Seltos I vs RAV4 XA50: which is better?
Kia Seltos I (2019–present) vs Toyota RAV4 XA50 (2018–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Seltos I
Toyota RAV4 XA50Specifications
| Kia Seltos I | Toyota RAV4 XA50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2019–present | 2018–present |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| Power, up to | 149 hp | 149 hp |
| Torque, up to | 179 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Gearbox | CVT | CVT |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 370 mm | 4 600 mm |
| Width | 1 800 mm | 1 855 mm |
| Height | 1 645 mm | 1 685 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 630 mm | 2 690 mm |
| Ground clearance | 190 mm | 195 mm |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 55 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 16 475 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Seltos I
Pros
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 engine (G4NA, G4NB): cylinder scoring
- Hyundai IVT CVT gearbox: some complaints of jerking when pulling away
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Nu 2.0 (G4NA, G4NB)): cylinder scoring; increased oil consumption; catalytic converter debris.
Gearbox (Hyundai IVT CVT): the gearbox is relatively new, statistics are being gathered; there are complaints about jerks when pulling away.
Toyota RAV4 XA50
Pros
- Toyota CVT gearbox: generally reliable
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Local assembly: Russia
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Toyota Dynamic Force engine (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A): new, little reliability data so far
- Toyota CVT gearbox: jerking with old fluid
Engine (Toyota Dynamic Force (A25A, M20A, T24A, V35A)): few widespread issues: the engines are relatively new, with less data.
Gearbox (Toyota CVT): generally reliable; jerks with old oil.
Which one to choose
- RAV4 XA50 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, ground clearance, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Seltos I or RAV4 XA50?
Seltos I: up to 149 hp, RAV4 XA50: up to 149 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Seltos I: 190 mm, RAV4 XA50: 195 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Seltos I — about 16 475 ₸, RAV4 XA50 — about 16 475 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.