Why is Kia Seltos cheaper in China than in the US and Vietnam?
The selling price of Kia Seltos in particular and cars in China has long been known to be highly competitive, significantly lower than in markets like the US or Vietnam.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•07/07/2025
The Kia Seltos was first launched in China in late 2019 under the name KX3. It was not until 2023 that the Kia Seltos name was officially used here after a mid-life upgrade. However, the name change did not affect the pricing policy, which is a key factor in helping this SUV attract the attention of Chinese consumers. In the US market, the Kia Seltos starts at $24,690 and goes up to $31,190 for the highest version. Meanwhile, in China, the car is priced from only 109,900 yuan (401.3 million dong) to 159,900 yuan (583.87 million dong).
Notably, the Korean automaker also applies special incentive programs specifically for the billion-people market. Specifically, the Kia Seltos Luxury version in China has a listed price of 129,900 yuan (474.33 million dong) but is being sharply reduced to only 77,900 yuan (284.85 million dong). The selling price of the Kia Seltos in this billion-people market is so low that it almost "downgrades" the model to a more affordable segment, if compared directly with the same model in the US or Vietnam. Despite having a nearly identical design between markets, the Kia Seltos in China is equipped with different and somewhat less powerful engine options.
specifically, the car in China is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine with a capacity of 113 horsepower or a 1.4L turbocharged engine with a capacity of 140 horsepower. Both versions come with an IVT automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos in the US is more powerful with a 2.0L naturally aspirated gasoline engine for 146 horsepower or a 1.6L turbocharged engine for up to 190 horsepower. Notably, users in the US can also choose a four-wheel drive system - an equipment not available on the Chinese versions. In Vietnam, Kia Seltos also has its own engine configuration, including both 1.5L naturally aspirated and 1.5L turbocharged engine versions. Current selling prices range from 599 million VND to 764 million VND, significantly higher than the listed price in China.
The Kia Seltos is priced lower in China than in other markets because it is produced domestically, which helps cut down on shipping costs, import duties and other taxes. The Chinese government also often applies tax incentives and subsidies for domestically assembled cars, especially for models with small engine capacities. On the other hand, due to the competition between many domestic car manufacturers, foreign car manufacturers often have to adjust prices in the Chinese market to suit local purchasing power and consumption habits.
Video : See details of the new generation Kia Seltos 2025.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•07/07/2025
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