Chevy Trax vs Kia Seltos: 2026 Trax vs 2027 Seltos Compared
Last updated: October 19, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The 2026 Chevy Trax and the redesigned 2027 Kia Seltos both seat five and start under $25,000. The Trax costs $3,290 less to start, is 4.2 inches longer and makes more torque. The Seltos counters with AWD, more cargo room and rear legroom, a 12.3-inch touchscreen on every trim and a longer warranty. Here’s the side-by-side, using each maker’s published figures. For Trax trims and pricing, see our Chevy Trax guide.
Quick Verdict
Pick the 2026 Trax if price is the priority. The Trax LS starts at $21,700, $3,290 below the Seltos LX FWD at $24,990 before destination, or $2,990 with destination. Both front-drive models are EPA-estimated at 30 mpg combined, and the Trax has more torque. Pick the 2027 Seltos if you need AWD, which the Trax doesn’t offer, or want more space: 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat versus 25.6, and 39.0 inches of rear legroom versus 38.7. The Seltos also adds a 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard adaptive cruise and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original owner.
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New 2026 Trax models on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing and current Chevrolet offers.
How the 2026 Trax and 2027 Seltos Match Up
The 2026 Trax is the newest Trax on sale. Chevrolet has announced a redesigned 2027 Trax for spring 2027 without pricing, so we compare the 2026 model. Kia fully redesigned the Seltos for 2027, and it’s on sale now. Kia has also announced a Seltos hybrid but hasn’t priced it, so it isn’t included here.
Every Trax uses a 1.2L turbo 3-cylinder with 137 hp and 162 lb-ft, a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. The Seltos LX, S, EX and X-Line S use a 2.0L 4-cylinder (147 hp, 132 lb-ft) with a CVT. The X-Line SX gets a 1.6L turbo with 190 hp and an 8-speed automatic. AWD costs $1,700 on LX, S and EX and is standard on both X-Line trims. Chevrolet says the Trax is not rated to tow, and Kia publishes no maximum tow rating for the Seltos.
Base for base, the Trax LS is $3,290 less than the Seltos LX FWD, or $2,990 with destination ($1,795 vs $1,495). The Seltos LX includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, but its blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance start on the S. A Trax LT with the LT Convenience ($595) and Driver Confidence ($795) packages costs $24,590 before destination, with adaptive cruise, blind-zone alert, rear cross traffic alert, heated front seats and an 11-inch screen. That’s $400 below a Seltos LX FWD ($100 with destination) and $1,800 below a Seltos S FWD ($1,500 with destination).
2026 Trax vs 2027 Seltos Specs
| Spec | 2026 Chevy Trax | 2027 Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (FWD, excl. destination) | $21,700 (LS) | $24,990 (LX) |
| Destination charge | $1,795 | $1,495 |
| Starting price with destination | $23,495 | $26,485 |
| All-wheel drive | Not offered (FWD only) | Available (+$1,700; standard on X-Line) |
| Engine / transmission | 1.2L turbo 3-cyl / 6-speed automatic | 2.0L 4-cyl / CVT (IVT); 1.6L turbo / 8-speed (X-Line SX) |
| Horsepower / torque (base engine) | 137 hp / 162 lb-ft | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft |
| EPA combined (FWD) | 30 mpg (28/32/30) | 30 mpg (28/33/30) |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 25.6 cu ft | 27.8 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 54.1 cu ft | 64.2 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 38.7 in | 39.0 in |
| Ground clearance | 7.3 in | 7.5–8.1 in |
| Touchscreen | 8 in (LS, 1RS); 11 in (LT, 2RS, ACTIV) | 12.3 in, standard |
| Adaptive cruise | Available on LT, 2RS, ACTIV (package) | Standard |
| Towing | Not rated to tow | Not published |
| NHTSA overall rating | Not rated (2026: 4-star frontal, 4-star rollover) | Not rated yet (2027) |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 3 yr/36k; 5 yr/60k | 5 yr/60k; 10 yr/100k (original purchaser) |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Chevrolet Build & Price (2026 Trax), kia.com and Kia’s 2027 Seltos pricing, specification and features sheets, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA, checked October 19, 2026. MSRPs exclude destination, tax, title, license and dealer fees; dealer sets final price. Seltos cargo is measured with the dual-level floor in its low position. EPA figures are estimates. Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
Starting price with destination
MSRP including destination ($1,795 Chevrolet, $1,495 Kia). Lower is better.
