Compare the2027 Kia Seltos VS 2026 Mazda CX-5

Compared to metal, the Seltos’ plastic fuel tank can withstand harder, more intrusive impacts without leaking; this decreases the possibility of fire. The Mazda CX-5 has a metal gas tank.

Both the Seltos and the CX-5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all-wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors and rear cross-path warning.

The Seltos comes with a full 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The CX-5’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 2 years or 24,000 miles sooner.

Kia’s powertrain warranty covers the Seltos 5 years and 40,000 miles longer than Mazda covers the CX-5. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Coverage on the CX-5 ends after only 5 years or 60,000 miles.

There are over 46 percent more Kia dealers than there are Mazda dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the Seltos’ warranty.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Seltos has a standard 150-amp alternator (130-amp - Seltos X-Line SX). The CX-5’s 100-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Kia vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Kia above average in initial quality. With 44 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Kia vehicles are more reliable than Mazda vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Kia 4 places higher in reliability than Mazda.

The Seltos X-Line SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder produces 3 more horsepower (190 vs. 187) and 9 lbs.-ft. more torque (195 vs. 186) than the CX-5’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the Seltos X-Line SX 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder is faster than the Mazda CX-5:

	Seltos	CX-5
Zero to 60 MPH	8.2 sec	8.3 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	23.7 sec	24.4 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	86 MPH	85 MPH
Top Speed	132 MPH	116 MPH

On the EPA test cycle the Seltos gets better mileage than the CX-5:

			MPG
Seltos
	FWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	28 city/33 hwy
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	26 city/30 hwy
CX-5
	AWD	2.5 DOHC 4-cyl.	24 city/30 hwy

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Kia Seltos X-Line SX, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-5.

The Seltos has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a CVT.

The Seltos stops shorter than the CX-5:

	Seltos	CX-5
70 to 0 MPH	181 feet	182 feet	Car and Driver

For better traction, the Seltos X-Line SX’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-5 (235/45R19 vs. 225/65R17).

The Seltos X-Line SX’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-5 Preferred/Premium’s 55 series tires.

The Seltos has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-5’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For better maneuverability, the Seltos’ turning circle is 1.6 feet tighter than the CX-5’s (35.2 feet vs. 36.8 feet).

The Kia Seltos may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 750 pounds less than the Mazda CX-5.

The Seltos is 10.2 inches shorter than the CX-5, making the Seltos easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The front grille of the Seltos uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-5 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Seltos has .8 inches more front headroom and 1.6 inches more rear hip room than the CX-5.

Standard on the Seltos uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-5 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Seltos has a higher standard payload capacity than the CX-5 (1223 vs. 1058 lbs.).

The Seltos has a higher maximum payload capacity than the CX-5 (1224 vs. 1058 lbs.).

The power windows standard on both the Seltos and the CX-5 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Seltos is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-5 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The Seltos’ standard Smart Key allows you to unlock the doors from either front door handle, unlock the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from pocket or purse. Pushbutton Start standard on the CX-5 only offers hands-free access for the ignition, none to unlock the vehicle.

The Seltos’ standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Mazda only offers heated mirrors on the CX-5 Select/Preferred/Premium.

Both the Seltos and the CX-5 offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the Seltos offers optional rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The CX-5 doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

Compared to traditional radio, the Kia Seltos’ standard SiriusXM satellite radio provides an unmatched listening experience. Its extensive coverage guarantees consistent, crystal-clear reception across the continental U.S., and access to over 100 channels dedicated to a multitude of genres, including music, news, sports, talk shows, and comedy, many with only limited commercial breaks. Satellite radio is only offered on the CX-5 Premium.

The Seltos is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The CX-5 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.