2027 Kia Seltos vs 2027 Nissan Kicks, Which Small SUV Is Right for You? The 2027 Kia Seltos and 2027 Nissan Kicks are both small SUVs with available all wheel drive, modern connectivity and efficient four cylinder engines. The Seltos starts at $24,990 MSRP and offers up to 190 horsepower in its available turbocharged X Line SX configuration, while the Nissan Kicks starts at $22,790 MSRP and produces 141 horsepower. The better choice depends on whether your priorities lean toward lower starting price or greater available performance and capability. These two SUVs compete for many of the same shoppers. Both are sized for everyday commuting, city parking and weekend travel, but their lineups take somewhat different approaches. Looking beyond the badge and comparing the numbers makes those differences clearer. 2027 Kia Seltos vs Nissan Kicks at a Glance Comparison 2027 Kia Seltos 2027 Nissan Kicks Advantage Starting MSRP $24,990 $22,790 Nissan Kicks Standard Horsepower 147 hp 141 hp Kia Seltos Available Maximum Horsepower 190 hp 141 hp Kia Seltos Base Published Fuel Economy 28 city, 33 highway, 30 combined MPG Up to 28 city, 35 highway MPG Depends on driving pattern Available AWD Yes Yes Both Available Large Digital Displays 12.3 inch touchscreen and available digital cockpit technology Available dual 12.3 inch displays Both offer strong technology The Kicks holds the advantage in entry price. The Seltos counters with more standard horsepower and a substantially more powerful available turbocharged configuration. Which Costs Less, the 2027 Seltos or 2027 Kicks? The 2027 Nissan Kicks starts at $22,790 MSRP, while the 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990 MSRP. That gives the Kicks a $2,200 lower published starting MSRP before destination charges, options, taxes and dealer pricing are considered. Starting price does not tell the entire story. Buyers should also compare the equipment, drivetrain and features included with the configuration they actually plan to purchase. Which Has More Power? The 2027 Kia Seltos has the horsepower advantage. Its standard 2.0 liter four cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower, compared with 141 horsepower for the 2027 Nissan Kicks. The gap becomes much larger when comparing available performance. Kia offers an X Line SX with a turbocharged 1.6 liter engine producing 190 horsepower. Nissan publishes 141 horsepower for the 2027 Kicks. 2027 Seltos vs Kicks MPG and Everyday Driving The Seltos LX with front wheel drive is rated by Kia at an EPA estimated 28 MPG city, 33 MPG highway and 30 MPG combined. Nissan publishes up to 28 MPG city and 35 MPG highway for the 2027 Kicks. That gives the Kicks a higher published maximum highway figure, while both models are designed to deliver useful fuel economy for commuting and everyday driving. Actual mileage varies by drivetrain, trim, equipment, road conditions and driving habits, so shoppers should compare the EPA rating for the exact configuration they are considering. Do the 2027 Seltos and Kicks Offer AWD? Yes. Both SUVs offer available all wheel drive. Kia makes AWD available on several Seltos trims and includes AWD as standard equipment on the X Line S and X Line SX. Kia also pairs AWD configurations with Snow mode on applicable trims. Nissan offers available Intelligent All Wheel Drive on the Kicks, which is designed to provide additional grip in slick conditions. Which Is Better for Winter Driving? Both vehicles offer AWD, making either worth considering for drivers who regularly encounter snow and slippery pavement. The Seltos lineup adds dedicated AWD focused X Line configurations and Kia publishes a Snow drive mode on applicable AWD versions. For Michigan shoppers, drivetrain choice may matter more than a small difference in fuel economy. Buyers who regularly drive through winter weather should compare the AWD configurations of both vehicles rather than only their front wheel drive base models. Which SUV Offers More Performance Choices? The Seltos gives shoppers a broader performance range. A buyer can choose the 147 horsepower 2.0 liter engine or move up to the X Line SX with a 190 horsepower turbocharged engine. The Nissan Kicks produces 141 horsepower according to Nissan’s 2027 model page. That can be sufficient for everyday commuting, but buyers who specifically want a stronger available engine have an additional option in the Seltos lineup. This distinction may matter most during freeway merging, passing or when regularly carrying passengers and cargo. 