2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$25,195 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the sleek 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the practical 2026 Kia Seltos often boils down to prioritizing driving enjoyment versus sheer utility. If you crave pep, the CX-30 offers a significant performance advantage with its 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Seltos's 147 hp. However, the Seltos pulls ahead in efficiency and space; it boasts a superior combined MPG of 31 versus the Mazda’s 29, and provides substantially more room with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet. Furthermore, the Seltos starts at a lower MSRP of $23,690 compared to the CX-30's $25,195, making it the sensible choice for budget-conscious buyers who need maximum interior volume for their lifestyle.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos is better for commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the CX-30's 29.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

Families will appreciate the Seltos offering significantly more usable space with 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is the clear winner for driving enthusiasts, delivering 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides better baseline value starting at $23,690 and offers better MPG and cargo space for less money.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize engaging driving dynamics due to its 191 hp engine.
You prefer the standard security and traction of All-Wheel Drive on every trim.
You value the Mazda's sophisticated 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your budget is tight, as the Seltos has a lower starting MSRP of $23,690.
You need maximum hauling capacity, benefiting from 26.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You want the best fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway with FWD.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Kia Seltos
Length	173.0"	172.6"
Width	70.7"	70.9"
Height	61.7"	63.6"
Wheelbase	104.4"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Mazda	Kia
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	53.0 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	Mazda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Kia Seltos.

How much power difference is there between the CX-30 and the Seltos?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 has a noticeable advantage in power, producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Seltos comes with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Mazda has 44 more horsepower available.

Which crossover is better for maximizing trips without stopping for gas?

The 2026 Kia Seltos is marginally better on fuel economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the Mazda CX-30's 29 MPG combined. The Seltos also offers superior highway cruising efficiency at 34 MPG.

Is the standard AWD worth the extra cost on the Mazda CX-30?

The CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive across its trims, while the Seltos base model listed uses Front Wheel Drive. If you frequently deal with slick roads, the CX-30's standard AWD setup is a key advantage for better grip.

Does the smaller size of the CX-30 affect real-world utility?

Yes, the CX-30 is slightly smaller overall at 173.0 inches long, which translates directly to less storage. Its cargo capacity maxes out at 20.2 cu ft, whereas the Seltos offers a much larger 26.6 cu ft in the rear.

How do the transmissions compare in terms of driving feel?

The Mazda CX-30 utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, often favored by drivers seeking a more connected, traditional gear-shifting experience. The Kia Seltos uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), designed primarily for smoother, uninterrupted acceleration and better efficiency.

If I need a slightly taller stance, which crossover is higher?

The 2026 Kia Seltos sits slightly taller than the Mazda CX-30. The Seltos measures 63.6 inches in height, giving it nearly 2 inches of extra clearance over the CX-30's 61.7-inch height.