This shopping guide covers the basic facts about the 2024 Kia Seltos and 2024 Mazda CX-30. We’ve done our best to bring together the important aspects of each vehicle this model year.

 This question and answer format should make it easy to find the information important to your shopping experience.

What’s New for 2024?

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is part of the generation introduced in 2020. For the new model year, it adds a Carbon Turbo special edition. A new Select Sport trim level replaces the CX-30 Sport. There are other minor changes to trims and equipment.

 Originally introduced in 2021, the 2024 Kia Seltos is showcasing a new panoramic glass panel. It stretches across the dash to provide a large driver display and large infotainment screen. These two work together to provide everything a driver needs in the way of information, entertainment, or navigation.

Upping its performance, the 2024 Seltos Turbo has added an extra 20 horsepower and a new transmission. Other changes include the rugged goods looks of an all new trim, the Seltos X-Line. 

In addition, the entire lineup has a restyled exterior and interior. This added a cool light bar to connect the taillamps. Inside there are many upgrades, including a space-saving gear rotary controller. You can find this all new ride in our large Seltos inventory.  

What is the SUV’s Reputation?

In the case of the Kia Seltos vs Mazda CX-30, the rankings don’t show a big difference. In fact, US News and World Report rank the 2024 Seltos #2 and the 2024 CX-30 #3 in this subcompact SUV class. The Seltos was a finalist for 2024 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money.

Looking beyond the rankings, the Kia Seltos earned the award for Best Small SUV and Most Improved Vehicle from Newsweek. Furthermore, the 2023 Newsweek Auto Awards recognized Kia for Best SUV Lineup. The same judges named it the Most Innovative Vehicle Brand. 

Winner: It’s hard to draw a winner from two closely ranked vehicles. We do think that the Kia brand award is a significant point in favor of the new Seltos.  

Is the Kia Seltos More Spacious than the Mazda CX-30?

Labeled subcompact SUVs, these rivals are opposites. Sitting at the bottom of the class in size, the Mazda CX-30 has 94 cubic feet of passenger space -- putting it on par with a small sedan. Top Gear calls it cramped. Edmunds refers to it as diminutive. US News calls the backseat a kid-only affair.

The 2024 Kia Seltos is in the top of the subcompact SUV class in size. It is rated at over 99 cubic feet for passenger wiggle room. On the second row where every inch counts, the Seltos has about 1.5 inches of extra legroom compared to the Mazda CX-30. It’s easy for Seltos parents to fit in carseats, and adults have enough headroom.  

Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-30 second row suffers from its swoopy roof. This cuts into space, making adults uncomfortable on the second row. Plus the driver has trouble seeing out the rear window due to thick pillars and less space above the seat. Furthermore, the swoopy SUV shape affects the door size, making it less comfortable for adults to get in and out.

Winner: By the numbers, the Kia Seltos has the Mazda CX-30 beat in this category.  

 

Does the Seltos Cost More Than the CX-30?

Mazda CX-30 prices start with the CX-30 2.5 S Sport at an MSRP of $24,995 before fees and taxes. The 2.5 lineup includes the CX-30 S Select Sport, S Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium. It tops out at $31,990 MSRP before fees and taxes.

The Seltos LX AWD price starts out at $24,390 while the S FWD starts out at $24,900. This puts two Seltos models in the same price range as the one entry level CX-30.  

The popular Seltos EX FWD has an MSRP of $25,790, still quite affordable. To get the turbo, the buyer will choose the Seltos X-Line with an MSRP of $29,790, topping out at $30,090 for the Seltos SX.  

The CX-30 2.5 Carbo Turbo starts at $32,790. Upgrades include the 2.5 Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus, topping out at $36,800.  

Winner: There are similarities in costs so on some trims, these two are in a dead heat. However, if you are looking for the best deal, you’ll probably opt for the Seltos. It is especially true when you reach the top of the tier ladder where the Seltos can save you around $6,000.  

What Infotainment Systems Are Available?

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 has an 8.8 in infotainment screen that can be upgraded to a 10.25 inch display. The standard 8-inch touchscreen in the Seltos can be upgraded to a 10.3-inch display. Plus the Seltos has a panoramic glass panel that covers a 10.3-inch instrument panel digital display and the large infotainment display.

In terms of complexity, you might worry that the more high tech Seltos is more difficult. In fact, it is praised for being more straightforward. 

The Mazda touchscreen is criticized for being too complex. Drivers don’t need to worry about a steep learning curve when driving a new car.  

 In other ways, Kia dash entertainment pulls ahead of the Mazda. For starters, the base model has just four speakers while the Seltos has six. Furthermore, the two offer premium audio systems, but only Kia offers the ability to sync your ambient lighting with the music.

Winner: The Kia Seltos has an advantage in this category that is so important to today’s car shoppers. To learn more about Kia amenities and trim levels, check out this new Seltos review.  

How do Seltos and CX-30 Engines Compare?

The 2024 Kia Seltos has an efficient 147-horsepower engine that helps it earn the best possible fuel economy. However, for purposes of this comparison, we’ll look at the Seltos turbo which matches up with the Mazda CX-30 engine.

The Seltos turbo produces four more horsepower and an extra ten lb-ft of torque. Plus the Seltos weighs about 300 pounds less than the Mazda CX-30. This should ensure that the Seltos and CX-30 driver will enjoy similar performance. In fact, the Seltos turbo may be the most fun to drive.  

As for handling, Mazdas always seem to get good marks, but what about the Seltos? Car and Driver reports that the Seltos has sharp handling for an SUV. US News and World Report names balanced ride and handling as one of the Kia’s strong points.  

Winner: The 2024 Mazda CX-30 may win with its higher powered, more expensive turbo, but if you look at the two basic turbos, the 2024 Kia Seltos definitely has an advantage.  

Conclusion

Although the CX-30 is a good car, the 2024 Kia Seltos manages to pull ahead in this tough competition. The small Kia SUV saves money, provides a big package of tech tools, and guarantees peace of mind with its class-leading warranties.

To learn more, schedule a test drive at your Phoenix Kia dealership.