New 2022 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Seltos Comparison
The subcompact SUV class has been growing rapidly in the last few years, and the Kia Seltos (introduced in 2021) is yet another recent addition to the competition against the more experienced and refined Nissan Kicks (introduced in 2016). While many categories look quite evenly matched, you’ll want to drill down on the prices on each trim level. The top-tier 2022 Nissan Kicks is significantly less expensive than the upper tier Seltos trims, and monthly payments on the Kicks average $100/mo lower or more.
Let’s take a deeper dive into these models to compare their features in performance, technology, interior, exterior, and safety features.
View InventoryContact Us2022 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Seltos Performance
Both the 2022 Nissan Kicks and the Seltos offer a similarly rated base engine. Though the Seltos has a slightly higher horsepower-rating, it comes at the cost of fuel economy, especially on All-Wheel Drive models.
The major difference in performance comes with the second available engine on the Seltos. The 2022 Nissan Kicks sticks with one tried-and-true engine for all of its trims. The optional turbocharged Seltos engine offers more horsepower, but reviewers note the CVT struggles to make the most of this engine and gear shifts are slow and clunky. This Kia engine choice costs extra, and higher performance-seekers would be better looking at completely different models for that price point.
2022 Nissan Kicks
- 1.6L four-cylinder engine
- 122 horsepower
- CVT automatic
- Front-wheel drive
- 31 mpg city / 36 mpg highway
2022 Kia Seltos
- Standard 2.0L four-cylinder
- 146 horsepower
- 29 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- Available 1.6 turbo-four
- 175 horsepower
- 27 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- CVT automatic
- Front-wheel drive (standard)
2022 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Seltos Technology
Technology is evenly matched on these SUVs. Standard features are nearly identical. Available features are also similar, though the 2022 Nissan Kicks offers an available Wi-Fi hot spot while the Kia Seltos offers an available wireless charging pad and built-in navigation. Both offer available Bose premium audio for music enthusiasts as well as satellite radio and Bluetooth.
2022 Nissan Kicks
- 7” touchscreen
- Six-speaker stereo
- Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
- 3 USB ports
2022 Kia Seltos
- 8” touchscreen
- Six-speaker stereo
- Android Auto / Apple CarPlay
- 1 USB port
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2022 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Seltos Safety Features
Nissan and Kia both include a sizeable suite of advanced safety features, though there are various swaps between those that are standard and those that require an upgrade.
Interestingly, the Seltos is missing one of the most sought-after safety features on its standard packages: blind spot monitoring. It also requires a paid upgrade for rear cross traffic alert for safely backing out.
2022 Nissan Kicks
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking (forward & backward)
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Automatic high-beam headlights
2022 Kia Seltos
- Rearview camera
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic emergency braking (front only)
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keep assist
- Lane follow assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Driver attention monitor
2022 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Seltos Interior
When it comes to comfort in the cabin, you’ll do well in either option. Both have similar base features and allow optional upgrades for convenience features like push button start, proximity keyless entry, and remote start.
The win for the Kicks is simply its lower price point. You can get all the same features, including the most advanced technologies, on the 2022 Nissan Kicks for thousands less than the Kia Seltos.
2022 Nissan Kicks
- Seats five
- Available synthetic leather / heated seats
- Available automatic climate control
- 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space (behind rear)
- 53.1 cubic feet of cargo space (rear folded)
2022 Kia Seltos
- Seats five
- Available automatic climate control
- Available synthetic leather / heated seats
- 26 cubic feet of cargo space (behind rear)
- 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space (rear folded)
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2022 Nissan Kicks vs Kia Seltos Exterior
If you’re looking for a sporty aesthetic and vibrant colors, you may have options you like in both the Nissan and the Kia models. Both also offer a combined color option with exterior accents, though again, the Kia version of this style costs more.
In a side-by-side comparison, you may notice the 2022 Nissan Kicks is slightly shorter (14.1 feet long versus the Seltos’s 14.3 feet), which may make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and city driving. Otherwise the exteriors’ athletic styling is similar in both, and your choice will largely come down to the Nissan’s lower price points.
2022 Nissan Kicks
- Scarlet Ember
- Electric Blue
- Super Black
- Gun Metallic
- Boulder Gray
- Aspen White
- Fresh Powder
- Scarlet Ember / Super Black
- Aspen White / Super Black
- Boulder Gray / Super Black
- Monarch Orange / Super Black
- Electric Blue / Super Black
2022 Kia Seltos
- Cherry Black
- Steel Gray
- Snow White
- Neptune Blue
- Gravity Gray
- Mars Orange
- Dark Ocean Blue
- Dark Ocean Blue / Clear White
- Dark Ocean Blue / Cherry Black
- Starbright Yellow / Cherry Black
- Clear White / Cherry Black
Why Buy from Jenkins Nissan of Leesburg?
Jenkins Nissan is a top-rate dealer near Leesburg, FL, thanks in large part to our tremendous team. Most of our staff have worked here for many years, giving them the experience and teamwork to run our dealership like a well-oiled machine.
We strive to be one of the most convenient dealerships in the area. Using our Buy@Home program allows you to shop online, select your in-stock vehicle, choose financing, and sign paperwork all from your computer or smartphone. We can even deliver your new Nissan vehicle directly to your home!
We look forward to meeting you and helping you find the right 2022 Nissan Kicks model for you!
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