2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Nissan Kicks

$24,690 · Crossover

$22,430 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Nissan Kicks often comes down to prioritizing capability versus efficiency and initial cost. If you frequently encounter slippery conditions or need slightly more ground clearance, the Seltos offers standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) right from the start. However, the Kicks saves you money immediately, boasting an MSRP of only $22,430 compared to the Seltos's $24,690 base price. For the daily driver worried about fuel stops, the Kicks pulls ahead with a superior combined MPG of 31 versus the Seltos's 29 MPG. While the Seltos has slightly more horsepower at 146 hp, the Kicks delivers slightly more torque at 140 lb-ft, which might translate to better low-speed pulling power, although both use CVTs. Ultimately, balancing the Seltos's AWD advantage against the Kicks' better fuel economy (35 highway MPG vs. 31 highway MPG) is the core decision point here.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Nissan Kicks

The 2026 Nissan Kicks wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Kicks

Families will appreciate the Kicks' extra utility, offering 30 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is the choice for driving enthusiasts because it comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system.

💰 Best Value

2026 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks offers better initial value, priced nearly $2,260 lower than the Seltos while providing better MPG.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You absolutely require the traction and stability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer the slightly higher output of 146 horsepower for acceleration.
You need a vehicle that is slightly taller (63.4 inches vs 64.2 inches) in relation to its width for maneuvering city parking.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Saving money upfront is critical, given its MSRP is $2,2430.
Maximizing cargo space is a priority, as it offers 30 cubic feet compared to 26.6 cu ft.
You prioritize fuel savings with its best-in-class 35 MPG on the highway.

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	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2026 Nissan Kicks.

Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks significantly smaller than the 2025 Kia Seltos?

They are very similar in size; the Kicks is marginally shorter in length (171.9 inches vs 172.6 inches) and slightly taller (64.2 inches vs 63.4 inches). Despite the similar exterior dimensions, the Kicks manages to pack in more usable storage space.

Why does the Seltos come standard with AWD when the Kicks is FWD?

The Kia Seltos includes AWD as standard equipment, offering better grip in low-traction situations. The Nissan Kicks is listed with Front Wheel Drive, which usually contributes to its higher fuel efficiency ratings.

Which vehicle will cost less at the gas pump over a year?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks should cost less due to its better efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Seltos’s 29 combined MPG. Furthermore, both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel.

How much more storage capacity does the Kicks offer?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks provides 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is noticeably larger than the 26.6 cubic feet offered by the 2025 Kia Seltos, making it more accommodating for larger shopping trips or luggage.

Is the horsepower difference between the two cars noticeable?

The Kia Seltos leads marginally with 146 horsepower compared to the Kicks' 141 horsepower. However, the Kicks counters with 140 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos's 132 lb-ft, suggesting they will feel similar in most everyday driving scenarios.

What is the initial price difference between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a lower Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) at $22,430. The 2025 Kia Seltos starts higher at $24,690, representing a difference of $2,260.