2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Kia Seltos

There are a lot of available SUVs out there, with more released every year. There are so many options that when you begin searching for one, you may think that they're all similar. However, some SUVs are likely a better fit for your needs than others, and getting the right SUV can result in a much more enjoyable ownership experience.

Two popular manufacturers of SUVs are Mazda and Kia. For this upcoming year, two of their SUV options are the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2023 Kia Seltos. Below, we'll outline some of the key features of these two SUVs and how the two models differ. We hope that this will help you choose the right SUV for you.

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: Performance

2023 Mazda CX-50

Let's start by looking at the performance metrics for these two vehicles. First up, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes with a 2.5-liter engine offering 187 horsepower. If you'd like, there's the option to upgrade to a turbocharged variant that produces 256 horsepower. With these engines, you'll get a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive standard. If you go with the base options, expect to get around 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The turbocharged engine drops the estimates to 23 and 30 mpg, respectively.

With the 2023 Kia Seltos, there are two different engines that you can get. The base option is a 2.0-liter engine that produces 146 horsepower; the other is a turbocharged 1.6-liter that provides 175 horsepower. If you choose the base engine, you'll also get a continuously variable automatic transmission, while the turbocharged engine comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard on all versions of the 2023 Kia Seltos except the base S trim. Finally, expect to get around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with the most efficient configuration.

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: Interior Comfort and Space

Moving inside, the 2023 Mazda CX-50 has a spacious interior cabin that can fit up to five passengers in its two rows of seats. You'll likely find the front seats comfortable and supportive and the dashboard upscale and tasteful. Some amenities that make for a more comfortable and enjoyable drive include a partially-digital display gauge, large air vents for better temperature control, a push-button start, and an adjustable steering wheel.

As with the Mazda CX-50, you won't be disappointed with the interior of the 2023 Kia Seltos. You'll find refined materials, comfortable seats, and plenty of space throughout the cabin, even for taller passengers. If you upgrade to the SX model, you can get ambient lighting throughout the cabin, which you can set to pulse along with your music.

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: Entertainment Features

Both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the Kia Seltos come with great entertainment features to make even your longest drives more enjoyable. The base version of the 2023 Mazda CX-50 comes with an 8.8-inch infotainment touch-screen display, which runs the latest edition of the Mazda Connect interface. Through this display, you can easily connect your mobile device thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrations. If you wish to upgrade, you can get a larger 10.3-inch screen and a premium 12-speaker Bose stereo system.

The 2023 Kia Seltos also has a touch-screen infotainment system. The standard option is a little smaller than the CX-50, coming in at 8 inches. However, like the CX-50, you can upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit. Another optional feature is built-in navigation, which you can use in a split-screen view, allowing you to see your map alongside your audio playlist. Some other optional features include a wireless charging pad, additional USB ports, and a heads-up display.

2023 Mazda CX-50 vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: Safety Features

Finally, there are the available safety features. Both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2023 Kia Seltos have great safety features designed to protect you while you're on the road. Here are some of the standard safety features included with every version of the 2023 Mazda CX-50:

• Automated emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist

Optional features for this model include automatic high-beam headlamps and a 360-degree exterior camera. The 2023 Kia Seltos offers similar safety features, although there are some differences between what comes standard and what are optional upgrades. For example, with the 2023 Kia Seltos, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning comes standard. Adaptive cruise control with cyclist detection, however, is an optional upgrade.

Which Vehicle Is Right for You?

There's clearly a lot to like about both the 2023 Mazda CX-50 and the 2023 Kia Seltos, but which one is right for you? There are a few things you should consider when deciding. First, if you want the vehicle with the best performance, you should opt for the CX-50. Similarly, if you want extra cargo space, the CX-50 has 31 cubic feet compared to 27 cubic feet for the Seltos.

However, if you do not require extra space, more performance, or some of the other amenities of the CX-50, then you may prefer the cost of the Seltos. The base MSRP of the Kia Seltos is $29,010, while the Mazda CX-50 starts at $37,625. In the end, you'll have to decide if the extra features and performance of the CX-50 are worth the small cost increase.

Find a 2023 Mazda CX-50 at North End Mazda

If you're interested in the Mazda CX-50, let North End Mazda help you decide if it's the right vehicle for you. We can answer any questions you may have about this vehicle and set you up with a test drive. But before you head over to our dealership, be sure to apply for financing online and use our trade-in evaluator to save yourself some time. Then, when you're ready, schedule a time to visit us. We're always available to assist the residents of North End in finding the perfect vehicle for their needs.