2025 Ford Maverick vs 2025 Kia Seltos

$28,145 · Crossover

$24,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2025 Kia Seltos often boils down to prioritizing utility versus ultimate efficiency and cost. If you need a flexible hauler, the Maverick is intriguing, despite its higher entry price of $28,145 compared to the Seltos's $24,690. However, the Seltos wins on fuel economy; its 29 MPG combined smokes the Maverick's impressive 38 MPG combined, offering significant long-term savings. Power is another clear split: the Maverick boasts 191 hp to handle light hauling tasks, whereas the Seltos offers a modest 146 hp. While the Maverick is physically larger at nearly 200 inches long, the Seltos provides standard All-Wheel Drive, a feature the base Maverick lacks. This comparison hinges on whether you value the truck bed versatility and superior fuel sipping (38 MPG) of the Maverick or the lower upfront cost and standard AWD grip of the Seltos.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The 2025 Ford Maverick is the winner for commuters due to its outstanding 42 MPG city rating, significantly beating the Seltos.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos is better equipped for unpredictable family needs as it includes standard All-Wheel Drive capability.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Maverick

Enthusiasts looking for quicker acceleration will prefer the Maverick's 191 hp output over the Seltos's 146 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos provides better immediate value by being $3,455 less expensive than the base Maverick.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You need the best possible fuel economy, boasting 38 MPG combined.
You anticipate needing the extra utility provided by the truck body style.
You want significantly more engine power, delivering 191 hp.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Sticking to a tight budget is crucial, given its $24,690 starting MSRP.
Driving in slick conditions is common, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You need a compact footprint, as the Seltos is nearly 27 inches shorter than the Maverick.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Kia Seltos
Length	199.8"	172.6"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	68.8"	63.4"
Wheelbase	121.1"	103.5"

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	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	146 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Kia
Transmission Type	electrically variable-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)	42/35 MPG	27/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	356.4/409.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	13.2 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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

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.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 in.	53.5 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	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	52.8 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R17	P215/55R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the main difference in driving configuration between these two crossovers?

The base 2025 Ford Maverick comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, optimized for efficiency. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Seltos includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment, giving it a built-in advantage in low-traction scenarios.

How does the price difference translate into long-term ownership costs?

The Seltos starts $3,455 cheaper at $24,690, which helps offset its slightly lower fuel economy. While the Maverick gets 38 MPG combined versus the Seltos's 29 MPG, the initial savings on the Seltos are substantial.

Which vehicle is significantly better on gas for highway commutes?

The Ford Maverick is the clear winner for fuel sipping, achieving an impressive 35 MPG on the highway, compared to the Kia Seltos which manages 31 MPG highway.

If I prioritize speed, which vehicle should I look at?

Power seekers should lean toward the Maverick; it delivers 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The Seltos lags behind significantly with only 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Are either of these vehicles particularly large or small for a crossover?

The Maverick is notably longer at 199.8 inches, suggesting a more substantial road presence. The Seltos is more compact at 172.6 inches, which might make parking easier in tight city spaces.

Do both vehicles use the same type of transmission?

While both use automatic transmissions, the Maverick employs an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission. The Seltos uses a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).