2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2025 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2025 Kia Seltos often boils down to prioritizing size versus upfront savings. If squeezing into tight city spots is a daily concern, the Seltos’s shorter length of 172.6 inches makes it more nimble than the Equinox at 183.2 inches. However, the Equinox offers more room to haul, boasting 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cubic feet. Power seekers will note the Equinox’s 175 horsepower, significantly more than the Seltos’s 146 hp, though this comes at a cost; the Equinox starts at $28,600 while the Seltos is priced attractively at $24,690. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the Seltos ekes out a win with 29 MPG combined, slightly ahead of the Equinox's 27 MPG combined, despite the Equinox using the same regular unleaded fuel type.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 29 MPG and smaller overall footprint.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is the better family choice because it offers a larger cargo capacity of 29.8 cu ft for gear and groceries.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
Enthusiasts will prefer the Equinox as it produces a higher 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos offers better entry-level value, starting at $24,690, which is $3,910 less than the starting price of the Equinox.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You need the extra hauling capability provided by the generous 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prefer a stronger engine that delivers 175 horsepower for merging and passing.
- You appreciate the slightly larger road presence and interior volume provided by its 183.2-inch length.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Saving money upfront is critical, given its appealing $24,690 MSRP.
- You want better fuel efficiency, achieving 31 MPG on the highway.
- Maneuvering and parking in tight spaces is a priority, thanks to its shorter 172.6-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 172.6" |
| Width | 74.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 65.6" | 63.4" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 103.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 27/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 356.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 53.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 52.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | P215/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2025 Kia Seltos.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Equinox compared to the 2025 Seltos?
The Chevrolet Equinox has a distinct power advantage, producing 175 horsepower, while the Kia Seltos outputs 146 horsepower. This 29 hp difference should be noticeable during acceleration.
Is the higher starting price of the Equinox ($28,600) justified by its specs over the Seltos ($24,690)?
The Equinox is $3,910 more expensive, but it compensates with 29 more horsepower and a significantly larger 29.8 cu ft cargo hold compared to the Seltos’s 26.6 cu ft.
Which crossover is better for long highway trips regarding fuel consumption?
The Kia Seltos is slightly more efficient on the highway, rated at 31 MPG highway, compared to the Equinox's 28 MPG highway rating. Both utilize regular unleaded fuel.
Does the difference in size matter for city driving between these two crossovers?
Yes, the Seltos is noticeably more compact, measuring 172.6 inches long compared to the Equinox's 183.2 inches, which will aid in city maneuverability and parking.
Are either of these vehicles standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?
Based on the provided specs, the Kia Seltos comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the base 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is listed with Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
How close are the horsepower and torque figures for the base models?
The Equinox leads significantly, offering 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Seltos produces 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, showing the Equinox is the stronger performer overall.
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