Kia Seltos vs Mazda CX-30
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 19 Sep 2026, price 27 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$31,250RRP
- no option data for this car
$29,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-30 opens at $29,990. That makes the Mazda CX-30 the more affordable entry point by $1,260.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $34,375 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Kia Seltos
- REC-006395 · published 30 Jul 2025The piston rings fitted to the engines of certain vehicles may not meet manufacturing specifications, and could cause engine failure and vehicle stalling.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2022
- REC-005962 · published 20 May 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the side curtain airbag may inflate without warning.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005699 · published 15 Jun 2023Due to a software issue, the instrument cluster may fail to illuminate the visual seat belt warning as required by the Australian Design Rules (ADR) 04/06.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 2 more on the model page.
Mazda CX-30
- REC-001591 · published 21 Mar 2021The boot's power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly from the fully opened position when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope in high ambient temperature.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-30 gets a 8.8-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Seltos stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda CX-30. The Mazda CX-30 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Mazda CX-30 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Mazda CX-30 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 10mm shorter than the Mazda CX-30 at 4,395mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-30 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 468L in the Kia Seltos and 317L in the Mazda CX-30, giving the Kia Seltos a 151L advantage.
For towing, the Mazda CX-30 leads with a 1,200kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-30. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-30.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-30). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-30 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Seltos: Top CarSorted Score, 72 vs 69, but the Mazda CX-30 is $1,260 cheaper
The Kia Seltos comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (72 vs 69), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: practicality (Kia Seltos ahead by 6), fuel economy (Mazda CX-30 ahead by 5), reliability (Kia Seltos ahead by 4). The Mazda CX-30 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Kia Seltos has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 is the cheapest at $29,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Seltos by $1,260.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda CX-30 uses the least fuel at 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 468L with the seats up (1,428L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Mazda CX-30 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda CX-30 makes the most power at 114kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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