2025 Nissan Rogue vs 2026 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The primary differentiator between the 2025 Nissan Rogue and the 2026 Kia Seltos is the initial acquisition cost, with the Seltos undercutting the Rogue by $4,900, priced at $23,690 versus the Rogue's $28,590 MSRP. However, this lower price comes with a significant performance deficit: the Rogue produces 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, substantially overpowering the Seltos's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Fuel economy marginally favors the Rogue, achieving 33 MPG combined compared to the Seltos's 31 MPG combined. In terms of space, the Rogue offers 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, exceeding the Seltos's 26.6 cubic feet, and the Rogue is physically larger across all dimensions, notably being nearly 10.4 inches longer. Buyers must weigh the immediate $4,900 savings of the Seltos against the Rogue's superior power output and increased utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue provides better fuel efficiency at 33 MPG combined and superior highway cruising capability.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue offers substantially more utility with 31.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to 26.6 cu ft in the Seltos.
2025 Nissan Rogue
The Rogue is the undisputed performance leader, generating 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Seltos provides immediate value by costing $4,900 less while still offering comparable efficiency metrics.
Choose the Nissan Rogue if...
- Performance is a priority, as the 201 hp engine offers significantly more output than Car 2.
- Maximum utility is required, evidenced by its 31.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
- A larger overall footprint is desired, with the Rogue measuring 183.0 inches in length.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Budget constraints are strict, given the $23,690 MSRP is $4,900 less than the competitor.
- Maneuverability in tight urban settings is crucial, as the Seltos is over 10 inches shorter.
- Fuel savings are prioritized marginally, offering 30/37 MPG compared to the Rogue's 30/37 MPG (though the difference is minimal, it matches the 37 highway MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Nissan Rogue | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.0" | 172.6" |
| Width | 72.4" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.5" | 63.6" |
| Wheelbase | 106.5" | 103.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 Ventilated 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 Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Fixed Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 201 hp @ 5600 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 225 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
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) | 30/37 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 435.0/536.5 mi. | 369.6/448.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.5 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.1 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 | 39.2 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.9 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 48.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Rear Seat Feature | ✓ | — |
| Pass-Thru Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R17 | P215/55R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Nissan | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 Rogue and 2026 Kia Seltos.
What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Rogue and 2026 Seltos?
The 2025 Nissan Rogue delivers 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, which is a 54 hp advantage over the 2026 Kia Seltos. The Seltos generates only 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover offers better cargo volume for hauling needs?
The 2025 Nissan Rogue is superior for cargo, offering 31.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2026 Kia Seltos trails slightly with 26.6 cubic feet available for storage.
How significant is the price gap between the base models?
There is a $4,900 difference in the starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The 2026 Kia Seltos is listed at $23,690, whereas the 2025 Nissan Rogue starts at $28,590.
Do these crossovers require different fuel types?
Both vehicles are compatible with regular unleaded gasoline, which is a benefit for cost management. There is no premium fuel requirement for either the Rogue or the Seltos in the specified trims.
How do the combined MPG figures compare?
The Nissan Rogue holds a slight efficiency advantage, achieving a combined EPA rating of 33 MPG. The Kia Seltos is rated slightly lower at 31 MPG combined, though both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Are the exterior dimensions vastly different between the two models?
Yes, the Rogue is a physically larger vehicle, measuring 183.0 inches in length compared to the Seltos's 172.6 inches. This results in differences in both width (72.4 inches vs. 70.9 inches) and height (66.5 inches vs. 63.6 inches).
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