Mazda CX-30 vs Kia Seltos
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 8 Sep 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda CX-30 starts from $29,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. 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 $32,989 and $34,375 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
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
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.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Mazda CX-30 features a 8.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Kia Seltos gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mazda CX-30 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda CX-30 uses a Petrol producing 114kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Kia Seltos responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
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 Mazda CX-30 measures 4,395mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 10mm longer than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-30 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 317L in the Mazda CX-30 and 468L in the Kia Seltos, 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 $1,796/year for the Mazda CX-30 and $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-30.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-30) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
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.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Kia Seltos: Top CarSorted Score, 63 vs 62, but the Mazda CX-30 is $1,260 cheaper
The Kia Seltos comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (63 vs 62), taking 2 of 6 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (Kia Seltos ahead by 7), practicality (Kia Seltos ahead by 6), fuel economy (Mazda CX-30 ahead by 5). 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.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos?
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 Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos 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.
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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