Which Is Better: Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks?

Choosing between the Kia Seltos and Nissan Kicks depends on your priorities. The Seltos offers more power and standard AWD, while the Kicks focuses on fuel efficiency and affordability. Both deliver great value in the subcompact SUV segment.

Key Takeaways

• Performance: The Kia Seltos has a stronger base engine and available all-wheel drive, making it better for drivers who want more power and traction.
• Fuel Economy: The Nissan Kicks leads in fuel efficiency, especially in city driving, thanks to its lighter build and efficient powertrain.
• Interior Space: The Seltos offers slightly more rear legroom and cargo space, giving passengers and gear more room to breathe.
• Technology & Features: Both SUVs come well-equipped, but the Seltos includes more standard tech, including a larger touchscreen and advanced driver aids.
• Safety Ratings: Both models earn high safety scores, but the Seltos comes with more standard active safety features across trims.
• Price & Value: The Kicks starts at a lower price point, offering strong value for budget-conscious buyers, while the Seltos justifies its higher cost with added performance and features.
• Driving Experience: The Seltos feels more engaging and responsive, while the Kicks prioritizes comfort and ease of driving in urban settings.

Introduction: Two Strong Contenders in the Subcompact SUV Market

If you’re in the market for a subcompact SUV that blends style, practicality, and modern tech, you’ve likely come across two popular names: the Kia Seltos and the Nissan Kicks. Both vehicles have made a strong impression since their debuts, appealing to young professionals, small families, and city dwellers alike. But when it comes down to choosing one, the decision isn’t always easy. Each brings its own strengths to the table, and the “better” option really depends on what you value most in a vehicle.

The Kia Seltos, launched in 2020, quickly gained attention for its bold design, robust engine options, and available all-wheel drive—a rare find in this segment. It positions itself as a more performance-oriented crossover, offering a driving experience that feels more dynamic than many competitors. On the other hand, the Nissan Kicks, refreshed in 2021, emphasizes affordability, fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly spacious interior for its size. It’s designed for those who want a no-fuss, economical ride without sacrificing modern conveniences.

So, which is better: Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks? The answer isn’t black and white. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll dive deep into every aspect that matters—performance, fuel economy, interior comfort, technology, safety, pricing, and real-world usability. Whether you’re commuting daily, planning weekend road trips, or just need a reliable ride for errands around town, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Let’s break it down, side by side, so you can find the SUV that truly fits your lifestyle.

Performance and Powertrain: Seltos vs. Kicks Under the Hood

When it comes to how a car feels on the road, performance is often the first thing drivers consider. The Kia Seltos and Nissan Kicks take different approaches here, catering to different driving preferences. Let’s look under the hood to see how they stack up.

Engine Options and Horsepower

The Kia Seltos offers two engine choices, giving buyers more flexibility. The base model comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. For those who want more punch, Kia offers an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That’s a significant jump, especially when merging onto highways or climbing hills.

In contrast, the Nissan Kicks comes with a single engine: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that generates 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. While it’s not the most powerful engine in the class, it’s tuned for smooth, efficient operation. The Kicks uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which helps optimize fuel economy but can feel less responsive during quick accelerations.

So, if you prioritize power and responsiveness, the Seltos—especially with the turbo engine—has a clear advantage. The turbo model can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds, which is impressive for a subcompact SUV. The Kicks, while adequate for city driving, may feel underpowered when carrying a full load or driving on steep inclines.

All-Wheel Drive: A Key Differentiator

One of the biggest advantages the Kia Seltos has over the Nissan Kicks is the availability of all-wheel drive (AWD). The Seltos offers AWD on most trims, including the base LX and higher. This is a major selling point for drivers in regions with snow, rain, or rough terrain. AWD improves traction and stability, making the Seltos a more versatile choice for year-round driving.

The Nissan Kicks, unfortunately, is only available with front-wheel drive. While FWD is fine for dry climates and urban environments, it limits the Kicks’ capability in adverse weather or off-road-like conditions. If you live in an area with frequent snow or wet roads, this could be a deciding factor.

Driving Dynamics and Handling

Behind the wheel, the Seltos feels more planted and sporty. Its suspension is tuned for a balance of comfort and control, and the steering offers decent feedback. The turbo model, in particular, delivers a more engaging drive, with quicker throttle response and better cornering ability.

