2026–27 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Kia Seltos: We Compared the Data
By the CarWhere Vehicle Data Team · Updated November 8, 2026 · how we score
Our pick: the Seltos — it leads our weighted scorecard 1–0.5 across 5 categories, winning on more available power (190 hp vs 155 hp). Choose the Trailblazer if a shorter recent recall list matters to you (1 vs 3).
Scorecard: Trailblazer 0.5 pts · Seltos 1 pts across 5 scored categories.
The scorecard
| Category (weight) | 2026 Trailblazer | 2027 Seltos | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2) | — | $24,990 | No data |
| 5-year value retained (1.5) | 56.3% | 55.1% | Tie |
| Best EPA combined (1.5) | 31 mpg | 30 mpg | Tie |
| Most horsepower available (1) | 155 hp | 190 hp | Seltos |
| Max towing (1) | 1,000 lb | — | No data |
| Standard seats (1) | 5 | 5 | Tie |
| Recalls, 2023–2025 model years (0.5) | 1 | 3 | Trailblazer |
| Weighted points | 0.5 | 1 | Seltos |
Which one we'd buy, and for whom
- Commuter. Commuters: it's a wash — Trailblazer 31 mpg vs Seltos 30 mpg (best EPA combined).
- Family. Families: it's a wash — Trailblazer 5 vs Seltos 5 (standard seats).
- Resale. Resale-minded buyers: it's a wash — Trailblazer 56.3% vs Seltos 55.1% (5-year value retained).
Price: sticker and what buyers paid
A current starting MSRP isn't on file for both models.
Reliability: NHTSA complaints and recalls
- Trailblazer: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- Seltos: a complaint rate per 1,000 sold isn't available yet.
- Recall campaigns touching the 2023–2025 model years: Trailblazer 1, Seltos 3.
Latest rated model years on our years-to-avoid pages: Seltos 2022 (caution), 2023 (solid), 2024 (solid).
Complaint rates are owner complaints filed with NHTSA divided by vehicles sold — a federal-data signal, not a survey score.
Specs side by side
| 2026 Trailblazer | 2027 Seltos | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (base trim) | — | $24,990 |
| Top-trim MSRP | — | $32,790 |
| Horsepower | 137–155 hp | 147–190 hp |
| Max torque | 174 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| EPA combined | 27–31 mpg | 26–30 mpg |
| Max towing | 1,000 lb | — |
| Seats (standard / max) | 5 / 5 | 5 / 5 |
Automaker-published figures; EPA ratings from fueleconomy.gov. "—" = not published.
Resale: 5-year value retained
A 5-year-old (2021) Trailblazer lists for a median $16,999 — 56.3% of today's median new price of $30,201. A 5-year-old (2021) Seltos lists for a median $16,334 — 55.1% of today's median new price of $29,650.
Shop both
- See new 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazers for sale →
- See 18,434 new 2027 Kia Seltos for sale →Median listed price $31,140 · updated Nov 7, 2026
Negotiating either one?
CarWhere PRO ($12.99/mo) shows the 75th-percentile target price for your exact trim and zip, comparable nearby deals, and an AI quote analyzer. See PRO → · Checking a specific used one? The $9.99 Full VIN Report covers the federal record + original window sticker.
More on the Chevrolet Trailblazer
More on the Kia Seltos
Related head-to-heads
FAQ
Is the Trailblazer better than the Seltos?
On our data, no — the Seltos comes out ahead. Our pick: the Seltos — it leads our weighted scorecard 1–0.5 across 5 categories, winning on more available power (190 hp vs 155 hp). Choose the Trailblazer if a shorter recent recall list matters to you (1 vs 3).
Which is more reliable, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
We only rank reliability by NHTSA complaints per 1,000 vehicles sold, and that rate isn't available for both models yet. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaigns touching the 2023–2025 Trailblazer and 3 for the Seltos.
Which holds its value better, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
About the same — 56.3% vs 55.1% retained after five years (within 2 points).
Which is cheaper, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
We don't have a current starting MSRP for both models.
Which has better gas mileage, the Trailblazer or the Seltos?
It's a wash: 31 mpg vs 30 mpg best EPA combined.
How we score
Each category compares one published number per model and counts only when both models have it. The winner earns the category weight; results inside the tie band earn nothing. Our pick has more weighted points; level points fall back to more category wins, then the reliability winner, then the price winner.
- Starting MSRP: lower wins; tie within 3%.
- NHTSA complaints per 1,000 sold: lower wins; tie within 15%.
- 5-year value retained: higher wins; tie within 2 points.
- Best EPA combined: higher wins; tie within 1 mpg (3 MPGe).
- Most horsepower available: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Max towing: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Cargo behind rear seats: higher wins; tie within 5%.
- Standard seats: higher wins; tie same count.
- Median discount verified buyers got: higher wins; tie within 0.5 points.
- Recalls, 2023–2025 model years: lower wins; tie within 1.
Towing weighs 2 for pickups and 1 otherwise; seating is only scored between SUVs and minivans, using standard (never optional) seats. Sources: automaker spec pages and order guides; EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov); NHTSA owner complaints and recall campaigns against published US sales; median used asking prices across active US dealer listings from licensed vehicle-data providers; verified buyer-submitted deal sheets for discounts.
Cite this page: CarWhere, "2026–27 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Kia Seltos: We Compared the Data," carwhere.com/compare-cars/chevrolet-trailblazer-vs-kia-seltos, updated November 8, 2026.