A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing the perfect compact SUV, the options seem endless, with various models vying for your attention. Two notable contenders in this category are the 2024 Kia Seltos and the 2024 Mazda CX-5. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key aspects of both vehicles to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Overview of 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos is a compact SUV that strikes a balance between size, style, and functionality. Positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Sportage, the Seltos offers a slightly larger-than-subcompact size, allowing for more cargo space than some of its rivals. The 2024 model received a styling refresh, making it even more appealing, and its interior has been updated with improved infotainment technology. Notably, the Seltos offers a turbocharged engine option that delivers a robust 195 horsepower, providing an exciting driving experience.

Key Points:

• Compact SUV with a balance of size, style, and functionality.
• Positioned between the Kia Soul and Sportage models.
• Styling refresh and interior technology updates for 2024.
• Turbocharged engine option providing 195 horsepower.

Overview of 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is a well-established name in the compact SUV segment, known for its impressive driving dynamics and luxurious feel. The CX-5 boasts a stylish design and is available with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 169 horsepower. For those seeking more power, Mazda offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 256 horsepower, providing a thrilling driving experience. While the CX-5 may give up some interior space for the sake of style, it compensates with a premium feel and superb handling.

Key Points:

• Well-established name in the compact SUV segment.
• Available with a standard 2.0-liter engine and a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine.
• Stylish design with a premium feel.
• Known for its impressive driving dynamics.

Comparison of Engine Options

When comparing the engine options, it’s essential to consider power, performance, and fuel efficiency. The 2024 Kia Seltos offers two engine choices: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine generating a robust 195 horsepower. The Seltos offers a more powerful turbocharged engine and better transmission options.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower and an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 256 horsepower. The CX-5’s turbocharged engine provides quicker acceleration and contributes to its reputation for impressive driving dynamics.

Both models offer front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option for enhanced traction and stability.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Two engine options – 2.0L with 147 HP, turbocharged 1.6L with 195 HP.
• CX-5: Standard 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 169 HP, optional turbocharged 2.5L with 256 HP.
• Seltos offers a more powerful turbocharged engine.
• CX-5 known for impressive driving dynamics.

Comparison of Exterior Design

The exterior design of a vehicle plays a significant role in attracting potential buyers. The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a styling refresh, enhancing its appeal. The Seltos exudes a youthful and modern vibe with dynamic lines, a bold front grille, and eye-catching details.

On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 boasts a stylish and sophisticated design. The CX-5 is known for its sleek profile, elegant lines, and premium aesthetic. Both models offer unique design elements catering to different preferences, with the Seltos appealing to those seeking a modern and dynamic look and the CX-5 targeting buyers who appreciate a premium and stylish appearance.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Youthful and modern design with dynamic lines and bold front grille.
• CX-5: Stylish and sophisticated design with a premium aesthetic.
• Both models offer unique design elements catering to different preferences.
• Seltos underwent a styling refresh, enhancing its overall appeal.

Comparison of Interior Features and Comfort

Interior comfort and features significantly impact the overall driving and riding experience. The 2024 Kia Seltos offers a spacious and refined interior, making use of high-quality materials and modern design elements. The interior design is not only functional but aesthetically pleasing, with a focus on providing comfort for both the driver and passengers. Notably, the Seltos provides features like a new dual-screen infotainment system, faux-leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 prioritizes luxury and a premium feel in its interior. The CX-5 boasts a well-crafted cabin with attention to detail, high-quality materials, and comfortable seating. While it may not offer the same level of interior space as the Seltos, the CX-5 compensates with a luxurious and upscale atmosphere.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Spacious and refined interior with modern design elements.
• CX-5: Prioritizes luxury and premium feel in its interior.
• Both models offer well-designed interiors with a focus on comfort and functionality.
• Seltos provides newer infotainment system and upscale features like heated seats and wireless charging.

Comparison of Safety Features

Safety is a paramount consideration when choosing a vehicle. Both the 2024 Kia Seltos and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 prioritize safety through a range of standard and optional driver-assistance technologies.

The Seltos offers automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and more. However, higher-tech features like adaptive cruise control are available as options.

