2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$23,690 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 often boils down to budget versus capability. If you're looking to save upfront, the Seltos starts at a compelling $23,690, which is a significant $6,210 less than the CX-50's $29,900 base price. However, that extra cost for the Mazda buys you performance and capability. The CX-50 boasts a healthy 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), compared to the Seltos's 147 hp and standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Fuel economy leans heavily toward the Kia, achieving 31 MPG combined against the CX-50's 26 MPG combined. While the Seltos is smaller at 172.6 inches long, the larger CX-50 offers more space, yielding 31.4 cu ft of cargo room versus the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft. Your decision hinges on whether prioritized lower running costs or enhanced standard power and utility are more important for your daily drive.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, delivering 31 MPG combined versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is better for families because it provides a significantly larger 31.4 cu ft of cargo space and standard AWD capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the Mazda CX-50 for its substantial power advantage, delivering 187 hp compared to the Seltos's 147 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers better immediate value, costing $6,210 less while still providing a competent crossover package.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You want to save $6,210 on the initial purchase price, starting at just $23,690.
Your daily driving requires maximum fuel savings, offering a 31 MPG combined rating.
You primarily drive in predictable conditions, as the FWD setup is adequate for FWD commuters.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You frequently encounter adverse weather or need better traction thanks to standard AWD.
You prioritize performance, benefiting from 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum utility, as the 31.4 cu ft cargo area easily beats the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Mazda CX-50
Length	172.6"	185.8"
Width	70.9"	75.6"
Height	63.6"	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	147 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	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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/448.8 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	53.0 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	54.9 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	48.8 in.	52.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Mazda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R17	P225/65R17
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-50.

How significant is the difference in power between these two crossovers?

The Mazda CX-50 holds a clear advantage here, producing 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, which is 40 hp more than the Kia Seltos's 147 hp. This power difference will be noticeable during highway merging or spirited driving.

Is the Kia Seltos cheaper to run day-to-day?

Yes, the Seltos is projected to be cheaper to fuel due to its better efficiency. It achieves 31 MPG combined, whereas the CX-50 is rated for 26 MPG combined, resulting in five fewer miles per gallon.

Which vehicle is physically larger for passengers and cargo?

The Mazda CX-50 is physically larger overall (185.8 inches long) and offers significantly more storage with 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the Seltos’s 26.6 cu ft.

Why is the Mazda CX-50 priced $6,210 more than the Kia Seltos?

The higher starting MSRP of $29,900 for the CX-50 reflects its standard All-Wheel Drive system, superior horsepower rating, and overall larger physical footprint compared to the $23,690 FWD Seltos.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

No, both the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping operating costs predictable across both models.

How does the driving experience differ regarding transmission type?

The Kia Seltos uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) transmission, which prioritizes smoothness and efficiency. The Mazda CX-50 utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, often preferred by driving enthusiasts for a more engaged feel.