2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2026 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer leaps into the compact crossover arena with an energetic design and the distinct advantage of flex-fuel capability, utilizing its 137 hp engine to achieve a respectable 30 combined MPG. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Seltos counters with a slightly punchier standard output, boasting 147 horsepower, although it prioritizes highway cruising efficiency with 34 MPG on the highway compared to the Trailblazer's 31 MPG. While the Trailblazer offers slightly more width at 71.2 inches, the Seltos provides a marginally larger cargo hold at 26.6 cubic feet versus the Chevy's 25.3 cu ft. Priced affordably at $23,100, the Trailblazer undercuts the Seltos's $23,690 MSRP, making this a close call between immediate savings and nuanced efficiency. Both FWD crossovers utilize efficient CVT transmissions, but the Seltos's engine pulls ahead in raw power metrics.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior highway fuel economy rating of 34 MPG.
2026 Kia Seltos
Families will appreciate the marginally larger 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity offered by the 2026 Kia Seltos.
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos excites drivers more with its superior 147 horsepower output compared to the Trailblazer's 137 hp.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer secures the value verdict by having a lower starting MSRP of $23,100.
Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...
- You want the absolute lowest initial cost, as the Trailblazer starts at $23,100.
- You value the flexibility of running E85, given the Trailblazer's flex-fuel powertrain.
- You prefer a slightly taller vehicle stance, with the Trailblazer measuring 64.2 inches high.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- You require the best highway cruising efficiency, achieving 34 MPG.
- You prioritize passenger and cargo space, as the Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of storage.
- You desire a bit more raw engine performance, with 147 horsepower on tap.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trailblazer | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.1" | 172.6" |
| Width | 71.2" | 70.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 63.6" |
| Wheelbase | 104.0" | 103.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | — |
| 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 Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 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 | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 369.6/448.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
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 | 55.4 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 in. | 53.0 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 |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.8 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.4 in. | 48.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | P215/55R17 |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Trailblazer and 2026 Kia Seltos.
Which crossover offers better long-distance fuel efficiency?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is the winner for long highway stretches, boasting a 34 MPG highway rating, comfortably beating the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer's 31 MPG highway figure. While both are FWD CVTs, the Seltos's tuning leans more toward maximizing distance on regular unleaded fuel.
Is the horsepower difference between the Trailblazer and Seltos noticeable?
Yes, the difference between 137 hp (Trailblazer) and 147 hp (Seltos) is noticeable, especially during acceleration runs. The Seltos has 10 more horsepower, although the Trailblazer counters slightly with higher torque delivery at 162 lb-ft.
How do the starting prices compare?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the more budget-friendly option, starting at $23,100, which is $590 less than the 2026 Kia Seltos's starting MSRP of $23,690. This slight difference heavily influences the overall value proposition for budget-conscious buyers.
What are the key differences in vehicle size?
The vehicles are very similar in footprint, with the Trailblazer being slightly longer at 174.1 inches compared to the Seltos's 172.6 inches. However, the Seltos edges out the Chevy in cargo capacity by offering 26.6 cubic feet versus 25.3 cubic feet.
Does the fuel type impact the driving choice?
It can, as the 2025 Trailblazer supports flex-fuel (E85), offering options based on local fuel pricing. Conversely, the 2026 Seltos runs solely on regular unleaded, which might be more convenient if E85 stations are scarce in your area.
Are either of these vehicles available with All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2026 Kia Seltos are listed with front-wheel drive (FWD) as the drive type for these specific trims. Therefore, neither offers AWD based purely on this data.
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