Similarly, the CX-5 includes standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and offers additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Both models offer a suite of safety features to enhance overall safety and driver assistance, catering to the needs of safety-conscious buyers.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Standard and available driver-assistance technology prioritizing safety.
• CX-5: Standard and available driver-assistance features with a focus on safety.
• Both models offer a suite of safety features to enhance overall safety and driver assistance.
• Advanced safety technologies are available as options for both models.

Pricing and Value for Money

Pricing is a critical factor in the purchase decision. The 2024 Kia Seltos comes in various trim levels, starting with the LX at $25,715 and going up to the SX at $31,315. On the other hand, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 offers a starting price of $30,675 for the base model and goes up to higher trims with additional features.

Both the Seltos and CX-5 provide competitive pricing, especially in their respective base models. It’s important to note that the pricing difference among trim levels may vary, and it’s advisable to compare the specific trim levels and their features to determine which one offers the best value for your needs.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Various trim levels with a starting price of $25,715.
• CX-5: Base model starting at $30,675 with higher trims available.
• Pricing may vary among trim levels, and value for money depends on specific feature preferences.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Compact SUVs should offer a practical and versatile cargo area. The 2024 Kia Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This is a generous amount of cargo space for a vehicle in this class, making it suitable for various storage needs.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while not as spacious as the Seltos, still offers a respectable 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which can be expanded to 59.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The CX-5 provides a good balance between passenger space and cargo capacity, catering to the needs of those who prioritize style and driving dynamics.

Key Points:

• Seltos: 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space (rear seats up), 62.8 cubic feet (rear seats folded).
• CX-5: 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space (rear seats up), 59.6 cubic feet (rear seats folded).
• Seltos offers slightly more cargo space, while CX-5 balances style and practicality.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is a significant consideration for many buyers, especially those looking for a daily driver or a vehicle for long commutes. The 2024 Kia Seltos offers competitive fuel efficiency, with the base 2.0-liter engine achieving an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine, while more powerful, is still efficient, with an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 provides similar fuel efficiency figures, with the standard engine achieving an EPA-estimated 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine delivers an estimated 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While the CX-5 may have slightly lower fuel efficiency figures, it compensates with a more powerful engine option.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Competitive fuel efficiency with the base engine achieving 29 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
• CX-5: Similar fuel efficiency figures with the standard engine achieving 25 mpg city/31 mpg highway.
• Turbocharged engines in both models offer more power but slightly lower fuel efficiency.

Driving Experience and Handling

The driving experience and handling of a vehicle can greatly influence your satisfaction as a driver. The 2024 Kia Seltos offers a comfortable and smooth ride, making it suitable for daily commuting and long drives. It provides a well-balanced suspension and responsive steering, contributing to a pleasant driving experience. The available turbocharged engine, with its 195 horsepower, offers brisk acceleration, making highway merging and passing a breeze.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is renowned for its exceptional driving dynamics. It offers precise steering and sporty handling, which is often compared to that of a sport sedan. The available turbocharged engine further enhances the driving experience, providing strong acceleration and a sense of agility on the road. However, the trade-off for this sporty handling can be a slightly firmer ride compared to the Seltos.

Key Points:

• Seltos: Comfortable and smooth ride with responsive steering.
• Available turbocharged engine offers brisk acceleration.
• CX-5: Exceptional driving dynamics with precise steering and sporty handling.
• Available turbocharged engine enhances acceleration and agility.

Conclusion

Choosing between the 2024 Kia Seltos and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose the 2024 Kia Seltos If:

• You want a balance of style, functionality, and space.
• You prioritize a more powerful turbocharged engine.
• You appreciate a youthful and modern exterior design.
• You seek a comfortable and smooth ride with modern interior features.
• Competitive pricing and value for money are essential to you.

Choose the 2024 Mazda CX-5 If:

• You value exceptional driving dynamics and sporty handling.
• You prefer a more luxurious and premium interior feel.
• You prioritize a stylish and sophisticated exterior design.
• You want the option of a turbocharged engine for strong acceleration.
• You are willing to pay a slight premium for a premium driving experience.

Both the 2024 Kia Seltos and the 2024 Mazda CX-5 have their strengths and cater to different types of buyers. Consider your priorities, budget, and driving preferences when making your decision, and test-driving both vehicles is highly recommended to get a firsthand feel for each one’s characteristics.