2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$23,690 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 is fuel economy, where the Seltos achieves a 31 MPG combined rating compared to the CX-30's 27 MPG combined, a 4 MPG advantage. This efficiency gain is balanced against the CX-30's superior performance metrics, boasting 186 lb-ft of torque and 186 hp versus the Seltos's 132 lb-ft and 147 hp. Priced $2,285 lower, the Seltos starts at $23,690 while the CX-30 begins at $25,975. Furthermore, the Seltos offers substantially more utility, providing 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet. While the CX-30 includes standard All-Wheel Drive and a traditional 6-speed automatic, the Seltos employs Front Wheel Drive and a CVT, resulting in distinct driving dynamics and ownership costs over the long term.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower starting MSRP of $23,690.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos accommodates families better by offering 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 appeals to enthusiasts with significantly higher output, featuring 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos provides better inherent value by undercutting the CX-30's MSRP by $2,285 while delivering better MPG.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Seltos achieves 31 MPG combined versus 27 MPG for the CX-30.
Maximum cargo space is needed, with the Seltos offering 26.6 cu ft compared to 20.2 cu ft.
The lowest possible purchase price is the main objective, starting at $23,690.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

Maximum available power is preferred, as the CX-30 provides 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is required for varied road conditions.
A traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission is desired over a CVT.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mazda CX-30
Length	172.6"	173.0"
Width	70.9"	70.7"
Height	63.6"	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	147 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	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	24/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/448.8 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	53.0 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	54.9 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	48.8 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	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 2026 Kia Seltos and 2026 Mazda CX-30.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 compared to the 2026 Kia Seltos?

The CX-30 significantly outperforms the Seltos in power metrics. The CX-30 delivers 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is 39 more horsepower and 54 more lb-ft of torque than the Seltos's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

Which vehicle has a higher starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 has the higher starting price at $25,975. The 2026 Kia Seltos is priced $2,285 lower, starting at $23,690.

Is there a notable difference in cargo capacity between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Kia Seltos provides substantially more storage volume for owners. The Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the CX-30 is limited to 20.2 cubic feet.

What is the drivetrain and transmission difference affecting the driving experience?

The standard setup for the Seltos is FWD with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive paired with a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

How much better is the fuel economy on the Kia Seltos for daily driving?

The Seltos is measurably more fuel-efficient, achieving 31 MPG combined (28 city/34 highway). This contrasts with the CX-30's 27 MPG combined rating (24 city/31 highway), giving the Seltos a 4 MPG advantage.

Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, both the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mazda CX-30 specify regular unleaded as their required fuel type, simplifying refueling logistics for owners of either model.