
Canopy Fitment
Not Available
Not Available
Diff Lock
Not Available
No
Difflock
Not Available
No
Front Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Intelligent Battery System
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Cover
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Light
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Steps
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Depth Mm
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Rope Hooks
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Tiedown Brackets
Not Available
Not Available
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
One Pedal Driving
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Diff Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Electric Motor
Not Available
Not Available
Regenerative Braking Levels
Not Available
Not Available
Source Model Column
exter
seltos
Sport Plus Mode
Not Available
Not Available
Sports Bar
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Damper
Not Available
Not Available
Tailgate Lock
Not Available
Not Available
Tow Bar Type
Not Available
Not Available
Trim Level
flagship
flagship
Variant Role
Flagship / premium derivative
Flagship / premium derivative
Vehicle To Grid
Not Available
Not Available
Vehicle To Load
Not Available
Not Available
Intercooler
-
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
-
5.2
Engine Start Stop
Not Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Not Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Drag Coefficient
-
0.34
Roof Load
-
50 kg
Stabilizer Bar
-
Yes
Steering Response
-
Normal
Skid Plates
-
No
Side Steps
-
No
Spare Wheel
Not Available
Temporary Spare
Tyre Repair Kit
-
No
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
-
Yes
Speed Limiter
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
-
Yes
Surround View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Voice Command
-
Yes
Voice Command Support
-
Yes
Digital Speedometer
-
Yes
Driver Display
-
Digital Cluster
Heads Up Display
-
Yes
Tachometer
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Multi Function Steering
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Not Available
Yes
Climate Zones
-
2
Rear Air Conditioning
-
No
Glovebox Cooling
-
No
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
-
Yes
Rear Seat Split
-
Yes
Headrest Adjustable
-
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Remote Engine Start
-
No
Remote Start
-
No
Remote Central Locking
-
Yes
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Remote
Boot Opener
-
Remote
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Heated Mirrors
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
-
Yes
Remote Side Mirror
-
Yes
Auto Dimming Irvm
-
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Rear Defogger
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
Tail Lamps
-
Yes
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Yes
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Panoramic Roof
Not Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
-
Yes
Rear Wing
-
Yes
Aero Kit
-
No
Chrome Grille
-
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
-
No
Ride Mode Selection
-
Yes
Powered Tailgate
-
No
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Accelerator 0 100
-
10.5 sec
Common Rail Injection
-
Common Rail Direct Injection
Vdc
-
Yes
TPMS
Not Available
Yes
Sonar
-
Yes
Automatic High Beam
-
Yes
Steering Column Adjustment
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Telescopic Steering
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Bottle Holders
-
4
Glove Box
-
Yes
Manual Aircon
-
Yes
Intelligent Keyless Entry
-
Yes
Passive Entry Start
-
Yes
Wireless Charger
Wireless
Yes
Lift Gate
-
No
Electric Fold Indicator Mirrors
-
Yes
Power Socket 12v
-
Yes
Sound System
Not Available
8
Roof Rack Compatibility
-
Yes
Mirror
-
Electric
Rim Size
Not Available
235/50 R18
Stabilizer Bar Front
-
Yes
Stabilizer Bar Rear
-
Yes
Sub Frame
-
Unibody
Unlocking
Not Available
Yes
Walk Away Lock
-
Yes
Walk Away Auto Door Lock
-
Yes
Rear LED Combination Taillights
-
Yes
Front Wiper
-
Yes
Front Wipers Type
-
Yes
Rearview Mirror Inside
-
No
Vanity Mirror Illuminated
-
Yes
Reading Lights Rear
-
Yes
Centre Console
-
Centre Armrest
Side Impact Bars
-
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Applicable
1385 l
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Engine
Not Officially Disclosed
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
D4FE
Fuel Type
Petrol
Diesel
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1197 cc
1493 cc
Cylinders
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Cylinder Layout
Not Officially Disclosed
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
Not Officially Disclosed
4
Aspiration
Not Officially Disclosed
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Not Officially Disclosed
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
16.0:1
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
75 mm
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
84.5 mm
Maximum Power
5 kW
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
114 Nm
260 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
175 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
10.5 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
5 kW/tonne
59.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
114.1 Nm/tonne
181.8 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Gearbox
AMT
7-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
Front-wheel drive
FWD
LSD Available
Not Applicable
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
No
Paddle Shifters
Not Applicable
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
3.63
Number of Gears
5
7
Transmission Type
Automated Manual
Dual Clutch Transmission
Clutch Type
Not Applicable
Dry Dual Clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Gear Shift Type
AMT
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front-wheel drive
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Not Applicable
Yes
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
AMT
7-Speed DCT
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Front-wheel drive
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
5
7
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
-
15.1:1
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Claimed Mileage
16.9 km/l
19.2 km/l
City Mileage
13.6 km/l
15.6 km/l
Highway Mileage
19.9 km/l
22.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
37 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Not Applicable
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
No
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Yes
Real-world Mileage
16.9 km/l
19.2 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
37 l
50
Combined Driving Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Not Available
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Not Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
AEB
Not Available
Yes
BA
Not Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Not Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
6
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Not Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
6
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Not Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Not Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Not Available
Yes
Stability Control
Not Available
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Not Available
No
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Driver Front Passenger Airbags
6
6
Driver Passenger Airbags
6
6
Side Impact Beams
-
Yes
Whiplash Protection
-
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
-
Yes
Lane Change Warning
-
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
-
Yes
Fatigue Detection
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
5
Central Locking
-
Yes
Alarm System
-
Yes
ESC With Traction Control
-
Yes
Anti Theft Alarm
-
Yes
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Not Available
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Not Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Halogen with automatic function
Yes
Auto Wipers
Not Available
Yes
EV Mode
Not Available
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Not Available
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Yes
Around View Monitor
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Not Available
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Not Available
Yes
Reversing Camera
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
Sport Mode
-
No
Emergency Braking
-
Yes
Pre-Collision System
-
Yes
Rear View Camera
-
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
-
Yes
Surround View Camera
Not Available
Yes
Parking Distance Sensors
-
Yes
Parking Sensor
-
Yes
Front Camera
-
Yes
Automatic High Beam
-
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
-
Yes
Spec
EXTER
Seltos
Seat Material
Cloth
Leather
Heated Seats
Not Applicable
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Yes
Front Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1380 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Applicable
1330 mm
Rear USB Ports
Standard
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Not Applicable
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital instrument cluster
Digital
Interior Colour Options
3
Black
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
8-Way Power
Fabric Seats
Cloth
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Not Applicable
4-Way Manual
Interior Courtesy Lamps
Cabin trim, seating material, screen layout and driver-assistance equipment vary by derivative. Compare the chosen EXTER grade before assuming a feature is included.
This EXTER and Seltos comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: EXTER 19 vs Seltos 45.
Efficiency index: EXTER 66 vs Seltos 73.
Safety-equipment index: EXTER 84 vs Seltos 93.
Practicality index: EXTER 65 vs Seltos 60.
Ownership-cover index: EXTER 65 vs Seltos 71.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
EXTER and Seltos image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Seltos leads by 10 points
Seltos has a modest catalogue-index lead, while EXTER remains close.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Seltos
Performance
45/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
60/100
Ownership
71/100
EXTER
Performance
19/100
Efficiency
66/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
65/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexKIA Seltos
leads the specification evidence index with 68 pts
vs 58 pts for EXTER
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Seltos leads. However, EXTER may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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