Which is better, the 2025 Kia Seltos or Chevy Trax? Both offer budget-friendly pricing, solid tech, and great everyday practicality, but they part ways here. The Seltos has a more refined interior and optional turbo engine, while the Trax sticks to the basics with a more utilitarian vibe. Let’s break down how they stack up in price, features, performance, and fuel economy.
Key Takeaways
- The Seltos has a higher starting price—$26,085 to $32,585—compared to the Trax’s $21,895 to $25,895 range, as of May 6, 2025.
- You’ll get a more upscale interior with the Seltos, while the Trax is more utilitarian.
- The Seltos also wins when it comes to fuel efficiency.
Which Compact SUV Has More Upgrades: 2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos got a major refresh in 2024, so changes for 2025 are minor and mostly trim-specific. The S trim now includes a new instrument panel, a one-touch driver’s window, and two-tone 17-inch wheels. Rear parking sensors and reverse distance alerts are now standard on the EX and SX trims, and the EX AWD and SX trims now come with a power liftgate. The EX even gets an optional sunroof.
Staring MSRPs for the Seltos are:
- LX: $25,965
- S: $26,465
- EX: $27,465
- X-Line: $30,665
- SX: $32,465
On the Chevy side of things, the 2025 Trax stays mostly the same, aside from some color tweaks. Here’s the price breakdown:
- LS: $21,895
- 1RS: $23,895
- LT: $24,095
- 2RS: $25,895
- ACTIV: $25,895
Which Compact SUV Interior Is More High End: 2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos punches above its weight when it comes to interior quality. Think premium materials like geometric speaker grilles, silver-trimmed air vents, and faux leather dash accents in upper trims. The dash-mounted twin screens—8-inch on the base model, dual 10.25-inch displays on higher trims—look sleek and modern. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the board. Ambient lighting that even pulses to your playlist is standard in the top trim.
The Trax's interior is solid and comfortable but definitely more no-frills. Lower trims have an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while higher ones get an 11.0-inch version with wireless smartphone integration and an available wireless charger.
Which Compact SUV Engine Has More Power: 2025 Kia Seltos
With the Seltos, you get two engine choices. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder puts out 146 horsepower and mates with a smooth CVT. For slightly more punch, a 1.6-liter turbo delivers 195 horses and comes with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive comes standard on most trims (except the S and EX).
The Trax keeps it simple with a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder. It mates to a six-speed automatic and only comes with front-wheel drive. It handles just fine for city driving, but you may notice it lacks a bit of oomph on the highway.
Which Compact SUV Does Better on Fuel Economy: 2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos edges out the Trax in efficiency. Front-wheel-drive versions of the Seltos with the base engine get up to 34 mpg combined. Go for the turbo and all-wheel drive, and it drops slightly to 32 mpg. The Trax trails behind at 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. Not bad, but not as efficient as the Seltos.
Which Compact SUV Should You Choose: 2025 Kia Seltos
If you’re after the lowest price possible and just want a simple, no-fuss daily driver, the Chevy Trax will definitely get the job done. But if you’re willing to spend a little more for a nicer interior, better fuel economy, and the option for all-wheel drive with a turbocharged engine, the 2025 Kia Seltos is the obvious pick. Stop by our showroom to experience it yourself—you'll be glad you did!