2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Ford Maverick

$24,690 · Crossover

$28,145 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Ford Maverick lies in fuel economy, where the Maverick achieves a combined 38 MPG compared to the Seltos' 29 MPG, a 9 MPG advantage. This efficiency gain is coupled with a considerable power deficit for the Seltos, which produces 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque against the Maverick’s 191 hp and 155 lb-ft. Price introduces another major factor, with the Seltos starting at an MSRP of $24,690, positioning it $3,455 below the Maverick's $28,145 entry point. Size metrics also differ; the Maverick is substantially larger, measuring 199.8 inches long versus the Seltos’ 172.6 inches, and offers more interior volume. However, the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft cargo capacity is the only metric provided that demonstrates a superior spec relative to the comparison points listed, as the Maverick's full dimensions and cargo are incomplete.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick is the winner for commuters due to its superior 38 combined MPG, significantly reducing operating costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick offers a larger physical footprint, being 199.8 inches long compared to the Seltos' 172.6 inches, suggesting better passenger accommodation.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick delivers 45 more horsepower (191 hp) and higher torque (155 lb-ft) than the Seltos, providing superior performance metrics.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides a significantly lower entry cost at $24,690, undercutting the Maverick by $3,455.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Budget is the primary constraint, as the Seltos MSRP is $3,455 less expensive than the Maverick.
You prioritize maneuverability in tight urban spaces, indicated by its smaller 172.6-inch length.
You require a vehicle that uses regular unleaded fuel while maintaining an AWD configuration from the base level provided.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, evidenced by the 38 combined MPG versus the Seltos' 29 MPG.
Higher output is desired, as the Maverick produces 191 hp compared to the Seltos' 146 hp.
A larger overall vehicle size is necessary, with the Maverick measuring 199.8 inches in length and 68.8 inches in height.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Ford Maverick
Length	172.6"	199.8"
Width	70.9"	72.6"
Height	63.4"	68.8"
Wheelbase	103.5"	121.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Ford
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	191 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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

Drive Train

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

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Ford
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	42/35 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	38 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	579.6/483.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
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	40.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	57.3 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 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	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Ford
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	35.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	54.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Ford
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	P225/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Steel
Wheel Diameter	—	17 in

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.
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 Seltos and 2026 Ford Maverick.

What is the most significant performance difference between the 2025 Seltos and the 2026 Maverick?

The 2026 Ford Maverick exhibits a substantial power advantage, producing 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, contrasting sharply with the Kia Seltos’ 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, representing a 45 hp disparity.

How does the starting price affect the initial purchase decision?

The 2025 Kia Seltos has a lower MSRP of $24,690, making it $3,455 more affordable than the 2026 Ford Maverick's starting price of $28,145.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance driving based on fuel consumption?

The 2026 Ford Maverick is superior for long commutes, achieving a combined 38 MPG, which is significantly better than the Seltos’ 29 combined MPG rating.

Are the two vehicles comparable in terms of size and utility?

No, the Maverick is considerably larger, boasting a length of 199.8 inches versus the Seltos at 172.6 inches, although specific cargo figures are only fully provided for the Seltos (26.6 cu ft).

What are the transmission differences between these two crossovers?

The Kia Seltos utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission paired with AWD, whereas the Maverick employs an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission generally associated with FWD.