Mazda MX-5 vs Kia Seltos
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Mazda MX-5
From $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Kia Seltos
From $31,250
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
468L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Mazda MX-5 starts from $31,990 before on-road costs, while the Kia Seltos opens at $31,250. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $740.
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 $35,189 and $34,375 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mazda MX-5 by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Seltos counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that the Mazda MX-5 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda MX-5 uses a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) producing 96kW and 150Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) to a RWD 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 Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 96kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda MX-5 measures 3,915mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 470mm shorter than the Kia Seltos at 4,385mm (2,630mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Seltos generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 130L in the Mazda MX-5 and 468L in the Kia Seltos, giving the Kia Seltos a 338L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.6m
Based on 9.4m 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 $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5 and $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Mazda MX-5) vs $1,967 (Kia Seltos). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda MX-5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Seltos takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $228 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, Mazda MX-5 and Kia Seltos?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mazda MX-5 by $740.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mazda MX-5 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia Seltos has the largest boot at 468L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,100kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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