2025 Ford Escape vs 2026 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The $5,825 MSRP difference between the 2025 Ford Escape ($29,515) and the 2026 Kia Seltos ($23,690) is the most significant starting disparity. The Escape counters this premium with substantially higher output, offering 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. However, the Seltos claims a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Escape's 30 combined MPG, although both share identical 34 MPG highway ratings. Dimensionally, the Escape is significantly larger, measuring 180.1 inches long versus the Seltos's 172.6 inches, which translates directly to superior utility; the Escape provides 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cubic feet. The power discrepancy is substantial, with the Escape delivering 33 more horsepower to manage its larger frame and increased payload potential.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos offers a superior combined MPG of 31 and a significantly lower entry price of $23,690, benefiting budget-conscious drivers.
2025 Ford Escape
The 2025 Ford Escape offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, providing 10.9 cubic feet more space than the Seltos for passenger gear.
2025 Ford Escape
The Escape boasts 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Seltos’s 147 hp for spirited driving.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Seltos provides slightly better fuel economy (31 MPG combined) while carrying a $5,825 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Ford Escape if...
- If maximum hauling capacity is necessary, as the Escape offers 37.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- If higher power output is prioritized, demonstrated by its 180 hp engine.
- If driving dynamics and stability benefit from the larger 180.1-inch overall length.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- If the initial purchase price is critical, with an MSRP that is $5,825 less than the Escape.
- If achieving the best fuel economy in city driving (28 MPG) is a goal.
- If a smaller, more maneuverable footprint is preferred, evidenced by its 172.6-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Escape | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 172.6" |
| Width | 74.1" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.0" | 63.6" |
| 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 | 147 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 | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 399.6/503.2 mi. | 369.6/448.8 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. | 53.0 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. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.3 in. | 48.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | P215/55R17 |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 2026 Kia Seltos.
How significant is the power difference between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Ford Escape produces 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, offering a 33 hp advantage over the 2026 Kia Seltos, which manages 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The Kia Seltos technically wins marginally, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Ford Escape's 30 combined MPG, though both achieve identical 34 MPG on the highway.
What is the real-world difference in cargo space?
The Ford Escape provides substantially more room with 37.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, compared to the Seltos’s 26.6 cubic feet, a difference of nearly 11 cubic feet.
How much more affordable is the base Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Kia Seltos has a base MSRP of $23,690, making it $5,825 cheaper than the 2025 Ford Escape starting at $29,515.
Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?
No, the Ford Escape utilizes an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Kia Seltos is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Are there notable size differences affecting parking or garage fitment?
Yes, the Escape is considerably larger, measuring 180.1 inches long and 74.1 inches wide, whereas the Seltos is more compact at 172.6 inches long and 70.9 inches wide.
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