EPA combined fuel economy
Cargo space
AWD and the Seltos X-Line
Every Trax is front-wheel drive. Kia offers AWD on the Seltos LX, S and EX for $1,700 and makes it standard on the X-Line S ($28,990) and X-Line SX ($32,790). The X-Line SX adds the 1.6L turbo and Snow, Mud and Sand terrain modes, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance.
The Trax ACTIV is a styling trim, not an off-road model, and every Trax has 7.3 inches of ground clearance. If AWD is on your list for winter trips up I-70, the Seltos offers it and the Trax does not. Chevrolet points AWD shoppers to the 2026 Trailblazer, which is available with AWD.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the 2026 Chevy Trax if you want
- A lower starting price: $21,700 vs $24,990 for the Seltos LX FWD
- The same 30 mpg EPA combined rating as a front-drive Seltos
- More torque: 162 lb-ft vs 132 lb-ft
- A Trax LT with adaptive cruise, blind-zone alert and heated seats for $24,590 before destination
- A first maintenance visit included (12 months/12,000 miles)
Choose the 2027 Kia Seltos if you want
- AWD: $1,700 on LX, S and EX, standard on X-Line
- More cargo space: 27.8 cu ft behind the rear seat and 64.2 cu ft max
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go standard
- An available 190-hp turbo engine (X-Line SX)
- A 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (original purchaser)
Interior and Technology
Every Trax has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. LS and 1RS use an 8-inch touchscreen and a 3.5-inch driver display; LT, 2RS and ACTIV get an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch driver display. Every 2027 Seltos has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air updates. Wireless charging on the Trax comes with the Sunroof Package on LT, 2RS and ACTIV.
Chevy Safety Assist is standard on every Trax: automatic emergency braking, front pedestrian braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, forward collision alert and IntelliBeam. The Driver Confidence Package adds blind-zone and rear cross traffic alerts on any trim, plus adaptive cruise on LT, 2RS and ACTIV. Every Seltos has forward collision-avoidance, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, lane keeping and lane following assist, and front and rear parking distance warning; blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance start on the S. Neither lists a hands-free driving system.
The Bottom Line
The Trax is the lower-cost choice here, with the same EPA combined rating as a front-drive Seltos and more torque. The Seltos is newer, has more cargo room, offers AWD and comes with more standard tech and a longer warranty. Check current Chevrolet offers, see what your current vehicle is worth with a trade-in appraisal, or browse 2026 Trax inventory.
Our honest pick: the Trax if front-wheel drive suits you and you want the lower price. The Seltos if you need AWD or more cargo space and are fine paying about $3,300 more to start.
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Chevy Trax vs Kia Seltos FAQ
Is the Chevy Trax cheaper than the Kia Seltos?
Yes. The 2026 Trax LS starts at $21,700 and the 2027 Seltos LX FWD at $24,990, before destination ($1,795 and $1,495). With destination, it’s $23,495 vs $26,485. See current Chevrolet offers.
Which has better gas mileage?
They tie in front-drive form at 30 mpg combined (Trax 28/32/30, Seltos 28/33/30). The Seltos 2.0L AWD is rated 28 combined.
Which has more cargo space?
The Seltos: 27.8 cu ft behind the rear seat and 64.2 cu ft max, vs 25.6 and 54.1 for the Trax.
Does the Trax offer AWD?
No. Every 2026 Trax is front-wheel drive, and Chevrolet says the 2027 Trax will be FWD across all models. The Seltos offers AWD on every trim.
Should I wait for the 2027 Trax?
Chevrolet says the redesigned 2027 Trax arrives in spring 2027 with an 11.3-inch touchscreen and Google built-in, which requires a service plan. Pricing isn’t out yet, so the 2026 Trax is the one you can price and drive today.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2026 Trax page and 2027 Trax preview, chevrolet.com Build & Price, GM News, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA and IIHS for the rival, reviewed October 19, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. Driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle safely; read the owner’s manual for feature limitations. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles.