2025 Ford Escape vs 2025 Kia Seltos

$29,515 · Crossover

$24,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Ford Escape and the 2025 Kia Seltos is the $4,825 difference in starting MSRP, with the Seltos priced at $24,690 against the Escape’s $29,515. Power output also shows a substantial gap: the Escape generates 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, significantly surpassing the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. In terms of efficiency, the Escape edges out with a combined 30 MPG compared to the Seltos's 29 MPG, though the Escape's highway rating hits 34 MPG. Size metrics favor the Escape, which measures 180.1 inches long and offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo volume, substantially more than the Seltos’s 26.6 cu ft. While both utilize an 8-speed automatic (Escape) versus a CVT (Seltos), the Escape’s superior power and utility justify its higher premium.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Escape

The Ford Escape offers superior highway fuel economy at 34 MPG compared to the Seltos's 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Escape

The Escape provides 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, offering 10.9 cu ft more space than the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Escape

The Escape delivers 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, providing a 34 hp and 67 lb-ft advantage over the Seltos.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is substantially more affordable with an MSRP of $24,690 while still achieving 29 MPG combined.

Choose the Ford Escape if...

Maximum cargo utility is required, evidenced by 37.5 cu ft capacity.
Higher driving performance is desired, utilizing 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
The superior 34 MPG highway fuel rating is a priority for long-distance travel.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Sticking to a lower initial expenditure is critical, given the $24,690 MSRP.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is needed, while the base Escape is FWD.
A slightly more compact exterior (172.6 inches length) is preferred for urban maneuvering.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Escape	Kia Seltos
Length	180.1"	172.6"
Width	74.1"	70.9"
Height	66.0"	63.4"
Wheelbase	106.7"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	180 hp @ 6000 rpm	146 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	199 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	—
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/34 MPG	27/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	399.6/503.2 mi.	356.4/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.8 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Steering Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Kia
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.6 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	53.5 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.3 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.3 in.	52.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	P215/55R
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Escape and 2025 Kia Seltos.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Ford Escape features a more potent 180 hp engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2025 Kia Seltos produces only 146 hp and utilizes a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Which vehicle offers better utility for hauling cargo?

The Ford Escape provides significantly more storage, boasting 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Kia Seltos is notably smaller in this metric, offering only 26.6 cu ft.

How does the fuel economy compare when driving on the highway?

The Ford Escape achieves a higher highway fuel economy rating of 34 MPG on regular unleaded fuel. The Kia Seltos lags slightly behind with a highway rating of 31 MPG.

Why is the Kia Seltos less expensive than the Ford Escape?

The Kia Seltos undercuts the Escape by $4,825 in base MSRP, reflecting its lower power output (146 hp vs 180 hp) and smaller physical footprint (172.6 inches vs 180.1 inches).

Does the standard drive configuration differ between the two models?

Yes, the standard configuration listed shows the 2025 Ford Escape comes with Front Wheel Drive. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Seltos includes All Wheel Drive as its standard drive type.

Are the vehicle dimensions similar for parking purposes?

No, the Escape is physically larger, measuring 180.1 inches long and 74.1 inches wide. The Seltos is more compact at 172.6 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, making it potentially easier to garage.