2026 MAZDA CX-50 (left) and 2026 Kia Seltos (right) shown above with available features.
Comparing the 2026 Mazda CX-50 and 2026 Kia Seltos is a great way to gain a sense of why the former is the superior compact SUV choice. We at Mazda of Port Charlotte have done the necessary research to highlight some of the key differences between these two models, so continue reading for a deeper dive.
Performance
If you’re seeking to have an advantage in the performance department, then the Mazda CX-50’s standard SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque will win out against the Kia Seltos’ standard 2.0L 4-cylinder motor that features 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft of torque. Along with that, the Mazda CX-50 benefits from a 2,000-lb. Maximum towing capacity1, which the Seltos directly matches with its own towing capability of the same number. For drivetrains, the Mazda CX-50 uses a standard i-ACTIV AWD® system, whereas the Kia Seltos only has AWD as an available alternative to its standard FWD. And if fuel capacity matters to you at all, then you’ll want to go with the Mazda model still for its 15.9 gallons compared to the 13.2 gallons of the Kia vehicle.
Cabin
Amidst your travels across Route 41, the 2026 Mazda CX-50 can cater to your comfort with its available leather-trimmed chairs that aren’t up for grabs with the 2026 Kia Seltos. The latter have the available leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, but so too does the former, with the difference being that the Mazda SUV features them as standard inclusions. For both vehicles, heated front seats are an added component that you can get from their more expensive trim levels if you want a quick and easy way to warm yourself up when it’s cold out in Port Charlotte. It should also be noted that in terms of legroom, the Mazda CX-50’s 41.7 and 39.8 inches of front- and rear-row legroom, respectively, is on par with the Kia Seltos’s 41.4 and 38.0 inches of space in the same areas.
Technology
When you first enter both of these compact SUVs, the Mazda model will treat you to a standard 10.25-inch full-color display, while the Kia SUV only features a smaller 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.25-inch version being offered as an available upgrade. Similarly, the 7-inch LCD meter display that will keep you up to date with how your Mazda CX-50 is performing provides an easier viewing experience than the 4.2-inch instrument display of the Seltos. If you have a smartphone that needs to be energized before you arrive at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park, then both models have their respective wireless charger, albeit only the Mazda CX-50 has it as a standard option. Similarly, the standard Alexa Built-in2 system will provide many opportunities for you to command your Mazda CX-50 via Amazon Alexa features, which is only an available add-on for the Kia Seltos. We can answer any remaining questions that you have about how these two compact SUV models measure up, so contact us today!
2026 MAZDA CX-50
- SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque
- 15.9 gallon fuel capacity
- Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob
- Standard 10.25-inch full-color display
- Standard 7-inch LCD meter display
2026 Kia Seltos
- 2.0L 4-cylinder motor with 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft of torque
- 13.2 gallon fuel capacity
- Available leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob
- Standard 8-inch touchscreen
- Standard 4.2-inch instrument display
- Up to 2,000 pounds of towing capacity. Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
- Don’t drive while distracted. Some features may require cellular or Wi-Fi service; some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in motion. For Alexa to work in your Mazda vehicle, you must first enroll in Mazda Connected Services (MCS) OR tether to a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. Music cannot be played via Alexa if only paired via MCS. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Message and data rates may apply. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
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