VS
At a Glance
Power
85 kW
140 kW
Torque
250 Nm
255 Nm
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Towing
900 Kg
—
0-100 km/h
12.0 s
—
Engine
1493 cc
1477 cc
Choosing between the KIA Seltos and the Proton X90 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Seltos delivers 85 kW while the Proton X90 produces 140 kW. On fuel, the Seltos returns 5.2 l/100km while the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R599 995 for the Seltos and R559 900 for the X90. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
KIA Seltos1.5d EX+ A/T 2024 - From R599 995
Proton X901.5t Standard (mhev) 2023 - From R559 900
Performance
Power Output
85 kW
140 kW
Torque
250 Nm
255 Nm
0-100 kph
12.0 s
—
Top Speed
175 Km/h
-
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1493 cc
1477 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
6
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
145 g/km
156 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4365 mm
4830 mm
Width
1800 mm
1900 mm
Height
1620 mm
1764 mm
Wheelbase
2610 mm
2805 mm
Ground Clearance
190 mm
—
Kerb Weight
1382 Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
433 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
900 Kg
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
Optional
Service Plan Years
4yr
—
Service Plan Distance
60000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X90
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
X90
Practicality
Seltos
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (85 kW vs 140 kW)
Higher starting price
Proton X90
More powerful engine (140 kW)
Lower starting price (R559 900)
Higher fuel consumption (6.8 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or X90?
The Seltos uses 5.2 l/100km and the X90 uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Seltos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Seltos or X90?
The Seltos produces 85 kW and 250 Nm of torque while the X90 delivers 140 kW and 255 Nm of torque. The X90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and X90?
The Seltos starts from R599 995 and the X90 from R559 900. The X90 is cheaper by R40 095 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or X90?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of 900 Kg and the X90 can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos or the X90?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.