Trax vs Seltos
Choosing between Chevrolet and Kia often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the subcompact suv class, that pair is the Trax and the Seltos. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Seltos is ahead in 3 of 4, led by a clear margin in space & practicality.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Seltos wins
- Space & Practicality Seltos wins
- Off-road & Towing Seltos wins
- Engine & Performance1.8
- Fuel Economy & Range2.7
- Space & Practicality6.5
- 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 Trax has 30 lb-ft more torque
At 162 lb-ft versus 132 lb-ft, this is a decisive lead for the Trax, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
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The Seltos has 16% more maximum cargo space
If cargo (seats folded) is one of your priorities, this settles it: the Seltos leads clearly with 62.8 cu ft to the Trax’s 54.1 cu ft. The Seltos can swallow more with the seats down, which makes it more versatile for occasional big loads.
-
The Seltos has 9 hp more power
The Trax comes close with 137 hp; the Seltos does slightly better with 146 hp. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The Seltos has better highway fuel economy
Think of it as a tiebreaker rather than a deal-breaker: 34 mpg for the Seltos, 32 mpg for the Trax. Speed, wind and load affect highway use a lot, but the official rating is a fair comparison point.
-
The Seltos has available all-wheel drive
It’s a clear yes for the Seltos and a clear no for the Trax. The Seltos offers all-wheel drive; the Trax doesn’t, which matters if you face harsh winters.
Design & Size
Want the smaller footprint? That’s the Seltos. The Trax is the larger of the two.
Dimensions
| Spec | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 172.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.5 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
The engine & performance round is shared. The Trax has 30 lb-ft more torque, and the Seltos has 9 hp more power. For engine & performance, there’s no wrong answer, only a different emphasis.
Torque
Trax: 162 lb-ft Seltos: 132 lb-ft The Trax’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Total system output
Trax: 137 hp Seltos: 146 hp The Seltos’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Fuel Economy & Range
Seltos leads
This area is close, with the Seltos just ahead of the Trax. The Seltos makes its case with better highway fuel economy. Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds. If this section decides it for you, choose the Seltos.
Fuel economy (highway)
Trax: 32 mpg Seltos: 34 mpg The Seltos uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Space & Practicality
Seltos leads
For space & practicality, the verdict is easy: the Seltos leads, and not by a little. The Seltos gives you 16% more maximum cargo space. Check the shape of the load floor too: a flat floor can matter as much as the number. For space & practicality, the Seltos is the one to beat.
Cargo (seats folded)
Trax: 54.1 cu ft Seltos: 62.8 cu ft Maximum cargo space with the seats folded matters when you move furniture, bikes or bulky gear.
Off-road & Towing
Seltos leads
On off-road & towing, the Seltos comes out slightly ahead. The Seltos comes with available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive helps you get going on slippery roads, but good tires matter just as much for stopping and turning. For anyone who cares most about off-road & towing, the Seltos is the safer choice.
AWD / 4WD available
Trax: no Seltos: yes Available all-wheel drive improves traction in rain, snow and on loose surfaces.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Trax | 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 | 6-speed automatic | IVT (CVT) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 30 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 32 mpg | 34 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | 13.2 gal | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 25.6 cu ft | 26.6 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 54.1 cu ft | 62.8 cu ft (winner) |
| Rear legroom | 38.70 in Most rear legroom | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | No | Yes (winner) |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 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 | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 179.1 in | 172.2 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 70.9 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 64.2 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in | 103.5 in |
Price
| Spec | Trax | Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $20,500 Lowest price in class | 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 Trax if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (162 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft of torque)
- you like more of everything, size included
- you prefer staying with Chevrolet
Choose the Seltos if…
- you want more room with the seats folded (62.8 cu ft vs 54.1 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (146 hp vs 137 hp)
- you cover long highway distances (34 mpg vs 32 mpg on the highway)
- you face snow, ice or slippery back roads
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Trax or the Seltos?
The Seltos wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you value 30 lb-ft more torque above everything else.
Which is larger, the Trax or the Seltos?
Going by the official dimensions, the Trax is the bigger of the two at 179.1 in. The Seltos measures 172.2 × 70.9 × 64.2 in.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on Chevrolet’s Trax versus Kia’s Seltos. The Seltos wins me over with 16% more maximum cargo space. Add 9 hp more power to the list, and the Seltos looks even better. Fairness check: the Trax does come with 30 lb-ft more torque.
If your days lean on pulling power, I’d pick the Trax; if they lean on fuel economy & range, the Seltos.
My pick: the Seltos, unless you’d trade the rest for 30 lb-ft more torque, in which case the Trax earns its place.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.