2025 Kia Niro vs 2026 Ford Maverick

$26,990 · Crossover

$28,145 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the highly efficient 2025 Kia Niro and the surprisingly capable 2026 Ford Maverick really boils down to prioritizing fuel savings versus pure utility and power. If your biggest daily headache is the gas pump, the Niro is the clear victor, boasting an outstanding combined 53 MPG, crushing the Maverick's 38 MPG combined rating. This 15 MPG advantage translates to significant savings over a year of commuting. However, the Maverick packs 191 hp, substantially more than the Niro's 139 hp, giving it better punch, despite being nearly 26 inches longer at 199.8 inches compared to the Niro's 174.0 inches. While the Niro starts slightly cheaper at $26,990 versus the Maverick's $28,145, the lower operating cost of the Niro might offset that initial $1,155 gap quickly. Ultimately, this comparison pits ultimate economy against raw capability in a compact footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro

The 2025 Kia Niro wins for commuters due to its superior 53 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick is better suited for families due to its significantly larger dimensions, including greater height (68.8 inches vs. 60.8 inches).

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 52 more horsepower, achieving 191 hp compared to the Niro's 139 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Niro

The Kia Niro offers better value by combining a lower MSRP of $26,990 with drastically lower running costs due to superior MPG.

Choose the Kia Niro if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the Niro achieves an impressive 53 MPG combined.
Your budget is tight, as the Niro has a lower starting MSRP of $26,990.
You frequently drive in tight city areas where a shorter vehicle (174.0 inches long) is advantageous.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

You require more power, as the Maverick delivers 191 hp versus the Niro's 139 hp.
You need greater passenger and cargo space, suggested by the Maverick's larger exterior dimensions.
You prefer the responsiveness of an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission over a 6-speed automated manual.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro	Ford Maverick
Length	174.0"	199.8"
Width	71.8"	72.6"
Height	60.8"	68.8"
Wheelbase	107.1"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Ford
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	—
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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 Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	hybrid
Horsepower	139 hp @ 5700 rpm	191 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	155 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	Kia	Ford
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	electrically variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Ford
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	53/54 MPG	42/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	53 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	588.3/599.4 mi.	579.6/483.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	13.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Ford
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	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Ford
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	13.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Ford
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	55.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Ford
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	54.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Ford
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	P225/65R17
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro and 2026 Ford Maverick.

Is the 2025 Kia Niro significantly more fuel-efficient than the 2026 Ford Maverick?

Yes, the difference is substantial; the Niro boasts a combined 53 MPG, whereas the Maverick achieves only 38 MPG combined. This means the Niro uses about 30% less fuel on average for the same distance traveled.

Which vehicle offers more power for merging onto the highway?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is considerably stronger, generating 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. This easily beats the 2025 Kia Niro, which produces only 139 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.

How do the prices compare between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Niro has a slightly lower entry price, starting at $26,990. The 2026 Ford Maverick is priced higher, beginning at $28,145.

Is the Maverick much larger than the Niro, affecting parking?

The Maverick is considerably larger, especially in height and length; it measures 199.8 inches long compared to the Niro’s 174.0 inches. If parking ease is crucial, the shorter Niro might be easier to manage.

Do either of these vehicles require premium fuel?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium gasoline; both the 2025 Kia Niro and the 2026 Ford Maverick are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel.

What is the key difference in the driving experience regarding the transmission?

The Niro uses a 6-speed automated manual transmission, which some drivers find slightly less smooth in stop-and-go traffic. Conversely, the Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission for potentially smoother power delivery.