Chevy Trailblazer vs Kia Seltos: 2026 Trailblazer vs 2027 Seltos Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Trailblazer and Kia Seltos are close rivals in size and price, and Kia has just redesigned the Seltos for 2027. Here is the 2026 Trailblazer, the newest Trailblazer on sale, against the all-new 2027 Seltos, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The redesigned 2027 Seltos has more cargo space (64.2 vs 54.4 cu ft maximum) and offers a 190-hp turbo, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard adaptive cruise control and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The 2026 Trailblazer starts $1,390 lower ($23,600 vs $24,990), is EPA-rated higher with FWD (31 vs 30 mpg combined) and is rated to tow 1,000 lbs; Kia does not publish a towing capacity for the Seltos. Rear legroom is a tie at 39.0 inches.
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New 2026 Trailblazers on our Lakewood lot, with current Chevrolet offers.
The Matchup: Proven Value vs an All-New Seltos
Kia redesigned the Seltos for 2027, with a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase, new X-Line trims and a hybrid that Kia has announced but not yet priced. The 2027 Seltos is on sale now. Chevrolet has announced an updated 2027 Trailblazer for late spring 2027, so the 2026 Trailblazer is the newest one on sale.
Most Seltos trims use a 147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder with a CVT, and the X-Line SX gets a 190-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. AWD adds $1,700 on the LX, S and EX and is standard on both X-Line trims. The Trailblazer offers a 137-hp 1.2L turbo or a 155-hp 1.3L turbo, with AWD available on every trim.
The new Seltos is about the same length (174.4 vs 174.1 in.) on a longer wheelbase and has more cargo space: 27.8 vs 25.3 cu ft behind the rear seat and 64.2 vs 54.4 maximum. Both have 39.0 inches of rear legroom. Kia calls the Seltos’s 64.2 cu ft of maximum cargo space class-leading, based on its own segment definition, and says the same of its 39.0 inches of rear legroom, which the Trailblazer matches.
Trailblazer vs Seltos Specs
| Spec | 2026 Chevy Trailblazer | 2027 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $23,600 (LS FWD); $25,600 with AWD; $1,795 destination | $24,990 (LX FWD); $26,690 with AWD; $1,495 destination |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo 3-cyl (137 hp / 162 lb-ft); 1.3L turbo 3-cyl (155 hp / 174 lb-ft) | 2.0L 4-cyl (147 hp / 132 lb-ft); 1.6L turbo 4-cyl (190 hp / 195 lb-ft, X-Line SX) |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD); 9-speed automatic (AWD) | CVT (2.0L); 8-speed automatic (1.6L turbo) |
| AWD | Available on every trim | Available on LX, S and EX; standard on X-Line |
| EPA combined, FWD | 31 mpg (1.3L) | 30 mpg |
| EPA combined, AWD | 27 mpg | 28 mpg (2.0L) |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 25.3 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 54.4 cu ft | 64.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 39.0 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Ground clearance | Not published | 7.5 to 8.1 in. |
| Max towing | 1,000 lbs | Not published by Kia |
| Length | 174.1 in. | 174.4 in. |
| Center screen | 11 in. | 12.3 in. |
| Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Available (LT, ACTIV, RS) | Standard |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 5 yr/60,000 mi; 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain (original owner) |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2026 Trailblazer); Kia’s 2027 Seltos pricing release, specifications and features sheets, and kia.com; fueleconomy.gov. Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
Starting price (FWD)
MSRP in dollars, excluding destination. Lower is better.
Max cargo (behind 1st row)
EPA combined fuel economy (FWD)
Adventure Trims: ACTIV vs X-Line
The Seltos X-Line S ($28,990) and X-Line SX ($32,790) have standard AWD and up to 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and the SX adds Snow, Mud and Sand terrain modes. The Trailblazer ACTIV ($28,200 FWD, $29,800 AWD) has off-road suspension tuning, a functional skid plate and sport terrain tires, but Chevrolet does not publish its ground clearance. For 2027, Chevrolet has announced a Trailblazer Z71 with standard AWD.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Trailblazer if you want
- A lower price: $1,390 less with FWD, $1,090 less with AWD
- Better FWD fuel economy (31 mpg combined)
- A 1,000-lb tow rating
- The same 39.0 inches of rear legroom
- Current Chevrolet offers on 2026 models
Choose the Kia Seltos if you want
- More cargo space
- An available 190-hp turbo
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen and standard adaptive cruise
- A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- An all-new 2027 design
Interior and Technology
Every 2027 Seltos has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates, and the X-Line SX offers a 12.3-inch navigation screen and a full digital cluster. Every Trailblazer has an 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Kia’s standard safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist, with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist on the S and above. The Trailblazer has Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available. Neither offers hands-free driving.
The Bottom Line
If you want more cargo space, a 190-hp turbo option and Kia’s long warranty in a brand-new design, the Seltos is the pick. The Trailblazer costs less, matches its rear legroom, is more efficient with FWD and can tow a small trailer, and the 2026 models on our lot carry current Chevrolet offers.
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Trailblazer vs Seltos FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
The 2026 Trailblazer starts at $23,600 with FWD and $25,600 with AWD. The 2027 Seltos starts at $24,990 with FWD and $26,690 with AWD. Destination is $1,795 for Chevrolet and $1,495 for Kia.
Which has more room?
The Seltos has more cargo space: 27.8 vs 25.3 cu ft behind the rear seat and 64.2 vs 54.4 maximum. Rear legroom is the same, 39.0 inches.
Which gets better gas mileage?
With FWD, the Trailblazer’s 1.3L turbo is EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined vs 30 for the Seltos. With AWD, the Seltos 2.0L is rated 28 vs 27 for the Trailblazer.
Can the Trailblazer or Seltos tow?
The Trailblazer is rated to tow up to 1,000 lbs with the available Trailering Package. Kia does not publish a towing capacity for the 2027 Seltos.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2026 Trailblazer page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.