The 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Chevrolet Trax are subcompact SUVs that were either freshly updated or completely redesigned for last model year.
Of the two, it’s the Seltos that received a more subtle, but still meaningful, round of updates. An optional turbocharged engine is more powerful than before, the grille is larger, a panoramic dual-screen display is available, and Kia tweaked the shape of the headlights and taillights.
As for the Chevrolet Trax, the only thing it shares with its 2023 predecessor is its name. This current version has a bolder exterior similar to the sporty shape found on Chevy Trailblazer and Blazer SUVs. Larger infotainment screens, more safety features, and a turbo 3-cylinder engine are a few of this SUV’s key features.
Let’s take a closer look at some highlights of the Kia Seltos and Chevy Trax.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos starts at $25,965, including destination fees, and is available in five trims: LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX. Even the entry-level version of the Seltos comes with all-important Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, multiple USB ports, an 8-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, and a dual-level cargo floor.
Kia Seltos Highlights
Available AWD: You get all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment on the LX, X-Line, and SX models. It’s optional on both the S and EX trims. You won’t find this on the Chevrolet Trax; it’s strictly front-wheel drive.
Passenger stretch-out space: Sure, the Seltos looks huggable and has an affordable price. But the tradeoff is going to be a cramped cabin, right? Thankfully, that’s not the case because Kia carved out a surprising degree of headroom and legroom for those seated in either the first or second row.
Dual-screen infotainment display: A 10.25-inch digital instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard in every Seltos except the base LX. This sleek layout wouldn’t look out of place in an SUV, costing thousands more than this budget-friendly Kia.
Optional turbo 4-cylinder: Many Seltos shoppers will be fine sticking with the entry-level 4-cylinder that produces 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Yet, for anyone looking for more straight-line speed, there’s an optional turbo 4-cylinder. It serves up 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque at a low 1,600 rpm.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Seltos models for sale near you.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Trax starts at $21,495 and is offered in five trims: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. Standard equipment includes an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, automatic high-beam headlights, and a pair of USB ports. Under the hood of the Trax is a turbocharged 3-cylinder that sends 137 hp to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic.
Chevrolet Trax Highlights
Good fuel economy: The Trax is one of your more fuel-efficient SUV options thanks to an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined average in city and highway driving.
Chevy Safety Assist: This suite of drive aids includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rear-seat reminder, and high-beam assist. It’s standard on every trim.
Wireless smartphone connectivity: You can leave the cords at home with the Trax. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come along for the ride with either the 8-inch or 11-inch touchscreens. Additionally, wireless charging is available in the LT trim and up.
Gym body: Remember the shape of the 2023 Trax? Probably not; it was kind of stubby and forgettable. That’s what makes the exterior of the current Trax such a treat. Its sporty stance is fresh, modern, and dramatically more appealing.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Trax models for sale near you.
Similarities
These two are evenly matched in terms of blending a lot of space, and creature comforts into a subcompact SUV shell. They each come with user-friendly infotainment systems with clear menus and sharp graphics. Driver aids are also plentiful, and they have nearly equal amounts of cargo space behind their split-folding rear seat backs.
Conclusion
Credit to Chevrolet for the total turnaround it achieved with one of its smallest SUVs. The new Trax is a seismic shift from its ho-hum predecessor, and its starting price, notaby lower than the Kia’s, makes the Chevy the value choice.
That’s all well and good, but the Seltos is a little better. It has the choice of two engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and an outstanding warranty. These and many other factors explain why it happens to be our Best Buy Award winner among subcompact SUVs.
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Seltos vehicles and New 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Kia Seltos | 2025 Chevrolet Trax | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 28 city/34 highway/31 combined | 28 city/32 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | NA | NA |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 inches | 106.3 inches |
| Overall Length | 172.6 inches | 178.6 inches |
| Width | 70.9 inches | 71.7 inches |
| Height | 63.4 inches | 61.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 37.1 |
| Headroom, Front | 40.0 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.4 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.0 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.5 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 54.7 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 26.6 cubic feet | 25.6 cubic feet |
