2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$21,830 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary numerical divergence between the 2025 Nissan Kicks and the 2026 Kia Seltos lies in their starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Kicks beginning at $21,830 versus the Seltos's $23,690, establishing a $1,860 initial cost advantage for the Nissan. Performance metrics show the Seltos outputting 147 hp compared to the Kicks' 141 hp, although the Kicks counters with marginally higher torque at 140 lb-ft versus the Seltos's 132 lb-ft. Fuel economy is identical, with both achieving a 31 MPG combined rating on regular unleaded fuel. In terms of utility, the Kicks offers superior packaging, boasting 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft. Dimensionally, the Kicks is 0.7 inches shorter in length (171.9 in vs 172.6 in) but 0.6 inches taller (64.2 in vs 63.6 in), suggesting slightly different approaches to cabin height versus overall footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks wins for commuters due to its $1,860 lower MSRP and slightly easier maneuverability suggested by its marginally shorter length.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Nissan Kicks

Car1 offers 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is significantly more practical for family hauling than the Seltos's 26.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos secures the enthusiast verdict by producing 147 hp, marginally exceeding the Kicks' 141 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Nissan Kicks

The Kicks presents better value by delivering 3 MPG highway and 30 cu ft of cargo space for $1,860 less upfront.

Choose the Nissan Kicks if...

Your primary concern is initial acquisition cost, as its MSRP is $21,830.
You prioritize maximum storage, benefiting from 30 cu ft of cargo space compared to 26.6 cu ft.
You prefer marginally more torque (140 lb-ft) for city driving responsiveness.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

You require the highest engine output, evidenced by its 147 hp rating.
You desire a slightly longer vehicle footprint, measuring 172.6 inches.
You are willing to pay the higher $23,690 MSRP for the Seltos's specific design and power characteristics.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Nissan Kicks	Kia Seltos
Length	171.9"	172.6"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	64.2"	63.6"
Wheelbase	104.6"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	141 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	140 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	333.2/416.5 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.9 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Front Head Room	39.7 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	53.0 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	Nissan	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.5 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	34.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	50.1 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Nissan	Kia
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R16	P215/55R17
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How does the cargo volume compare between the 2025 Kicks and 2026 Seltos?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offers a superior 30 cubic feet of cargo capacity. In contrast, the 2026 Kia Seltos is limited to 26.6 cubic feet, making the Kicks the more practical choice for bulky items.

Is there a significant fuel economy difference between these two front-wheel-drive crossovers?

No, the fuel economy is identical on paper; both achieve a combined 31 MPG rating. The Kicks offers 35 MPG highway while the Seltos is rated at 34 MPG highway, a minimal one-point difference.

Which vehicle has the superior horsepower and torque figures?

The 2026 Kia Seltos leads marginally in power output with 147 hp compared to the Kicks' 141 hp. However, the Kicks holds the torque advantage, posting 140 lb-ft against the Seltos's 132 lb-ft.

What is the price difference between the base models?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks has a lower MSRP starting at $21,830. The 2026 Kia Seltos carries a higher entry price of $23,690, resulting in a $1,860 difference favoring the Kicks.

Are there any dimensional differences relevant to garage fitting?

Both crossovers are nearly identical in width (70.9 inches). The Kicks is 0.7 inches shorter in length but 0.6 inches taller than the Seltos, suggesting a marginally more upright stance.