2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Kia Niro
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the rugged utility of the 2025 Ford Maverick and the stellar efficiency of the 2025 Kia Niro presents a real dilemma for everyday drivers. If saving money at the pump is paramount, the Niro stands out with an incredible 53 combined MPG, dwarfing the Maverick's 38 combined MPG. Conversely, if hauling capability and a bit more oomph are what you need, the Maverick offers 191 hp compared to the Niro's 139 hp, even though the Niro compensates with 195 lb-ft of torque versus the Maverick's 155 lb-ft. Priced slightly higher at $28,145 versus the Niro's $26,990 MSRP, the Maverick also brings a larger footprint (199.8 inches long) to the segment. Ultimately, this comparison boils down to whether you prioritize substantial fuel savings or superior power output in your compact crossover choice.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Niro
The 2025 Kia Niro is the clear winner for commuters due to its superior 53 combined MPG, meaning fewer stops at the gas station.
2025 Ford Maverick
The 2025 Ford Maverick, being significantly longer at 199.8 inches, likely offers more usable space for family needs despite the specified cargo number for the Niro.
2025 Ford Maverick
The Maverick wins on raw performance metrics by delivering 191 hp, substantially more than the Niro's 139 hp.
2025 Kia Niro
The 2025 Kia Niro provides better overall value by offering excellent fuel economy and a lower starting MSRP of $26,990.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You frequently need more power, as the Maverick boasts 191 hp.
- You prefer the familiarity of a traditional automatic transmission over an automated manual.
- You require a slightly larger vehicle platform, indicated by its 199.8-inch length.
Choose the Kia Niro if...
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, thanks to its 53 combined MPG.
- You want the lower entry price point, starting at $26,990 MSRP.
- You value high torque for around-town responsiveness, as it produces 195 lb-ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Maverick | Kia Niro |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 199.8" | 174.0" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.8" |
| Height | 68.8" | 60.8" |
| Wheelbase | 121.1" | 107.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm | 139 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | electrically variable-speed automatic | 6-speed automated manual |
| 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) | 42/35 MPG | 53/54 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 38 MPG | 53 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 579.6/483.0 mi. | 588.3/599.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.8 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 13.2 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.2 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 56.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.4 in. | 53.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.9 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 55.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.1 in. | 53.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | P205/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 16 x 6.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
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. |
| EV Battery Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Maverick and 2025 Kia Niro.
How much more efficient is the Kia Niro compared to the Ford Maverick?
The difference is substantial; the 2025 Kia Niro achieves 53 combined MPG, while the 2025 Ford Maverick is rated at 38 combined MPG, giving the Niro a 15 MPG advantage.
Which vehicle is better for highway driving based on the specs?
The Kia Niro is superior for long highway stretches, showing ratings of 53/54 MPG City/Highway, whereas the Maverick trails with 42/35 MPG City/Highway.
Is the power gap between these two vehicles significant?
Yes, the 2025 Ford Maverick produces 191 hp, which is a 52 hp increase over the 2025 Kia Niro's 139 hp output.
What is the main difference in physical size?
The Ford Maverick is considerably longer, measuring 199.8 inches, while the Kia Niro is shorter at 174.0 inches, potentially affecting maneuverability and interior space.
Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Kia Niro specify regular unleaded fuel, which keeps refueling costs manageable for both models.
How does the torque output compare between the two crossovers?
Despite having less horsepower, the Kia Niro offers more low-end pulling power with 195 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Maverick's 155 lb-ft.
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