2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

$24,690 · Crossover

$21,830 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Seltos punches above its weight with a standard 146 hp from its engine, offering spirited intent compared to the hyper-efficient 2025 Nissan Kicks, which boasts an impressive 35 MPG highway rating. The Seltos brings standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to the fight, providing better foul-weather capability, while the Kicks compensates with superior efficiency, netting 31 combined MPG. While the Seltos is slightly longer at 172.6 inches, the Kicks maximizes interior utility with a larger 30 cu ft cargo capacity versus the Seltos’ 26.6 cu ft. Enthusiasts will lean toward the Kia's slightly higher 132 lb-ft of torque, even though the Kicks delivers superior fuel economy for the daily grind. Price is a major talking point: the Kicks starts significantly lower at $21,830, undercutting the Seltos' $24,690 starting MSRP, making this a battle between utility/AWD versus pure economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

Families will benefit from the Kicks' larger 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers a slight edge in performance metrics with 146 hp and standard AWD capability.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks provides superior economy and cargo space for a substantially lower starting MSRP of $21,830.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You require the enhanced grip and stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer slightly more power, as the Seltos offers 146 hp versus the Kicks' 141 hp.
You favor a vehicle with slightly more physical presence, measuring 172.6 inches in length.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Maximizing fuel economy is critical, especially with a highway rating of 35 MPG.
You are budget-conscious and want the lower starting price point of $21,830.
You need the maximum available storage, benefiting from 30 cu ft of dedicated cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Nissan Kicks
Length	172.6"	171.9"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	63.4"	64.2"
Wheelbase	103.5"	104.6"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	141 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	28/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	333.2/416.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	11.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.7 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	54.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	52.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	34.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	54.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	50.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	215/60R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Nissan
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 24000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Nissan Kicks.

Which vehicle is better for highway driving efficiency?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks is the clear winner for highway cruising, rated at an excellent 35 MPG highway. The Kia Seltos trails slightly with a 31 MPG highway rating.

Is there a significant difference in power output between the two crossovers?

The difference is minor, but the Kia Seltos boasts 146 hp, edging out the Nissan Kicks which produces 141 hp. However, the Kicks has 140 lb-ft of torque, slightly more than the Seltos' 132 lb-ft.

How does cargo space compare for hauling gear?

The Nissan Kicks offers a notable advantage in hauling capacity, providing 30 cu ft of cargo space. The Kia Seltos is competitive but smaller, offering 26.6 cu ft.

Which car provides better standard capability for adverse weather?

The Kia Seltos includes a standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, making it inherently better equipped for snow or slippery conditions than the Front Wheel Drive (FWD) setup on the base Kicks.

What is the price difference for the base models?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks enters the arena with a more accessible MSRP of $21,830. The 2025 Kia Seltos is positioned higher on the pricing scale with an MSRP of $24,690.

Are the transmissions fundamentally different between the two options?

No, both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) for both models, aiming for smooth power delivery and efficiency.