2022 Kia Seltos Gets Outmuscled by 2022 Mazda CX-30, but It Has Many Other Advantages
The subcompact crossover SUV segment is increasing in popularity, with various models vying for the top spot. This includes the Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-30. See how they stack up in this 2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30 comparison.
2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30
For our 2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30 comparison, we evaluated several different areas. This includes performance, efficiency, off-road capabilities, towing, safety, passenger and cargo space, interior features and technologies, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Performance and efficiency
On the performance front, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 outmuscles the 2022 Kia Seltos. It offers two engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 hp) and a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (227 hp). While the Seltos also offers two engine options, neither of them match the output of the engines in the CX-30: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (146 hp) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp).
However, for efficiency, the Seltos has the advantage. It has an estimated fuel economy of up to 29 city/35 highway mpg, compared to a gas mileage of up to 25 city/33 highway mpg for the CX-30.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Off-road capabilities and towing
While both crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, the Seltos is a slightly better option for off-road capabilities. This is because it has higher ground clearance than the CX-30 (7.3 vs. 6.9 inches). Neither the CX-30 nor Seltos are rated for towing.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Safety
The CX-30 has the advantage for safety. It earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the Seltos received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick award.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Passenger and cargo space
The Seltos provides more space for both people and storage than the CX-30. It has a total passenger volume of 99.0 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cu-ft. In comparison, the CX-30 has a total passenger volume of 94.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 45.2 cu-ft.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Interior features and technologies
For interior features and technologies, the CX-30 has the advantage. Unlike the Seltos, it offers a head-up display, mirror memory, and a heated steering wheel. Both crossover SUVs offer a sunroof/moonroof.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Warranty coverage and reliability
The Seltos has more generous warranty coverage. It has the backing of a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the CX-30 has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Seltos also has the advantage for reliability. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 78/100, compared to 75/100 for the CX-30.
Seltos vs. CX-30: Price
Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2022 Seltos or the 2022 CX-30? The starting prices of the 2022 Seltos range from $22,490 MSRP for the LX trim up to $27,990 MSRP for the SX trim. In comparison, the starting prices of the 2022 CX-30 range from $22,200 MSRP for the 2.5 S trim up to $34,400 for the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Package trim.
2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30: Which crossover SUV is better?
In our 2022 Kia Seltos vs. 2022 Mazda CX-30 comparison, each crossover SUV has different advantages. For the 2022 CX-30, advantages include performance, safety, and interior features and technologies. Conversely, advantages for the 2022 Seltos include efficiency, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and reliability.
