2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Kia Seltos

The subcompact SUV market is more competitive than ever, thanks to new offerings from Kia and Chevrolet. The 2025 Kia Seltos vs. Chevrolet Trailblazer comparison is especially compelling, as both models received design updates. If you’re looking for a stylish, subcompact SUV, now is the ideal time to compare these two contenders. In this comparison, we’ll explore their design, performance, comfort, and overall value to help you determine which one is the better fit for your needs.

Exterior Design and Aesthetics

Chevy and Kia took distinctly different approaches to styling. The Trailblazer boasts a bold, attention-grabbing front grille paired with a sleek profile and athletic body, giving it serious curb appeal. In contrast, the Seltos leans toward an urban flair with a youthful, sporty appearance.

In terms of size, these two vehicles are similar. The 2025 Trailblazer measures 174.07 inches long, 71.2 inches wide, and 64.2 inches in height. Slightly smaller, the Seltos measures 172.6 inches in length, 70.9 inches across, and 63.4 inches high. While these differences are minimal, they might matter if your garage is tight on space.

Both SUVs offer attractive wheel designs and eye-catching colors. Kia offers two-tone paint combinations for those who want to make a statement. Chevrolet’s 2025 updates include redesigned headlights, a refreshed grille, and a light strip connecting the taillights. These small but impactful revisions keep the Trailblazer looking contemporary next to the Seltos’ urban design.

Interior Comfort and Quality

Inside these compact SUVs, you’ll notice two different approaches to cabin design. The Trailblazer focuses on making life easy with an intuitive layout that won’t leave you hunting for controls. Kia’s Seltos leans into style points, mixing function with modern design that feels a bit more adventurous. You’ll find both cloth and leather seats, depending on how far up the trim ladder you go.

Space is surprisingly generous in both. The Trailblazer gives front passengers 40.9 inches to stretch their legs, and rear riders get 39 inches. Kia’s Seltos offers slightly more room in the front with 41.4 inches, but trims back rear legroom to 38 inches. Seltos narrowly leads in total passenger volume, with 99.6 cubic feet versus 98.2 in the Chevy.

Both SUVs offer a range of comfort features, including heated seats and dual-zone climate control on higher trims. Overall, material quality is similar, with soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics where appropriate. Your final choice might depend on which cabin feels more comfortable and intuitive during a test-drive.

Cargo Space and Versatility

If you need to carry cargo, these small SUVs rise above their weight class. The Seltos gives you 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seats, slightly more than the Trailblazer’s 25.3 cubic feet. That extra space offers a small but practical advantage.

With the back seats folded down, the difference in cargo capacity widens considerably. The Seltos offers up to 62.8 cubic feet of space, compared to the Trailblazer’s maximum of 54.4 cubic feet. That’s a significant advantage for drivers who regularly carry larger items or go on extended road trips. Both models feature 60/40-split rear seats.

Both vehicles are designed with everyday practicality in mind. Their cabins include thoughtfully placed storage space for phones, beverages, and personal belongings. Roof racks are available for both models, perfect for kayaks or other gear. While neither SUV is built for heavy towing, both can manage a small trailer when properly equipped.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the hood, you’ll find different philosophies at work. Chevrolet’s Trailblazer has two turbocharged three-cylinder engine options. The starter 1.2-liter generates 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. Kia takes a different path, offering a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that delivers 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The Trailblazer has a slight edge in fuel efficiency. Equipped with a 1.3-liter engine and front-wheel drive, it achieves an estimated 29 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Seltos isn’t far behind, delivering 27 mpg around town and 31 mpg on the open road with its 2.0-liter engine. Both models come standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for those who need extra traction in challenging weather conditions.

In terms of acceleration, the Trailblazer reaches 60 mph in approximately 8.7 seconds — not particularly fast, but quick enough for merging and city driving. Official figures for the 2025 Seltos haven’t been released yet, but its available turbocharged engine is expected to offer slightly quicker performance. Both SUVs handle corners with confidence and absorb bumps well.

Safety and Technology

These SUVs don’t skimp on safety. The Trailblazer features standard automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and a rear-seat reminder system that’s extremely helpful for parents. Kia matches these features in the Seltos. The Trailblazer earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in crash tests.

The 2025 Trailblazer received a significant upgrade with an 11-inch touch screen as standard. It’s sharp, responsive, and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos starts with an 8-inch screen on base models but bumps up to 10.25 inches on all other trims. Both systems work well with minimal lag and intuitive menus.

Music lovers can appreciate the available audio upgrades in both vehicles. The Seltos offers a Bose sound system to enhance your driving experience. The Trailblazer counters with its premium six-speaker audio option. Both SUVs come with the basics, including Wi-Fi hot spots, USB ports, and optional wireless charging pads. Your preference may depend on screen size or whether the Bose system is right for you.

Price Comparison and Value

When it comes to pricing, these SUVs are nearly identical. The 2025 Trailblazer starts at $24,495 for the base model, while the Seltos begins at $24,690. As you move up the trim levels, the Trailblazer tops out at $29,095, while the Seltos SX reaches $31,190.

Both vehicles offer strong value from the base level. Higher trims offer additional comfort features, advanced technology, and enhanced performance. The Trailblazer’s slightly lower price might appeal to budget-conscious buyers, while the Seltos, especially in its upper trims, offers some near-luxury features if you want to spend a bit more.

Long-term ownership also reveals key differences. Chevy covers the Trailblazer with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. Kia offers a more generous 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty on the Seltos.

Shop the New Trailblazer at Jack Burford Chevrolet

In the end, the Trailblazer stands out with its bold styling, better fuel efficiency, and a slightly lower starting price. If you’re considering purchasing a new Trailblazer SUV, stop by Jack Burford Chevrolet in Richmond, Kentucky, to take a test drive. Our team is here to walk you through the options and help you choose the right SUV.

Image courtesy of Cheevrolet