DecodedCarsKia Seltos vs Mazda CX-30
2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Mazda CX-30 — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Kia Seltos is more fuel-efficient: 29 vs 27 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $200 a year less in fuel for the Kia Seltos (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia Seltos has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 7).
The two cars
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,186 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel drive. It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,342 lb (Cx30 4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2023 Seltos and the 2023 CX-30 have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2021 Seltos and the 2021 CX-30.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Kia Seltos if…
- You want lower fuel bills (29 vs 27 MPG)
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Kia Seltos on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2026 Kia Seltos
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Mazda CX-30
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Full 2026 Kia Seltos specs →Full 2026 Mazda CX-30 specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →