2024 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh that subtly enhanced its exterior and interior. The updated headlight and grille designs, along with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillight assemblies, gave the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. Our test model, adorned in the new “Pluton Blue” paint, stood out sharply. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, “Gentle Brown” and “Midnight Green,” although our test model featured the standard black interior. The most striking change was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. The sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, contributing to its low, long, athletic stance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly crafted with polished metallic trim and Nappa leather, offering an upscale feel despite some materials reflecting its competitive pricing. However, the ergonomics were less than ideal, with a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these issues, the CX-90 maintained a sophisticated look and feel compared to other midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbo engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations, although there was some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, however, had a less refined drivetrain despite its impressive design. The turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine in the 3.3 Turbo models produced 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system. The CX-90 provided a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior until warmed up. Despite these issues, the CX-90 offered impressive ride and handling, with a firm suspension that provided a communicative driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, in 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. However, the three-zone climate control system was slow to cool the cabin. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and the second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited seat-track travel. The CX-90 offered 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row flattened.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent large digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The SX trim featured an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90’s dashboard presented technology in a traditional manner, with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The CX-90 featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda’s Active Driving Display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful data.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and lane-follow assist. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 was one of the few midsize, three-row SUVs to receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90’s driver aids were effective, although the audible warning systems could be overwhelming.