With an ever-growing crossover and SUV market, consumers have more options when choosing the right vehicle for their lifestyle. Recently, the small crossover SUV segment has been booming, with automakers offering various models to fit drivers’ needs. Small crossovers are the perfect combination of convenience and style, offering agile handling, impressive fuel economy, and enough cargo space to fit all your daily needs. Whether you’re looking for something sporty and stylish or just a reliable ride for daily commutes, there’s sure to be a small crossover SUV that fits the bill.
Two of the most popular small crossover SUVs on the market today are the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2023 Kia Seltos. Both vehicles offer stylish outer bodywork, sleek interiors, and composed handling while providing enhanced safety features and class-leading convenience. But how exactly do these two differ in terms of performance, pricing, technology, and safety?
In this face-off, we’ll pit the 2023 Trailblazer against the 2023 Seltos to see which one comes out on top. By the end, you’ll better understand which vehicle is the best fit for your lifestyle. Stay tuned to find out who wins this epic showdown.
Price
What better way to begin our comparison than with price? Well, the Trailblazer takes the win in this category. Starting at just $23,395, it’s significantly cheaper than the Seltos’ price tag of $24,435. And even with the lower starting price, the Trailblazer still offers more features than the Seltos, so it’s definitely the better deal.
Powertrain, Transmission, And Performance
Under the hood, the Trailblazer offers a turbocharged 1.2-liter four-cylinder engine, which churns out 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. This mill is paired exclusively with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. For those who want more power, there’s also a turbo-three 1.3-liter engine that produces 155 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The Seltos, on the other hand, comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that provides 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. So, while the base Seltos has extra horsepower, the base Trailblazer has more torque and a peppy turbocharged engine to boot. If you want more from the Seltos, there’s a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine available, which generates 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Although this is slightly more powerful than the Trailblazer’s turbo-three engine, it’s also more expensive.
As for the transmission, the Seltos base engine is coupled to a CVT. While smooth, it may deter some enthusiast drivers due to its lack of engaging shifts. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that provides more oomph. The Trailblazer, however, has the edge here as it offers a nine-speed automatic that is smoother and more responsive.
Overall, the Trailblazer offers a better driving experience with its peppy turbocharged engines, smooth transmission, and composed handling. The Seltos is no slouch either; it offers a more powerful engine and is still pretty nimble, so it’s a close call between the two.
Technology And Convenience Features
Nowadays, creature comforts and tech goodies are just as important, if not more so, than the engine specs. Luckily, both crossovers have a decent array of features and amenities that make them very attractive.
The Trailblazer comes with a 7-inch touch-screen display as standard, which can be upgraded to an optional 8-inch display. It also offers an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. On the flip side, the Seltos’ base trim has an 8-inch touch screen, while a larger 10.3-inch touch-screen display is optional. It also offers a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
Although the Seltos offers a larger touch-screen display, the Trailblazer still has a slight edge here with its onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, a power outlet, wireless device charging, and a variety of other convenience features such as a hands-free liftgate and a power liftgate. These features are a great way to make daily errands less of a hassle and make a big difference when it comes to convenience.
Both crossovers offer a generous array of features and amenities, but the Trailblazer’s added convenience features make it the superior choice.
Safety Features
Safety is paramount when buying a vehicle, and the Trailblazer and Seltos offer plenty of features that provide peace of mind. Both come standard with a suite of driver assistance technologies that help reduce the likelihood of an accident.
The Trailblazer again steals the show, offering more intuitive and intelligent driver assistance features. Although both cars offer automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning as standard, the Trailblazer offers additional safety features such as rear side airbag and knee airbag. Rear cross-traffic alert is optional on the Trailblazer and isn’t available on the Seltos, making it the preferred option on the safety front.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the Trailblazer an overall five-star rating regarding crash testing, the highest rating available. The Seltos, meanwhile, was rated at four out of five stars. This indicates the Trailblazer is the safer choice in the head-to-head comparison.
Which Is Better?
The verdict is in, and after comparing the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer with the 2023 Kia Seltos, it’s clear that both rides have a lot in common and offer similar features. However, the Trailblazer takes the lead thanks to its superior performance, technology, and safety prowess. It also offers more convenience features, adding an extra layer of practicality to the mix.
The Seltos holds its own with some solid features, but in the end, the Trailblazer is the better choice for those who want an affordable and practical crossover with plenty of features and amenities. All things considered, the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the clear winner in this head-to-head comparison.
Vaden Chevrolet Savannah is your go-to source for the all-new 2023 Trailblazer and many other quality pre-owned vehicles. Stop by our showroom and get behind the wheel of a new Trailblazer today. Our knowledgeable sales staff is here to help you find the perfect vehicle for your needs. Our competitive pricing, convenient financing options, and exceptional customer service make the car-buying process a breeze. Contact us today to get started on your car-shopping journey.
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