2027 Seltos vs Kicks Technology Technology is competitive in both SUVs. The 2027 Seltos LX includes a 12.3 inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports and over the air update capability. Higher Seltos configurations add additional display and convenience technology. Nissan offers available dual 12.3 inch high resolution displays in the 2027 Kicks. Nissan also offers wireless smartphone connectivity, an available wireless charging pad, available Intelligent Around View Monitor and available Bose Personal Plus audio. Neither vehicle should be selected based on screen size alone. Drivers should compare the exact trim they plan to buy, since many of the most advanced features are available rather than standard. Which Should You Buy, the 2027 Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks? Choose the 2027 Nissan Kicks if the lower starting MSRP and a strong published highway fuel economy figure are among your highest priorities. Choose the 2027 Kia Seltos if you want more standard horsepower, the option of a 190 horsepower turbocharged engine, multiple AWD configurations and a broader range of performance choices. There is no need to manufacture a winner in every category. The Kicks starts for less. The Seltos offers more available power. Both offer AWD and competitive technology. For buyers who want the strongest combination of available performance and AWD choice, the Seltos has a meaningful advantage based on the specifications published by the manufacturers. Compare the Kia Seltos Near Detroit Glassman Kia is located in Southfield, Michigan, and serves Kia shoppers near Detroit, Dearborn, Novi, Auburn Hills and Clinton Township. Metro Detroit drivers comparing compact SUVs may want to pay particular attention to AWD availability, winter driving features, passenger needs and freeway performance. A test drive can also help determine whether the size and driving character of the Seltos match the way the vehicle will actually be used. Shoppers can browse new Kia inventory at Glassman Kia to review current Seltos availability. Buyers who want help comparing trims and equipment can contact Glassman Kia in Southfield. Frequently Asked Questions Which is cheaper, the 2027 Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks? The 2027 Nissan Kicks has the lower starting MSRP at $22,790. The 2027 Kia Seltos starts at $24,990 MSRP. Which has more horsepower, the Kia Seltos or Nissan Kicks? The Seltos has more horsepower. The standard Seltos produces 147 horsepower compared with 141 horsepower for the Kicks. Kia also offers a 190 horsepower turbocharged Seltos X Line SX. Does the Kia Seltos offer AWD? Yes. AWD is available on multiple 2027 Seltos configurations and is included on the X Line S and X Line SX. Does the 2027 Nissan Kicks offer AWD? Yes. Nissan offers available Intelligent All Wheel Drive on the 2027 Kicks. Which gets better highway MPG? Nissan publishes up to 35 MPG highway for the 2027 Kicks. Kia publishes 33 MPG highway for the Seltos LX front wheel drive configuration shown on its official build information. Is the Seltos more powerful than the Kicks? Yes. Even the standard Seltos has six more horsepower than the Kicks, and the available turbocharged Seltos produces 190 horsepower. Where can I shop for a Kia Seltos near Detroit? Glassman Kia is located at 28000 Telegraph Road in Southfield, Michigan, and serves Kia shoppers near Detroit, Dearborn, Novi, Auburn Hills and Clinton Township. Research the 2027 Kia Seltos at Glassman Kia The 2027 Seltos and 2027 Kicks both offer a practical small SUV format with available AWD and modern technology. The Kicks begins with a lower starting MSRP, while the Seltos provides more standard horsepower and a considerably more powerful available turbocharged engine. For shoppers who prioritize stronger available performance and multiple AWD choices, the Kia Seltos deserves a close look. This page is provided for informational and research purposes only. Vehicle specifications, equipment, pricing, fuel economy, availability and features may change. Manufacturer MSRP is not a dealer selling price. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license fees, options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual selling price. EPA estimates are for comparison purposes. Actual mileage will vary. Please contact Glassman Kia for exact current information regarding a specific vehicle. {
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