The Kicks, on the other hand, is designed for comfort and ease. The ride is soft and absorbent, making it ideal for bumpy city streets. However, the steering feels lighter and less precise, which some drivers may find less satisfying on winding roads. The Kicks excels in low-speed maneuverability, making parking and tight turns a breeze.

In short, if you enjoy a more spirited drive and need AWD, the Seltos is the better performer. But if you value a smooth, relaxed ride and don’t need extra power or traction, the Kicks holds its own—especially for daily commuting.

Fuel Economy: Efficiency That Matters

For many buyers, fuel economy is a top priority—especially with rising gas prices and growing environmental concerns. Both the Kia Seltos and Nissan Kicks aim to be efficient, but they take different paths to achieve it.

EPA Ratings Compared

Let’s look at the numbers. The Nissan Kicks shines in this category. With its lightweight design and efficient 1.6-liter engine, the Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined (for FWD models). These are some of the best figures in the subcompact SUV segment, making the Kicks a top choice for city drivers and long commuters.

The Kia Seltos, while still efficient, lags slightly behind. The base 2.0-liter engine with front-wheel drive gets 27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Opting for the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine drops efficiency further, to around 25 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Adding AWD reduces fuel economy by about 1–2 mpg across the board.

So, if you drive mostly in the city or take frequent highway trips, the Kicks will save you more at the pump. Over a year of driving, that could mean hundreds of dollars in savings.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency

Of course, EPA ratings are estimates. In real-world driving, factors like traffic, driving style, and climate can affect fuel economy. Many Kicks owners report achieving close to or even exceeding the EPA numbers, especially with gentle acceleration and steady speeds.

Seltos drivers, particularly those with the turbo engine, may see slightly lower mileage, especially if they enjoy spirited driving. However, the difference isn’t drastic—and for many, the trade-off in performance is worth it.

One tip: If fuel economy is your top concern, consider the Seltos with the base 2.0-liter engine and FWD. It strikes a better balance between power and efficiency than the turbo model. But if you’re willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for maximum savings, the Kicks is the clear winner.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room to Move

A subcompact SUV should still feel spacious inside—especially for passengers and cargo. Let’s see how the Seltos and Kicks compare in terms of interior room, seating comfort, and storage.

Passenger Space

Both SUVs seat five passengers, but the Seltos offers a slight edge in rear legroom. The Seltos provides 38.2 inches of rear legroom, compared to the Kicks’ 37.2 inches. That extra inch might not sound like much, but it can make a difference for taller passengers on longer trips.

Headroom is similar in both vehicles, with the Seltos offering 39.5 inches in front and 38.5 inches in back, while the Kicks has 40.7 inches up front and 38.1 inches in the rear. The Kicks has a slight advantage in front headroom, which some drivers may appreciate.

Cargo space is another important factor. The Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Kicks provides 25.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 50.5 cubic feet with the seats down. So, the Seltos gives you more room for groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear.

Seating Comfort and Materials

Both vehicles use a mix of cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, depending on the trim. Higher trims in both models offer more premium materials, including leather-wrapped steering wheels and upgraded seat fabrics.

The Seltos’ seats are well-bolstered and supportive, especially on longer drives. The Kicks’ seats are softer and more cushioned, which some may prefer for city driving but could feel less supportive on highways.

One standout feature in the Kicks is its available panoramic moonroof, which adds an airy, open feel to the cabin. The Seltos also offers a sunroof, but it’s not panoramic. If you love natural light and a sense of openness, the Kicks has a slight edge here.

Storage and Practical Features

Both SUVs include practical storage solutions like door pockets, cup holders, and center console bins. The Seltos adds a few extras, such as a dual-level cargo floor and available rear-seat USB ports, which are great for families.

The Kicks includes a clever under-floor storage compartment in the cargo area, perfect for hiding valuables or keeping small items organized. It also has a fold-flat front passenger seat, which allows you to carry long items like surfboards or lumber.

Overall, the Seltos offers more space and versatility, while the Kicks focuses on clever design and comfort. Your choice may come down to whether you prioritize cargo capacity or interior ambiance.

