2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$24,690 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos bursts onto the scene with an accessible starting MSRP of $24,690, prioritizing efficiency with a 29 MPG combined rating, while the 2026 Mazda CX-50 targets drivers seeking kinetic engagement, boasting a spirited 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque. The Seltos, being significantly shorter at 172.6 inches, offers nimble city maneuverability paired with a respectable 26.6 cu ft of cargo space. In stark contrast, the CX-50 asserts its presence with a wider stance (75.6 inches) and superior hauling capability, offering 31.4 cu ft for gear. The performance gap is substantial: the Mazda delivers 41 more horsepower than the Seltos's 146 hp, although the trade-off sees the Mazda achieving slightly lower fuel economy. Choosing between them boils down to whether you crave the budget-conscious efficiency of the Seltos or the elevated performance wrapped in Mazda’s signature design ethos.

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 combined fuel economy of 29 MPG, potentially lowering daily running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 offers substantially more utility with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 delivers a much more engaging drive thanks to its 187 hp and the responsive 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos presents outstanding entry value, undercutting the CX-50's MSRP by $5,210.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You prioritize saving money upfront, as the Kia Seltos starts at just $24,690.
Maximizing miles per gallon is crucial, given its 29 MPG combined rating.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint for easier urban navigation.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You demand brisk acceleration from a robust 187 hp engine.
Maximum storage space is required, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cu ft for gear.
You prefer the tactical feel of a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mazda CX-50
Length	172.6"	185.8"
Width	70.9"	75.6"
Height	63.4"	63.5"
Wheelbase	103.5"	110.8"

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 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	185 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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	15.9 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	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	53.6 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
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	✓	—
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-50.

How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Seltos and the 2026 CX-50?

The performance gap is considerable; the Mazda CX-50 produces 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, easily overshadowing the Kia Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. This difference means the CX-50 will feel significantly punchier when merging or climbing grades.

Which crossover is better for longer highway commutes regarding fuel consumption?

The Kia Seltos holds the efficiency advantage, rated at 31 MPG on the highway compared to the CX-50's 30 MPG highway rating, making the Seltos slightly cheaper to run over extended trips.

Is the price difference between the two vehicles justified by the CX-50's extra features?

The Mazda CX-50 costs $5,210 more than the Seltos, primarily justified by its higher horsepower, larger dimensions, and greater cargo volume (31.4 cu ft vs 26.6 cu ft). Whether it is 'justified' depends on how much you value that extra power and space.

Which vehicle is larger overall, considering exterior dimensions?

The Mazda CX-50 is the larger vehicle in footprint; it is over 3 inches longer (185.8 inches vs 172.6 inches) and substantially wider at 75.6 inches compared to the Seltos's 70.9 inches.

Do both models use the same drivetrain technology?

Both utilize All-Wheel Drive (AWD), but they employ different transmissions; the Seltos uses a continuously variable automatic (CVT), while the CX-50 features a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.