In the compact SUV market, two vehicles compete for attention: the Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos. Both vehicles have carved out their place in the market, and rightly so, earning recognition for their versatility, reliability, and modern features. At first glance, they may appear cut from the same cloth, offering comparable attributes and appealing to similar demographics.
However, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice subtle yet significant differences contributing to a unique driving experience. In this article, our Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville team explores the nuances of these two well-known vehicles, reviewing how they stack up against each other so you can decide which model is best for you.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos: Overview
The Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos are fantastic family SUVs. They offer space for up to five people, two engine options, and state-of-the-art safety features. Both SUVs have advanced performance and comfort features to meet different needs and lifestyles. The best model for you comes down to your driving preferences.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos: Interior Space and Comfort
The Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos offer impressive interior space for five passengers and cargo. The Trailblazer boasts a spacious cabin that prioritizes comfort and functionality. It’s slightly longer and wider than the Seltos, offering ample headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats, so even taller passengers can stretch out and enjoy the ride. It also boasts clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, including generous door pockets, a center console storage bin, and versatile cargo management features. The supportive, well-cushioned seats ensure maximum comfort for you and your passengers.
The Kia Seltos also offers a comfortable, functional interior, although its dimensions are slightly more compact. While the Seltos provides sufficient space for most passengers, taller individuals may find the rear seats a bit snug, especially on longer journeys. However, the vehicle compensates with a user-friendly infotainment system, intuitive controls, and upscale materials throughout the cabin. It also has slightly more cargo space, offering 62.8 cubic feet compared to the Trailblazer’s 54.4 cubic feet, which is fine if you aren’t moving a lot in one trip.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos: Engine Types
The Trailblazer and the Seltos both offer two engine options. The Trailblazer has a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the Seltos has an intelligent variable or eight-speed automatic transmission, depending on the trim. Both models offer front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The Trailblazer’s standard engine produces more torque than the Kia’s, making it more responsive and capable, especially in situations requiring acceleration, towing, or climbing. The Trailblazer’s base LS trim has a 1.2-liter turbo engine that produces 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. The Kia’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine on its top trims produces 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Despite the Seltos’ more powerful engine, the Trailblazer offers slightly better fuel efficiency in the city. EPA estimates are 26 to 29 mpg in the city for the Trailblazer vs. the Seltos’ 25 to 28 mpg. The Kia performs better on the highway, with 27 to 34 mpg, compared to the Chevrolet’s 29 to 33 mpg.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos: Trim Levels
Chevrolet offers the Trailblazer in four trims: the LS, LT, ACTIV, and RS. The Kia Seltos is available in five trims: the LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX. Several factors affect both models’ overall cost. The MSRP is the most common consideration. The Chevrolet Trailblazer and the Kia Seltos cost around the same when looking at the average for all the trims, but the Seltos’ base trim is slightly more affordable than the Trailblazer’s.
The Chevrolet’s ACTIV and RS trims have heated front seats and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Available features include a household power outlet and a larger touch screen. The ACTIV trim adds a heated steering wheel, synthetic leather upholstery, and a skid plate. The top-of-the-line RS trim has 19-inch alloy wheels and cloth accents on the synthetic leather upholstery. In comparison, all but the Kia’s base trim have heated side mirrors, cloth or synthetic leather upholstery, and roof rails. You can upgrade front-wheel-drive models to all-wheel drive, and heated front seats are available or standard on the upper trims.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos: Towing Capacity
The Trailblazer has a towing capacity of up to 1,000 pounds and a ground clearance of 8 inches. The Kia Seltos’ towing capacity is between 1,323 and 2,425 pounds. It offers slightly less ground clearance than the Trailblazer at 7.3 inches.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos: Capability
While both vehicles offer competitive capability, the Trailblazer outperforms when it comes to braking power. It boasts larger standard brake rotors at 11.8 inches on the front and 10.4 inches on the rear compared to the Seltos’ 11 inches on the front and 10.3 inches on the rear for the front-wheel-drive model. It also manages a shorter stopping distance of 121 feet compared to the Seltos’ 122 feet. You’ll find larger tires on the Trailblazer, with the RS trim’s tires bigger than the largest available on the Seltos, ensuring better traction.
The Trailblazer has a standard easy tire fill system and integrated tire pressure sensors, which the Seltos doesn’t have. The Trailblazer also offers better suspension and handling and is faster off the mark at 27.6 seconds at 0.59 g vs. 28.3 seconds at 0.60 g for the Seltos.
Visit Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville for a Test Drive
A Chevy vs. Kia comparison is challenging. However, when considering comfort, capability, and performance, we believe the Trailblazer outperforms the Kia. A test drive is the best way to discover which Chevrolet Trailblazer trim is best for you. Pay attention to its engine power, handling, and capability to determine what matches your needs best. Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville can help you find the perfect vehicle. Contact us today to arrange a test drive.