2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Mazda CX-30

$24,690 · Crossover

$25,195 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 often boils down to whether you prioritize spaciousness or driving dynamics. Both are compact, AWD crossovers sharing a 29 MPG combined rating, making them solid daily drivers. However, the comparison reveals clear trade-offs. The CX-30 packs a significant punch with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Seltos's 146 hp. Yet, this power comes at the cost of utility; the CX-30 offers only 20.2 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Seltos boasts a much more generous 26.6 cu ft. Interestingly, the Seltos is slightly shorter at 172.6 inches compared to the CX-30's 173.0 inches, yet feels larger inside. Priced almost identically, with the Seltos starting at $24,690 and the CX-30 at $25,195, your choice hinges on whether you need that extra utility or crave superior engine performance for the highway merges.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos, with its slightly larger overall footprint and better cargo flexibility, offers superior practicality for urban errands and commuting needs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos clearly wins for families due to its substantially larger 26.6 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is the enthusiast choice, delivering a robust 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos's 146 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos provides more overall utility and size for a slightly lower MSRP of $24,690 compared to the CX-30's $25,195 entry price.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You absolutely need maximum cargo space, benefiting from the Seltos's class-leading 26.6 cu ft rear area.
You prefer a slightly lower starting MSRP, coming in at $24,690 against the CX-30's $25,195.
You want a slightly taller vehicle, as the Seltos stands at 63.4 inches high for potentially easier entry/exit.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize quick acceleration and highway merging power from the CX-30's 191 hp engine.
You prefer the fuel economy edge on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the Seltos's 31 MPG.
You enjoy a traditional automatic feel, as the CX-30 uses a 6-speed shiftable automatic instead of a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mazda CX-30
Length	172.6"	173.0"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	63.4"	61.7"
Wheelbase	103.5"	104.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	191 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	330.2/419.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Mazda
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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Mazda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.6 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.6 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

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	215/65R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Mazda CX-30.

How significant is the power difference between the Seltos and CX-30?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Mazda CX-30 produces 191 hp, giving it 45 more horsepower than the 2025 Kia Seltos's 146 hp. This means the CX-30 will feel much quicker during acceleration.

Which crossover is better for hauling luggage or sports gear?

The Kia Seltos is the clear winner here, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Mazda CX-30 provides significantly less room with only 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Are their fuel economy ratings very different for city driving?

They are nearly identical for overall efficiency at 29 MPG combined. However, the Seltos manages 27 MPG city while the CX-30 slightly trails at 26 MPG city, though the CX-30 wins on the highway (33 MPG vs 31 MPG).

Do these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Mazda CX-30 specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, helping keep running costs down.

Which car has a traditional automatic transmission?

If you prefer a traditional gear-shifting experience, the Mazda CX-30 is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the Kia Seltos uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

How do their AWD dimensions compare?

While both offer all-wheel drive, the CX-30 is slightly longer at 173.0 inches versus the Seltos's 172.6 inches, though the Seltos is slightly taller and wider.