2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

$24,690 · Crossover

$28,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos bursts onto the scene emphasizing efficiency and compact agility, boasting a keen 29 MPG combined rating from its 146 hp engine, all while keeping the sticker price sharp at $24,690. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Equinox offers a substantial performance upgrade; its 175 hp output and 184 lb-ft of torque significantly outpace the Seltos. This power comes with a slightly lower efficiency of 27 MPG combined, and a higher entry point, priced at $28,600—a $3,910 premium over the Seltos. While the Equinox is physically larger at 183.2 inches in length and provides more utility with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, the Seltos packs its AWD capability into a tighter 172.6-inch frame. Enthusiasts looking for immediate punch will favor the Equinox's 29 hp advantage, but budget-conscious buyers prioritize the Seltos's economy and lower cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior 29 MPG combined fuel economy, requiring fewer stops at the pump.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox takes the family win by offering significantly more space with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox for its robust 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, beating the Seltos's 146 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the clear value winner, undercutting the Equinox by $3,910 while still offering AWD.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You need the best fuel economy, as the Seltos achieves 29 MPG combined versus the Equinox's 27 MPG.
Staying under the $25,000 mark is critical, given the Seltos's attractive $24,690 MSRP.
You prefer a more nimble, compact vehicle, noted by the Seltos's shorter 172.6-inch length.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You demand brisk acceleration powered by the Equinox's greater 175 horsepower.
Maximum utility is required, as the Equinox provides 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the higher torque rating of 184 lb-ft for better pulling capability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Chevrolet Equinox
Length	172.6"	183.2"
Width	70.9"	74.9"
Height	63.4"	65.6"
Wheelbase	103.5"	107.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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	2
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	14.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.2 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
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.	6 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 Kia Seltos and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Equinox compared to the 2025 Seltos?

The 2026 Chevrolet Equinox boasts 175 horsepower, giving it a significant advantage over the 2025 Kia Seltos, which is rated at 146 horsepower—a difference of 29 hp.

Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for daily driving?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the more efficient choice, achieving 29 MPG combined. The 2026 Equinox trails slightly with a combined rating of 27 MPG.

What is the primary cost difference between these two vehicles?

There is a $3,910 difference in their starting prices, with the 2025 Kia Seltos MSRPing at $24,690 and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox starting at $28,600.

Are the drivetrains comparable in these models?

Both vehicles feature a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, but the Seltos comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), while the base Equinox uses Front Wheel Drive (FWD).

If I haul cargo often, which vehicle provides more capacity?

For maximizing hauling space, the 2026 Equinox is superior, offering 29.8 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

Do both crossovers require premium fuel?

No, fortunately, neither vehicle demands high-octane fuel; both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.