2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Nissan Kicks
The mark of a great compact SUV is adaptability to all situations. It needs to be comfortable, spacious, safe, and capable while offering a price that doesn't break the bank. Great warranty coverage and reliability ratings help, too. If you're shopping in the compact segment, it makes sense to take a serious look at the 2025 Kia Seltos compared to the 2025 Nissan Kicks.
2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Nissan Kicks
The price leader in this duo is the 2025 Nissan Kicks. Does the 2025 Kia Seltos have what it takes to be the better option even though it's more expensive? We think so - read on to find out!
| 2025 Kia Seltos | 2025 Nissan Kicks | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | Starting at $23,690 | Starting at $21,830 |
| Transmission | Continuously variable-speed automatic | Continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Maximum Payload | 1,103 lbs | 934 lbs. |
| Cargo Space | 62.8 cu. ft. | 58.5 cu. ft. |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
When it comes to warranty coverage, the Kia pulls ahead, offering significantly longer coverage than the Nissan for both the powertrain and basic components. This is where the Kia's superior dollar-for-dollar value comes in.
| Warranty Coverage | 2025 Kia Seltos | 2025 Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 10 years/100k miles | 6 years/60k miles |
| Basic | 5 years/60k miles | 3 years/36k miles |
Performance
The 2025 Kia Seltos has two powertrain options for your consideration. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower, mated to a CVT automatic transmission. This engine is the fuel economy leader, able to drive 34 miles per gallon on the highway. Buyers who crave a bit more oomph can opt for a turbocharged 1.6-liter that generates 195 horsepower and has a more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.
By comparison, your options are limited with the 2025 Nissan Kicks. The only available engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower. This engine produces similar horsepower to the Seltos but doesn't bring anything new to the table. All wheel drive is available as it is in the Kia, and it's 0 to 60 time of 9 seconds is a few ticks off what the Seltos is able to achieve.
Safety Features
The 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Nissan Kicks are evenly matched in the safety category with top safety ratings and loads of active safety tech as standard equipment, including:
- Auto Emergency Braking
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Assist Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control w/Stop & Go
- Highway Driving Assist
Interior
The 2025 Kia Seltos lives up to Kia's impressive reputation for interior quality with soft-touch materials and more standard features than the Kicks. An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on every Seltos, while an optional single panel extends from the driver door to the center console. This panel houses two screens that display both the instrument panel and radio and navigation controls. The 2025 Seltos has what it takes to keep you comfortable in all climates with available heated and ventilated seats. What's more, you can use the MyHyundai app to warm up the cabin before you brave those frigid Bedford winters.
The cabin in the 2025 Nissan Kicks is not as impressive, with cheap-feeling plastics where all the nicer materials are in the Kia. The standard screen is smaller than the one in the Seltos at 7 inches. We were also surprised to find that wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay require you to step up to the SV or SR models, while standard on all trim levels of the Kia.
Bottom Line
While the 2025 Nissan Kicks has been improved over the previous model, it's still no match for the 2025 Kia Seltos, which offers a better blend of style, quality, and technology.
Test Drive the 2025 Kia Seltos near Cleveland!
Ready to experience the stellar value and amazing design of the 2025 Kia Seltos for yourself? Call our sales staff at (866) 344-0006 to set up a test drive at Kia of Bedford. Explore our online inventory to view vehicles in your area.
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Kia of Bedford
18180 Rockside Road
Bedford, OH 44146
- Sales: (440) 735-4000
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