Compared: 2023 Nissan Kicks vs. 2024 Kia Seltos
In the compact-utility-vehicle market, Kia gives consumers lots of options, while Nissan banks on low pricing.
Nissan | Kia
The 2024 Kia Seltos, with its thoroughly modern looks and plentiful tech, could win over lots of shoppers in the subcompact-crossover space. The 2023 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, undercuts the Seltos on price and outdoes it in fuel efficiency.
Nissan
2023 Nissan Kicks vs. 2024 Kia Seltos: Price
The Kicks has a starting price just shy of $22,000. No matter which trim level you choose, you'll get a front-wheel-drive vehicle with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower.
Meanwhile, the Seltos is a bit more expensive, opening above $25,000, but it's also more powerful, with a 146-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on some trims (including the entry-level LX) and a $1,500 option on others. Moreover, buyers who select the nearly $30,000 X-Line or $32,000 SX get Kia's 195-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
Kia
2023 Nissan Kicks vs. 2024 Kia Seltos: Features
When it comes to cabin tech, Kia's subcompact is the clear winner. Nissan provides the base Kicks with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen and the upper models with an 8.0-incher. Kia, by contrast, equips its entry-level Seltos with an 8.0-inch unit and installs a 10.3-inch display in all other trims. What's more, if you desire a wireless charging pad or ventilated front seats, the Seltos' higher trim levels have you covered.
Nissan provides blind-spot monitoring and rear automatic emergency braking across the board, whereas Kia reserves those things for models above the base trim level. And while neither automaker includes adaptive cruise control as standard fare, shoppers can find it lower down in the Kicks range than they can in the Seltos lineup.
As for size, the Seltos is bigger both inside and out. It'll fit 26.6 cubic feet of stuff in the cargo hold to the Nissan's 25.3 cu-ft. Plus, passengers will enjoy about 8.0 cu-ft more interior volume in the Kia.
Kia
2023 Nissan Kicks vs. 2024 Kia Seltos: Fuel Economy
The Kicks, with an EPA rating of 33 mpg, has a fuel-economy advantage over the Seltos, which manages, at best, 31 mpg. That's for the front-wheel-drive model. Those with the base engine and AWD return 29 mpg, while the turbocharged models get 26 mpg.
On the bright side for Seltos buyers, the Kia comes with a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, allowing you to cover more than 400 miles between fill-ups. The Kicks — limited by its 10.8-gallon tank — can go about 350 miles.In the compact-utility-vehicle market, Kia gives consumers lots of options, while Nissan banks on low prici
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Mercedes LilienthalMercedes Lilienthal is an Oregon-based automotive journalist and photographer who contributes to a wide range of automotive outlets. She creates award-winning content involving the automotive industry, vehicular adventure travel, and inspiring people within it. Mercedes regularly appears on podcasts and radio shows and also competes in a variety of vehicle-based competitions.
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