Chevrolet
Trax
Owner report available
Kia
Seltos
Owner report available
Chevrolet Trax vs Kia Seltos
The short answer
Based on available data, the Kia Seltos comes out ahead of the Chevrolet Trax on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Trax
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the first-generation models (approximately 2014-2022), owner feedback is overwhelmingly negative, characterized by very frequent and severe mechanical failures leading to high repair costs and widespread distrust. Common catastrophic issues include turbocharger failures, timing chain problems, and complete engine failures, often occurring before 100,000 miles.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to identify a "best" version. For the new generation, an owner notes the LT trim offers a good balance of features.
Known issues
- **First Generation (2014-2022 w/ 1.4L Turbo Engine):** Turbocharger failure: Requires replacement, often linked to other engine damage. Cost reports range from $2,100 to $6,000. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine failure: Catastrophic failures including melted cylinders, holes in engine blocks, and complete replacements. Often occurs under 100,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
- Timing chain issues: Causes persistent check engine lights (P0016, P0017 codes) and requires expensive replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
Seltos
Overall
Sentiment is sharply divided, creating a low-confidence overall picture. A significant portion of owner feedback is positive, praising the vehicle for its spacious interior relative to its compact size, attractive exterior design, generous feature content (including ventilated seats, sunroof, air purifier, and dashcam in higher trims), and generally smooth and comfortable driving experience with the naturally aspirated (NA) petrol engines and IVT (CVT) or manual transmissions. However, an equally significant and recurrent stream of criticism centers on mechanical and electronic reliability, particularly concerning turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, DCT and IMT transmissions, and various component failures.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Feedback is heavily segmented by powertrain preference.
Known issues
- Transmission reliability concerns (DCT/IMT): Reports of failures, clunky/low-speed behavior, unsuitability for city traffic, and long repair times for parts. Frequency: very frequent.
- Engine issues: Turbo failures, oil pump recalls (specific to a 2023 manufacturing batch), piston ring recalls (mentioned for 2.0L engines), carbon buildup causing lean codes at high mileage, and DPF failures in diesel models linked to "adu…
- Low real-world fuel economy: City mileage reported as low as 8-12 km/L (~19-28 MPG), significantly below expectations for the segment. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Kia Seltos is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Chevrolet Trax, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Kia Seltos are a dealbreaker, the Chevrolet Trax is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Seltos?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Kia Seltos than the Chevrolet Trax. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Seltos?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Seltos?
The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Trax at 29–30 mpg combined and the 2027 Kia Seltos at 26–30 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Chevrolet Trax or the Kia Seltos?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Chevrolet Trax than the Kia Seltos. See the known issues comparison above.