Technology and Infotainment: Staying Connected

In today’s world, a good infotainment system is essential. Both the Kia Seltos and Nissan Kicks come well-equipped, but there are some notable differences.

Standard and Available Tech

The Kia Seltos starts with an 8-inch touchscreen on most trims, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Higher trims add navigation, wireless smartphone integration, and a 10.25-inch display. The Seltos also offers a premium Bose audio system on top models, which delivers excellent sound quality.

The Nissan Kicks comes with a 7-inch touchscreen on base models, upgrading to an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, but wireless connectivity is only available on the top SL trim. The Kicks doesn’t offer a premium audio system, but the standard setup is clear and functional.

One advantage for the Kicks is its available NissanConnect Services, which includes remote start, vehicle health reports, and emergency calling. These features add convenience and peace of mind, especially for tech-savvy users.

Driver Assistance and Safety Tech

Both SUVs come with a suite of driver assistance features, but the Seltos includes more standard tech. The base Seltos LX comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring.

The Kicks S base model includes automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, but lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are only available on higher trims. This means you’ll need to step up to the SV or SL to get the full suite of safety features.

For families or safety-conscious drivers, the Seltos’ more comprehensive standard safety package is a big plus.

User Experience and Ease of Use

Both systems are intuitive, with large icons and responsive touchscreens. The Seltos’ interface is slightly more polished, with better graphics and smoother transitions. The Kicks’ system is simpler and easier to navigate, which some users may prefer.

Voice commands work well on both, but the Seltos supports more natural language inputs. If you rely heavily on voice control, the Seltos has a slight edge.

Safety Ratings and Reliability: Peace of Mind on the Road

Safety is non-negotiable. Let’s see how these two SUVs perform in crash tests and reliability studies.

NHTSA and IIHS Ratings

The Kia Seltos earns a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives it a “Top Safety Pick” rating, with “Good” scores in all crash tests and “Superior” ratings for front crash prevention.

The Nissan Kicks also earns a 5-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS “Top Safety Pick” designation. It scores “Good” in most categories, though its headlights receive an “Acceptable” rating on some trims.

Both vehicles are highly rated, but the Seltos has a slight edge in headlight performance and standard safety tech.

Reliability and Warranty

Kia is known for its industry-leading warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain and 5 years/60,000 miles for basic coverage. This gives buyers long-term confidence in their purchase.

Nissan offers a more standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage. While reliable, it doesn’t match Kia’s coverage.

In reliability surveys, both brands score well, but Kia often ranks higher in long-term dependability.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Money

Let’s talk dollars and cents. The Nissan Kicks starts at around $21,000, making it one of the most affordable SUVs in its class. The Kia Seltos starts at about $23,000, with higher trims and options pushing it closer to $30,000.

For budget buyers, the Kicks offers strong value with its low price, great fuel economy, and modern features. The Seltos justifies its higher cost with more power, AWD, and standard tech.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?

So, which is better: Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks? If you want more power, AWD, and standard safety tech, go with the Seltos. If you prioritize affordability, fuel efficiency, and a comfortable ride, the Kicks is the way to go. Both are excellent choices—your decision depends on your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has better fuel economy: Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks?

The Nissan Kicks is more fuel-efficient, with EPA ratings of up to 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The Kia Seltos gets around 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

Does the Kia Seltos come with all-wheel drive?

Yes, the Kia Seltos offers all-wheel drive on most trims, including the base model. The Nissan Kicks is only available with front-wheel drive.

Which SUV has more cargo space?

The Kia Seltos offers more cargo space, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats compared to the Kicks’ 25.3 cubic feet. The Seltos also has a larger maximum capacity when seats are folded.

Is the Nissan Kicks safe?

Yes, the Nissan Kicks earns a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick. It includes standard automatic emergency braking and available blind-spot monitoring.

Which has a better infotainment system?

The Kia Seltos has a larger standard touchscreen (8 inches vs. 7 inches) and offers more advanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay and a premium Bose audio system on higher trims.

Which is more reliable: Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks?

Both are reliable, but Kia offers a longer warranty—10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain—compared to Nissan’s 5-year/60,000-mile coverage. Kia also ranks higher in long-term reliability studies.