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Kia Seltos vs Mazda CX-50

2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-50
2025 Mazda CX-50
$30,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-50
$30,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$24,490

MSRP

$30,500

Listings

250

Listings

194

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Lots of helpful standard safety features

  • Functional cabin with intuitive technology

  • AWD standard on base trim level

Cons

  • Base engine feels underpowered

  • Optional turbo engine suffers from low-speed turbo-lag

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Fuel-efficient

Cons

  • Not much cargo space

  • Limited rear-seat space

  • Outdated technology

Reviews Summary

The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience.

Reviews Summary

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is one of two compact SUVs in the automaker's portfolio, sitting below the bigger Mazda CX-90 and Mazda CX-70 and above the CX-30 compact crossover in the automaker’s lineup. It joined the existing Mazda CX-5 in 2023 rather than replacing it, which was an odd decision considering their similarities. Nevertheless, just like the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback and the MX-5 Miata sports car, they're the fun yet refined choice in the class. The 2025 Mazda CX-50's new hybrid powertrain adds fuel efficiency to the mix, giving it an edge over its CX-5 sibling.

Verdict: The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid brings a potent yet efficient powertrain to an already sporty SUV. Combined with attractive styling and a near-luxury interior, it would be hard to beat if it weren't for its limited passenger and cargo space.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 146 hp I4

Engine

2.5L 187 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

187 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG City

27

MPG City

25

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

31
2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-50
2025 Mazda CX-50
$30,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Mazda CX-50
$30,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$24,490
$30,500
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

4.7

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Lots of helpful standard safety features

  • Functional cabin with intuitive technology

  • AWD standard on base trim level

Cons

  • Base engine feels underpowered

  • Optional turbo engine suffers from low-speed turbo-lag

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fun to drive

  • Fuel-efficient

Cons

  • Not much cargo space

  • Limited rear-seat space

  • Outdated technology

Summary
The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 is one of two compact SUVs in the automaker's portfolio, sitting below the bigger Mazda CX-90 and Mazda CX-70 and above the CX-30 compact crossover in the automaker’s lineup. It joined the existing Mazda CX-5 in 2023 rather than replacing it, which was an odd decision considering their similarities. Nevertheless, just like the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback and the MX-5 Miata sports car, they're the fun yet refined choice in the class. The 2025 Mazda CX-50's new hybrid powertrain adds fuel efficiency to the mix, giving it an edge over its CX-5 sibling.

Verdict: The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid brings a potent yet efficient powertrain to an already sporty SUV. Combined with attractive styling and a near-luxury interior, it would be hard to beat if it weren't for its limited passenger and cargo space.

Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 146 hp I4
2.5L 187 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
187 hp @ 6000 rpm
MPG City
27
25
MPG Highway
31
31

2024 Kia Seltos for Sale

250 results
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2025 Mazda CX-50 for Sale

194 results
See all

2024 Kia Seltos for Sale

Shop Now
250 results

2025 Mazda CX-50 for Sale

Shop Now
194 results

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