2025 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$28,145 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Kia Seltos often comes down to prioritizing utility versus pure upfront savings. If you need a tiny bit more capability wrapped in a manageable footprint, the Maverick is compelling, though it asks for a higher entry fee of $28,145 compared to the Seltos's $23,690 MSRP. However, the Maverick immediately pays some of that back through efficiency; it boasts a superior combined MPG of 38 versus the Seltos's 31 MPG. Power delivery is also noticeably different: the Maverick offers 191 hp, a solid 44 hp advantage over the Seltos's 147 hp. While the Seltos is slightly shorter at 172.6 inches, the Maverick’s 199.8-inch length gives it a bulkier stance. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the fuel savings and extra power are worth the $4,455 initial premium the Ford demands.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Maverick

The Maverick wins for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG rating, promising lower running costs over daily driving.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos is the family choice because, despite being smaller, it offers a defined 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity while maintaining a lower entry price.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Maverick

Enthusiasts will prefer the Maverick because it delivers 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, significantly more punch than the Seltos.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos offers better initial value by being $4,455 less expensive at MSRP while still providing efficient transportation.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You prioritize fuel economy, as the Maverick achieves 38 combined MPG.
You need more acceleration, benefitting from the 191 hp engine.
You prefer the longer 199.8-inch vehicle frame, suggesting more overall room or utility.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your budget is strict, as the Seltos undercuts the Maverick's price by $4,455.
You value contained cargo hauling, evidenced by its stated 26.6 cu ft capacity.
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, with the Seltos measuring 172.6 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Kia Seltos
Length	199.8"	172.6"
Width	72.6"	70.9"
Height	68.8"	63.6"
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	147 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	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	369.6/448.8 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.	53.0 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.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	48.8 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

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	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 Maverick and 2026 Kia Seltos.

Which vehicle saves me more money in the long run?

While the Kia Seltos has a lower starting MSRP of $23,690, the Ford Maverick's superior 38 combined MPG means it should cost less to fuel over many years. You need to weigh the initial $4,455 savings of the Kia against potential fuel savings from the Ford.

Is the power difference between the two significant for city driving?

Yes, the 44 hp gap is noticeable; the Maverick puts out 191 hp compared to the Seltos's 147 hp. This means the Maverick will feel noticeably quicker when merging onto highways or passing other traffic.

How much smaller is the 2026 Kia Seltos physically?

The Seltos is considerably smaller, measuring 172.6 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 63.6 inches tall. The Maverick is 199.8 inches long and significantly taller at 68.8 inches, giving it a more substantial presence on the road.

Do both vehicles use regular gasoline?

Yes, both the 2025 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Kia Seltos are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping fueling costs predictable for both models.

Which one is better if I need maximum space behind the rear seats?

The Seltos explicitly lists a 26.6 cu ft cargo capacity, while the Maverick's specific cargo figure is not provided, though its larger body size might imply more overall space.

Are the transmissions very different between these two FWD crossovers?

The Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Seltos uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT); both aim for smoothness, but they use slightly different approaches to maintain efficiency.