2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

$24,690 · Crossover

$28,770 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant divergence between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Mazda CX-5 is the $4,080 difference in starting MSRP, with the Seltos positioned at $24,690 versus the CX-5's $28,770. This price differential dictates many compromises. The CX-5 offers a substantial performance advantage, delivering 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. Conversely, the Seltos maximizes fuel economy, achieving a 29 MPG combined rating, superior to the CX-5's 25 MPG combined. Dimensionally, the CX-5 is larger, measuring 180.1 inches in length and offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Seltos provides 26.6 cu ft. Both vehicles feature standard All-Wheel Drive, but the Seltos employs a CVT while the CX-5 uses a more conventional 6-speed automatic.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos wins for daily commuting due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy rating.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is better suited for families, offering 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-5

The CX-5 is the clear enthusiast choice, boasting 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos provides a lower entry point at $24,690, representing greater immediate cost savings.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Fuel efficiency is the highest priority, evidenced by its 29 MPG combined rating versus 25 MPG for the CX-5.
The lowest initial purchase price is required, with an MSRP of $24,690.
A more maneuverable footprint is preferred, as the Seltos is 7.5 inches shorter in length than the CX-5.

Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...

Maximum power is desired, supplied by the CX-5's 187 horsepower.
Greater utility is needed, given the CX-5’s 30.8 cu ft of cargo space.
A preference exists for a 6-speed automatic transmission over the Seltos’s CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mazda CX-5
Length	172.6"	180.1"
Width	70.9"	72.6"
Height	63.4"	66.1"
Wheelbase	103.5"	106.2"

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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	187 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	—	✓

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	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	23/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	351.9/443.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.3 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Air Conditioning	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	10.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Memory Card Slot	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

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.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	55.2 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.	39.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	54.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	55.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	P225/65R17
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	✓	✓

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-5.

What is the performance gap in raw power between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 significantly outperforms the Seltos in power output, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Kia Seltos generates only 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for long commutes?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the more fuel-efficient option, rated at 29 MPG combined (27 city/31 highway). The Mazda CX-5 trails with a 25 MPG combined rating (23 city/29 highway).

How much larger is the cargo area in the CX-5?

The Mazda CX-5 provides 30.8 cubic feet of standard cargo capacity. This is notably larger than the 26.6 cubic feet offered by the Kia Seltos, making the CX-5 better for hauling.

What drives the $4,080 difference in MSRP?

The price difference is driven by the CX-5’s higher standard output of 187 hp, its larger dimensions (180.1 inches long), and the inclusion of a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission compared to the Seltos’s CVT.