Kia Seltos Vs. Mazda CX-30 Comparison, Differences, Specs
When shopping for a small crossover SUV, you'll be presented with several stylish and well-equipped options, and we are here today to show you how the Kia Seltos vs. Mazda CX-30 compare. These two SUVs for sale offer fuel-efficient and versatile performance, impressive dimensions, and competitive features, making them natural rivals in the small SUV segment.
2025 Mazda CX-30 vs. Kia Seltos at a Glance
- The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with a more powerful engine than the Kia Seltos.
- Both vehicles up the ante with an available engine, but the Mazda model still comes out on top in terms of power.
- The AWD Kia Seltos has higher city fuel efficiency, but the Mazda CX-30 with i-Activ AWD® does better on the highway.
- The Mazda CX-30 is longer than the Kia Seltos but not quite as tall or wide.
- The most recent version of the Mazda CX-30 to be judged by the IIHS was named a Top Safety Pick+; the Kia Seltos was not.1
Discover which crossover SUV you prefer in our Mazda CX-30 vs. Kia Seltos comparison. If your favorite aligns with ours, we welcome you to stop by McGee Mazda Claremont for a test drive.
Mazda CX-30 vs. Kia Seltos Specs
The new Mazda CX-30 for sale is a small SUV with impressive power.
Not only does its standard powertrain surpass the Kia Seltos model's standard option by 45 horsepower and 54 pound-feet of torque, but you can also upgrade to a turbocharged engine that has even more muscle behind it. In either case, its plentiful power is sent to all four wheels via the Skyactiv®-Drive six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD®.
The 2025 Kia Seltos also puts up a second powertrain contender. However, this, too, falls short of the Mazda CX-30 and its turbocharged engine – this time by up to 55 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. Its transmission options include the Intelligent Variable Transmission and an eight-speed automatic, and it offers FWD and AWD choices.
Given its lower power output, it's not surprising the Kia Seltos struggles to compete with the more robust Mazda CX-30. Where the Mazda model can go from zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds,2 it takes 6.9 seconds for the Kia SUV.3
While the Kia Seltos can't accelerate as fast as its competitor, both of these small crossover SUV models provide excellent fuel efficiency. For example, the entry trims of the 2025 Mazda CX-30 deliver an EPA-estimated 26/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).4
Meanwhile, the Kia Seltos entry trims with AWD accomplish an EPA-estimated 27/31/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).5 Whether you choose the Kia Seltos vs. Mazda CX-30, either can provide cost savings at the gas pump.
Kia Seltos vs. Mazda CX-30 Size
The Mazda CX-30 comes out on top regarding performance, but what about dimensions? These two SUVs have very similar exterior dimensions, but the Mazda CX-30 is slightly longer and thinner than the Kia Seltos. What likely matters to you is how this plays out inside.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo volume behind its five-passenger seating, while the 2025 Kia Seltos boasts 26.6 cubic feet of space. However, passenger space keeps these two SUVs neck-and-neck, with the Mazda CX-30 offering greater first-row legroom and general hip room.
From performance to dimensions and more, get a glimpse of the Kia Seltos vs. Mazda CX-30 specs below.
| 2025 MAZDA CX-30 | vs. | 2025 Kia Seltos |
 |  | |
| Engine |
|
| 191 or 227-250 | Horsepower | 146 or 195 |
| 186 or 310-320 lb-ft | Torque | 132 or 195 lb-ft |
| SKYACTIV®-DRIVE 6-speed automatic | Transmission | IVT or 8-speed automatic |
| i-ACTIV AWD® | Drive Type | FWD or AWD |
| 173 in | Length | 172.6 in |
| 104.4 in | Wheelbase | 103.5 in |
| 61.7-62.2 in | Height | 63.4 in |
| 70.7 in | Width | 70.9 in |
| 8 in | Ground Clearance | 7.3 in |
| 41.7 in | Front Legroom | 41.4 in |
| 5 | Seating Capacity | 5 |
| 6 | Standard Speakers | 6 |
| 8.8 in | Standard Center Screen | 8 in |
If you take us up on one of our new Mazda CX-30 lease deals, you'll have the chance to enjoy this compact crossover for its powerful ride, easy maneuverability, and comfortable cabin. Leasing also makes it simpler to get behind the wheel of a larger vehicle if your family grows over the next few years.
Compare the Mazda CX-30 to Kia Seltos: Safety & Tech
Both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Kia Seltos offer highly advanced safety technologies, but let's look at the particulars of their base trims. They each have the following driver-support systems as standard:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Rear Seat Alert
- High Beam Control
- Rearview Monitor
- Driver Attention Alert
However, the Mazda model also comes standard with these features:
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
The Kia Seltos requires you to go up to a trim to obtain its Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. It also doesn't feature its Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go until its top trim.
While both vehicles have yet to be judged by the IIHS in their 2025 model year, it's worth noting that the 2024 Mazda CX-30 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award recipient.1 The 2024 Kia Seltos did not receive this same distinction.1
Shop for a 2025 Mazda CX-30 at Your Mazda Dealer
For the latest new Mazda vehicles, like the sporty and versatile 2025 Mazda CX-30, visit your local Mazda dealership. McGee Mazda Claremont is a full-service Mazda dealer that can assist with your new car or SUV search, so shop our selection and contact us today. We are also happy to show you other ways the Kia Seltos vs. Mazda CX-30 compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger: the Kia Seltos or Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 is 0.4 inches longer than the Kia Seltos but slightly shorter and thinner. As compact SUVs, these vehicles aim to be smaller and more nimble. However, they both offer comfortable five-passenger cabins. The Mazda model has more first-row legroom, while the Kia Seltos has greater second-row legroom; it will be up to you to decide which you prefer.
What are the main differences between the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30?
The main difference between the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 is their engines. The Mazda CX-30 is more powerful than the Kia model, whether you're comparing their standard or available engines, and each Mazda trim comes with standard i-Activ AWD®. The Mazda SUV also has more advanced driver-assistance features as standard and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipient for 2024.1
Which SUV offers better performance: the Kia Seltos or Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 offers better performance thanks to its impressive standard and available engines. Comparing the base engines in both crossover SUVs for sale, you'll find the 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the Mazda CX-30 significantly outperforms the 146-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood of the Kia Seltos. The same can be said about the available powertrains.
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