Trailblazer vs Seltos
Different logos, same mission. The Trailblazer and the Seltos both want to be your next car. This one has a front-runner. The Seltos wins 1 of 4 compared areas, and space & practicality is where the difference is hardest to miss.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Seltos wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.8
- Space & Practicality6.3
- Engine & Performance1.2
- Fuel Economy & Range3.3
- Space & Practicality8.1
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The Trailblazer has 30 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Trailblazer wins comfortably with 162 lb-ft against 132 lb-ft. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
-
The Seltos has 15% more maximum cargo space
It’s a lopsided result (62.8 cu ft for the Seltos, 54.4 cu ft for the Trailblazer) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number.
-
The Seltos has 9 hp more power
The Seltos wins this narrowly, 146 hp against 137 hp, which makes it more of a bonus than a reason to buy. The Seltos’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
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The Seltos has 5.1% more cargo space
The Seltos has a modest edge on cargo (behind rear seats): 26.6 cu ft against 25.3 cu ft for the Trailblazer. Cargo space behind the rear seats is what you use every day for groceries, strollers and luggage.
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The Seltos has better highway fuel economy
It’s a small lead (34 mpg versus 31 mpg), but it’s real, and it goes to the Seltos. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
Design & Size
Expect the same physical presence from both; their dimensions are very close.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 172.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
On engine & performance, pick your advantage: 30 lb-ft more torque from the Trailblazer or 9 hp more power from the Seltos. On engine & performance, the better choice comes down to your own priorities.
Torque
Trailblazer: 162 lb-ft Seltos: 132 lb-ft The Trailblazer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Trailblazer: 137 hp Seltos: 146 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Fuel Economy & Range
Trade-off
The fuel economy & range section is split: the Trailblazer has better city fuel economy, while the Seltos counters with better highway fuel economy. For fuel economy & range, there’s no wrong answer, only a different emphasis.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trailblazer: 31 mpg Seltos: 34 mpg The Seltos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Fuel economy (city)
Trailblazer: 30 mpg Seltos: 28 mpg City fuel economy matters most if your driving is mostly short trips, traffic and stop-and-go commutes.
Space & Practicality
Seltos leads
The Seltos clearly takes the space & practicality round. The Seltos gives you 15% more maximum cargo space. Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear. If space & practicality is your priority, the Seltos is the car to pick.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trailblazer: 54.4 cu ft Seltos: 62.8 cu ft The Seltos can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
Trailblazer: 25.3 cu ft Seltos: 26.6 cu ft Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The differences on off-road & towing are small enough to ignore in daily use. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the spec sheet lists components and formats rather than figures we can rank. The table shows what the Trailblazer and the Seltos each bring.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo I3 | 2.0L I4 |
| Total system output | 137 hp | 146 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft (winner) | 132 lb-ft |
| Transmission | CVT | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 30 mpg (winner) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 31 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.3 cu ft | 26.6 cu ft (winner) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.4 cu ft | 62.8 cu ft (winner) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | Kia Drive Wise |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7 in | 172.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in | 103.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Trailblazer | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,100 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Trailblazer if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you mostly drive in town (30 mpg vs 28 mpg in the city)
- you already use other Chevrolet products
Choose the Seltos if…
- you want more room with the seats folded (62.8 cu ft vs 54.4 cu ft)
- you want more power (146 hp vs 137 hp)
- you haul strollers, luggage or sports gear every week (26.6 cu ft vs 25.3 cu ft)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 31 mpg on the highway)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
We’d point most buyers to the Seltos. The main exception is if you need 30 lb-ft more torque, which only the Trailblazer offers.
Which is larger, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Trailblazer and the Seltos differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Chevrolet or Kia? For a lot of people, the question really comes down to the Trailblazer versus the Seltos. The Seltos wins me over with 15% more maximum cargo space. Add 9 hp more power to the list, and the Seltos looks even better. The Trailblazer does have a strong card to play: 30 lb-ft more torque.
I’d steer pulling power fans toward the Trailblazer and space & practicality fans toward the Seltos.
My pick: the Seltos, unless you know that 30 lb-ft more torque would make a real difference in your routine, in which case the Trailblazer earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.