2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$24,690 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most substantial divergence between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 lies in performance metrics, where the CX-30 offers a significant 40 hp advantage, generating 186 hp versus the Seltos's 146 hp, along with 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 132 lb-ft. This power gap is evident despite the Seltos having a slight edge in cargo volume at 26.6 cubic feet compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet. Fuel efficiency remains close, with the Seltos achieving a marginally better combined rating of 29 MPG (27/31 City/Highway) than the CX-30's 27 MPG combined (24/31 City/Highway). The Seltos also undercuts the CX-30 in entry price, listing at an MSRP of $24,690 versus $25,975. Both crossovers utilize AWD and are dimensionally similar, though the Seltos is slightly taller at 63.4 inches.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29 combined MPG compared to the Mazda's 27 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos is the practical choice for families, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 caters to enthusiasts by delivering 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides better initial value, starting at an MSRP of $24,690 against the CX-30's $25,975, while still offering better city MPG.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize utility, as the Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space versus the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.
Maximizing fuel stops is critical, given the Seltos's 29 combined MPG rating.
The budget is a primary concern, as the Seltos has a lower entry MSRP of $24,690.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Performance figures are important, demonstrated by the CX-30's 186 hp output.
A traditional automatic feel is preferred, as the CX-30 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission instead of a CVT.
A lower profile is desired, as the CX-30 sits slightly lower at 61.4 inches compared to the Seltos's 63.4 inches.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mazda CX-30
Length	172.6"	173.0"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	63.4"	61.4"
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	—	✓
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	186 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	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	304.8/393.7 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	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	8
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 2026 Mazda CX-30.

What is the main performance difference between the 2025 Seltos and 2026 CX-30?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 holds a substantial advantage in power output, boasting 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Seltos is rated at 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, creating a 40 hp disparity.

Which vehicle offers more usable space for gear?

The Kia Seltos is significantly more capable for hauling cargo, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Mazda CX-30 trails notably in this area with only 20.2 cubic feet of capacity.

How do the base prices compare for these two AWD crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Seltos has a lower entry MSRP at $24,690. The 2026 Mazda CX-30 commands a premium for its extra power, starting at $25,975.

Are the fuel economy differences significant for regular drivers?

The difference is minor but present; the Seltos gets 29 combined MPG, while the CX-30 achieves 27 combined MPG, though both utilize regular unleaded fuel.

What transmission technology does each model employ?

The Kia Seltos utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission. The Mazda CX-30 employs a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How do the exterior dimensions compare between the two vehicles?

The vehicles are nearly identical in footprint; the CX-30 is negligibly longer at 173.0 inches versus the Seltos's 172.6 inches, but the Seltos is noticeably taller (63.4 inches vs. 61.4 inches).