DecodedCarsKia Seltos vs Nissan Kicks
2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Nissan Kicks — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Nissan Kicks is more fuel-efficient: 31 vs 29 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $150 a year less in fuel for the Nissan Kicks (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
The Kia Seltos is the bigger car, about 2 inches longer.
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia Seltos has had fewer recall campaigns (4 vs 10).
The two cars
The 2026 Kia Seltos is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 1.6L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive. It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,186 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Nissan Kicks is a small SUV offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 172 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,175 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
Buying used? The 2023 Seltos and the 2022 Kicks have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2021 Seltos and the 2019 Kicks.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Kia Seltos if…
- You put reliability history first (4 vs 10 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Nissan Kicks if…
- You want lower fuel bills (31 vs 29 MPG)
- You want more standard driver-assist tech
Pros & cons of each
2026 Kia Seltos
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Nissan Kicks
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- Modest powerUp to 141 hp, versus about 186 hp for similar 2026 models.
Full 2026 Kia Seltos specs →Full 2026 Nissan Kicks specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →