2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Buick Envista

$24,690 · Crossover

$24,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the efficient, capable 2025 Kia Seltos and the stylish 2026 Buick Envista boils down to prioritizing capability versus daily running costs and size. If you frequently deal with tricky weather or need slightly more accessible space, the Seltos, despite its slightly higher $24,690 MSRP, offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and a taller profile at 63.4 inches. However, if you stick to sunny commutes and value efficiency, the Envista wins on fuel economy with 30 MPG combined versus the Seltos' 29 MPG, and saves you $90 upfront at $24,600. While the Seltos provides more horsepower at 146 hp, the Envista compensates with significantly more torque (162 lb-ft versus 132 lb-ft) driving the front wheels. Furthermore, the Seltos boasts superior utility with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft, making it the more versatile small crossover.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Buick Envista

The 2026 Buick Envista edges out the Seltos for city commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 30 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the better choice for families needing utility, offering 26.6 cu ft of cargo room compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 146 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive for better handling flexibility.

💰 Best Value

2026 Buick Envista

The Buick Envista offers marginally better value by being $90 cheaper and offering better combined fuel economy at 30 MPG.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You need the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for navigating snow or unpaved roads.
You require maximum cargo hauling capability, as the Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet.
You prefer a punchier engine setup with 146 horsepower and a standard setup.

Choose the Buick Envista if...

You want the lowest possible running costs due to its 30 MPG combined fuel economy.
You want the best low-end grunt, as the Envista produces 162 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a longer vehicle that prioritizes length (182.6 inches) over outright height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Buick Envista
Length	172.6"	182.6"
Width	70.9"	71.5"
Height	63.4"	61.2"
Wheelbase	103.5"	106.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	2
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Buick
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.2 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	137 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	12
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Buick
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Buick
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	flex-fuel (unleaded/E85)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	28/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	369.6/422.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Buick
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	—	✓
Sun Sensor	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Buick
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	—	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Buick
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.0 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	52.3 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
Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Buick
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	37.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	54.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	45.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Buick
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Buick
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.	6 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2026 Buick Envista.

Which vehicle is better for snowy climates, the 2025 Seltos or the 2026 Envista?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is the clear winner here because it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The 2026 Buick Envista is strictly Front Wheel Drive (FWD), which offers less traction in adverse conditions.

How much more cargo space does the Seltos offer than the Envista?

The Kia Seltos provides substantially more utility with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the Buick Envista offers 20.7 cubic feet, a difference of nearly 6 cubic feet for hauling gear.

Is there a significant difference in engine performance between these two crossovers?

Yes, although both are relatively modest, the Seltos has more horsepower at 146 hp compared to the Envista's 137 hp. However, the Envista counters with significantly more torque at 162 lb-ft, which might make it feel quicker off the line.

Which one is cheaper to fuel up regularly?

The 2026 Buick Envista is slightly more fuel-efficient, achieving 30 MPG combined, versus the Seltos' 29 MPG combined. Additionally, the Envista supports E85 flex-fuel, potentially offering lower pump prices depending on your location.

Are there major differences in size and maneuverability?

The Seltos is shorter in length at 172.6 inches and taller at 63.4 inches, while the Envista is longer overall at 182.6 inches but sits lower to the ground at 61.2 inches. Both are comparably narrow, around 71 inches wide.