If you’re in the market for a small SUV, you’ll probably be contemplating between the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2024 Kia Seltos. These two popular subcompact crossovers can meet the needs of a wide range of drivers because of their great blend of driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, comfort, and technology. However, they have some differences that set them apart from each other. Let’s take a look at this head-to-head comparison between the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and Kia Seltos to determine which one is more suitable for you.
Exterior
Both the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2024 Kia Seltos are good-looking vehicles that make a striking statement on the road, but the former has a more rugged appeal. Up front, the Chevrolet SUV looks bold and aggressive with a dominant grille, razor-thin headlights, and angular air intakes. A defined shoulder line, sculpted panels, and pronounced fender flares give it a muscular profile, while a raked rear window adds a sporty touch. In contrast, the Kia appears sleeker with its wide stance and smooth lines. Nonetheless, it has a vertical tailgate that distinguishes it from other crossovers.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that the Chevrolet Trailblazer has larger exterior dimensions and a longer wheelbase than the Kia Seltos. It also comes with a higher minimum ground clearance, which may make it a better choice if you occasionally need to venture away from the pavement.
Performance
If you decide to purchase the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer, you have two turbocharged three-cylinder engines to choose from. The standard 1.2-liter engine generates 137 horsepower and works with a continuously variable transmission to send power to the front wheels. This unit can handle most driving tasks without any issues, but you should go for the optional 1.3-liter engine if you want a more spirited driving experience. Rated at 155 horsepower, the upgraded power plant provides swift acceleration and plenty of grunt for overtaking and highway merging. It’s paired with a smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission and offers available all-wheel drive.
When equipped with the base engine, the 2024 Kia Seltos is slightly more powerful than the Trailblazer. Mated to a continuously variable transmission, its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit serves up 146 horsepower. In addition, the Kia SUV has an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 195 horsepower, which is impressive for a small crossover. Most trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
If you’re concerned about fuel costs, you won’t go wrong with either the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Kia Seltos. The Chevrolet returns 29/33 mpg (city/highway), while the Kia has a maximum rating of 28/34 mpg. These are great figures in the small SUV segment.
Interior
Both the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2024 Kia Seltos are two-row SUVs with a seating capacity of five. No matter which of the two models you choose, you and your front passenger will enjoy a generous amount of legroom and headroom. However, the rear seats of the Trailblazer are a little more spacious than those of the Seltos, which can make a difference in keeping everybody comfortable during long trips.
Then again, if you regularly need to transport a lot of cargo, the Kia Seltos may be a better choice. It provides 26.6 cubic feet of storage space with the back seats upright and 62.8 cubic feet with those seats folded. The Chevrolet Trailblazer, on the other hand, gives you 25.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.
Technology
As with other new Chevrolet vehicles, the Trailblazer has an advanced and intuitive infotainment system that comes with plenty of features. One of the most notable tech updates for the 2024 model year is the introduction of an 11-inch diagonal touch-screen display, which is standard on every model. Other than that, the Chevrolet SUV comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. In comparison, the Kia Seltos has a less generous list of infotainment features. It offers an 8-inch touch screen and smartphone connectivity as standard equipment and satellite radio as an option.
When it comes to driver-assistance technologies, few subcompact SUVs can match the Trailblazer and Seltos. These two crossovers have a wide range of standard active safety systems to help you detect and avoid potential hazards on the road. These include automated emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure alert, and automated high-beam headlights. For better safety, you can opt for available features such as blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic warning.
Trim Levels and Prices
The 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes with a simplified trim lineup that comprises four models: the LS and LT, the sporty RS, and the adventure-ready ACTIV. With a base MSRP of $23,100 and $24,300 respectively, the LS and LT provide excellent value for money with their solid build quality and generous feature content.
The RS and ACTIV both start at $27,100 and come with the larger turbocharged engine and an array of aesthetic, performance, comfort, and technology upgrades. Note that you can get a lower price for your preferred Trailblazer model if you qualify for the financial incentives available at Huffines Chevrolet Plano.
The 2024 Kia Seltos is available in five variants: the LX, S, and EX, the performance-oriented X-Line, and the range-topping SX. The LX has a minimum price tag of $24,390, making it only slightly more expensive than the Trailblazer. If you want the more powerful engine, you have to move up to the X-Line or SX, which cost at least $28,690 or $29,990 respectively.
Test Drive the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Today
In the end, the choice between the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2024 Kia Seltos depends on your personal preferences. The Trailblazer is probably a better option if you need a roomy and practical SUV for transporting your family, whereas the Seltos may deliver a more engaging driving experience. If you’re thinking of buying the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer in Plano, Texas, consider coming to Huffines Chevrolet Plano. Regardless of your budget and lifestyle, our dealership can help you drive home a Trailblazer model that ticks all your boxes. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.