2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Nissan Rogue
Comparison Overview
Deciding between a smaller, budget-friendly crossover and a larger, more powerful option is a common hurdle for SUV shoppers. The 2025 Kia Seltos steps in with an appealing starting MSRP of $24,690, making it immediately more accessible than the 2025 Nissan Rogue at $28,590, a difference of $3,900. While the Seltos offers a capable 146 hp, the Rogue boasts a substantial 201 hp, giving it a significant performance edge. However, the Seltos doesn't completely lag; it still manages a respectable 29 combined MPG for its all-wheel-drive setup. Conversely, the FWD Rogue pulls ahead in efficiency, netting an excellent 33 combined MPG, which translates to fewer fuel stops on long drives. Though the Rogue provides more space with 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft, the Seltos remains the smarter choice for those prioritizing upfront savings and maneuverability due to its slightly smaller dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos wins for commuters due to its lower starting price of $24,690 and slightly tighter dimensions making city parking easier.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is better for families as it offers substantially more cargo space at 31.6 cu ft compared to the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Rogue
Enthusiasts will favor the Rogue due to its robust 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Seltos' 146 hp.
2025 Kia Seltos
The Seltos delivers better overall value by saving the buyer $3,900 in initial cost while still providing an AWD drivetrain.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- You want to save $3,900 on the initial purchase price compared to the Rogue.
- You specifically need all-wheel drive capability standard for slippery conditions.
- You prefer a slightly smaller footprint, as the Seltos is nearly 10 inches shorter in length (172.6 inches vs 183.0 inches).
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- You prioritize highway driving and efficiency, achieving 37 highway MPG versus the Seltos' 31 highway MPG.
- You need immediate power, as the Rogue delivers 201 hp, giving you 55 hp more than Car 1.
- You require maximum utility, benefiting from 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Seltos | Nissan Rogue |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.6" | 183.0" |
| Width | 70.9" | 72.4" |
| Height | 63.4" | 66.5" |
| Wheelbase | 103.5" | 106.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Driver Attention Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | โ | โ |
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 | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/31 MPG | 30/37 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 33 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 356.4/409.2 mi. | 435.0/536.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 14.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | โ | โ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.5 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 53.5 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.0 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.7 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.8 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | โ | โ |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/55R | P235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
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 | โ | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Nissan Rogue.
Is the 2025 Nissan Rogue worth the extra $3,900 over the Kia Seltos?
It depends on your needs. The Rogue costs $3,900 more but nets you 55 more horsepower and significantly better fuel economy, averaging 33 combined MPG compared to the Seltos' 29 combined MPG. If performance and long-term fuel savings matter, it could justify the price.
Which crossover handles snowy or unpaved roads better?
The 2025 Kia Seltos comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, which is beneficial for varying conditions right out of the box. The Nissan Rogue comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, meaning you'd need to opt for a higher trim to match the Seltos' standard AWD capability.
How much more room do I get if I buy the Rogue instead of the Seltos?
You gain 5.0 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space by choosing the Rogue, offering 31.6 cu ft versus the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft. This is a noticeable difference for luggage or bulkier items.
Will the Seltos feel sluggish compared to the Rogue on the highway?
Yes, the Seltos' 146 hp engine will feel less punchy than the Rogue's 201 hp engine, especially when merging or passing. The Rogue has 225 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos' 132 lb-ft.
Are the fuel requirements different for these two crossovers?
Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium gasoline, as both the Kia Seltos and the Nissan Rogue specify regular unleaded fuel for their engines.
Which vehicle is physically smaller for tight parking spots?
The 2025 Kia Seltos is the smaller vehicle overall; it measures 172.6 inches long and 70.9 inches wide, making it easier to maneuver and park in tight urban spaces than the longer and wider Rogue.
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