The 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Nissan Kicks may share a segment, but they bring distinct personalities to the road. The Seltos offers a more spacious cabin, rugged styling, and available all-wheel drive, while the Kicks focuses on a sleek, city-friendly design with a tech-forward interior. If you're deciding between these two compact SUVs, here's how they stack up.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Trims for the 2025 Kia Seltos are $25,965 to $32,465; the 2025 Nissan Kicks starts at $23,220 and goes up to $27,570
- The Seltos received only a few changes for the 2025 model year.
- The Seltos offers nearly twice the trim options as the Kicks.
2025 Kia Seltos vs. 2025 Nissan Kicks: Key Changes for 2025
The Seltos received a real glow up in 2024, in cosmetics and additional horsepower, so 2025 saw only a few tweaks. The EX and SX trims were given reverse parking distance, and the EX all-wheel drive variant added a smart power liftgate and cargo cover as standard. The S model now features 17-inch two-tone alloys. Starting MSRPs are:
- LX: $25,965
- S: $26,465
- EX: $27,465
- X-Line: $30,665
- SX: $32,465
The new Kicks is also changed—it’s larger, features new styling inside and out, and features a more powerful four-cylinder engine with available all-wheel drive. Nissan’s patented Zero Gravity seats are now standard in front and back. However, there are fewer trims than the Seltos to choose from
- S: $23,220
- SV: $25,070
- SR: $27,570
Power and Performance: How the 2025 Kia Seltos Compares to the 2025 Nissan Kicks
The Seltos features:
- A 2.0-liter engine generating 146 horsepower or,
- A turbocharged 1.6-liter delivering 195 horsepower
The Selta’s base engine is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), while the turbocharged engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is standard on most trims.
The Kicks’ 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine has been upgraded with a 2.0-liter engine generating 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. While it’s not super powerful, it's certainly an upgrade. A continuously variable automatic transmission funnels the torque to the front or all four wheels with all-wheel drive.
Interior Features and Technology: Seltos vs. Kona for 2025
The Seltos definitely isn’t the largest SUV out there, but it still offers ample pace for occupants and cargo. Adults have plenty of head, leg and shoulder room, and it’s easy to get in and out of. Quality materials are used in all trims, with ambient lighting that pulses along with music standard on the upscale SX.
You can hold a lot of stuff in the back of the Seltos. It's one of the leaders in its class with a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cubic feet. Leave the rear seats up and there's still 26.6 cubes. Loading cargo isn't a hassle either thanks to a wide liftgate opening and decent cargo depth.
The Kicks’ interior has a contemporary design made with quality materials, including an ambient light bar that runs through the door panels and dash, the automaker’s Zero Gravity seats in both rows, and an optional panoramic sunroof. Space for passengers is adequate, but space for cargo is a little lacking.
2025 Kia Seltos vs. 2025 Nissan Kicks: Which SUV Offers the Best Value for Your Budget?
While both SUVs offer great value, the Seltos provides more practicality and versatility for the price, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers, and its spacious interior is hard to beat, especially when making long journeys. Stop by our showroom today to experience it for yourself!