2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax

$24,690 · Crossover

$21,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos bursts onto the scene with an available 146 hp, appealing to those who crave a bit more pep, especially combined with its standard All-Wheel Drive system for confidence. Conversely, the redesigned 2026 Chevrolet Trax tantalizes budget-conscious drivers with a sharp starting MSRP of just $21,600, undercutting the Seltos by a significant $3,090. While the Seltos boasts slightly more power, the Trax counters with superior efficiency, netting 30 combined MPG compared to the Seltos' 29. The Trax also achieves a marginally better highway rating at 32 MPG versus 31 MPG for the Kia. Dimensionally, the Seltos is shorter at 172.6 inches but offers marginally more utility with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Trax's 25.6 cu ft. Performance purists might note the Trax’s surprisingly robust 162 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the Seltos' 132 lb-ft despite lower horsepower.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy (30 combined MPG) and lower entry price.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos offers slightly more usable space with 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, beneficial for family gear.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its 146 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trax

With a $3,090 lower MSRP ($21,600), the Chevrolet Trax presents superior outright financial value.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize maximum traction and handling stability due to the standard All-Wheel Drive.
You want a slightly punchier feel from the engine, thanks to its 146 hp output.
You need the maximum amount of cargo room available, offering 26.6 cu ft.

Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...

Saving money upfront is critical, as its $21,600 MSRP is significantly lower.
You prioritize outright fuel efficiency, netting 32 Highway MPG.
You prefer better low-end acceleration due to the higher torque output of 162 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Chevrolet Trax
Length	172.6"	178.6"
Width	70.9"	71.8"
Height	63.4"	61.4"
Wheelbase	103.5"	106.0"

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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	flex-fuel (FFV)
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
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	6-speed shiftable 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	28/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	369.6/422.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 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	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
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	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	52.1 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	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	54.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	45.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

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	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Chevrolet
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
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 Trax.

How significant is the difference in power between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Chevy Trax?

The Seltos holds a slight edge in horsepower, delivering 146 hp compared to the Trax's 137 hp. However, the Trax boasts more pulling power in the low end with 162 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos' 132 lb-ft.

Which crossover offers better running costs based on fuel economy?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is marginally more economical, achieving 30 combined MPG compared to the Seltos' 29 combined MPG. The Trax also leads slightly on the highway with 32 MPG versus 31 MPG.

Is the All-Wheel Drive capability a standard feature on both vehicles?

No, the 2025 Kia Seltos comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive transmission setup. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax utilizes a Front Wheel Drive setup, which is often less capable in adverse weather conditions.

How close are the cargo capacities in the Seltos versus the Trax?

The cargo areas are quite close, with the Kia Seltos offering 26.6 cubic feet of space. The Chevrolet Trax trails slightly, providing 25.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

What is the exact price difference between these two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Seltos starts at an MSRP of $24,690, which is exactly $3,090 more expensive than the 2026 Chevrolet Trax's entry price of $21,600.

Do either of these crossovers require premium gasoline?

Fortunately for both vehicles, neither the 2025 Kia Seltos nor the 2026 Chevrolet Trax requires premium fuel; both specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type.