The average new car now costs over $50,000, but the average subcompact SUV sold for $31,149 in August. If you haven’t been car shopping in a few years, the words “subcompact SUV” might call to mind underpowered, undersized vehicles with few features. In model year 2027, that’s no longer true.
The best subcompact SUVs today are nearly the size of a compact SUV from a generation ago. There are turbocharged engines and hybrid options in the segment, meaning comfortable passing power and high fuel economy. And they routinely offer ample feature suites that are competitive with those of larger vehicles.
Two of the best competitors in the segment are the 2027 Kia Seltos and the 2027 Nissan Kicks. Both have seen dramatic redesigns in recent years, making them far more attractive while retaining affordable prices.
Let’s see how a shopper might compare them.
2027 Kia Seltos
All-new for 2027, the Kia Seltos offers one of the most well-rounded packages you’ll find in its price range. You can already buy it with a choice of two engines, and a hybrid option is coming later in the model year. The Seltos is now one of the largest vehicles in its class, with cargo space that rivals some SUVs a class larger, and it can be had with front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD). We like its Telluride-like looks, too.
Kia Seltos Highlights
Real passenger space: The 2027 Seltos offers four-and-a-half inches more legroom than the Kicks. That’s the difference between a back seat meant for children and one that will still work when the kids are looking at colleges.
The option of more power: The base engine in the Seltos produces 147 horsepower, which is very similar to the Kicks’ 141. But Kia offers you an upgrade – a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. Depending on driving conditions where you live, the added power might be well worth the added cost.
10-year powertrain warranty: If you plan to keep your next car a long time, Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty should factor into your thinking. The Seltos protects you from surprise repair bills much longer than the Kicks does.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Seltos models for sale near you.
2027 Nissan Kicks
Nissan isn’t always a high-fashion brand, but the company gave its smallest SUV a radical makeover two years ago, making the Kicks one of the best-looking vehicles in a segment known for frumpy-looking cars. Available in FWD or AWD, it has impressive cargo space in some configurations. A new Rock Creek trim gives it some off-road capability for 2027.
Nissan Kicks Highlights
Lower starting price: There are very few cars available under $25,000 in the 2027 model year, but the Kicks fits the bill. The base Kicks S is a bit bare bones, with 16-inch wheels and four speakers. But Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto mean infotainment comes from your phone, so your savings don’t rob you of much.
New Rock Creek option: Nissan has been rolling out rugged, off-road editions of most of its SUVs in the last year, and we were delighted to see that they didn’t skip the Kicks with that treatment. No subcompact SUV is going to compete with Wranglers and Land Rovers in Moab, but real all-terrain tires, hill descent control, and an off-road suspension mode mean it’s not just a decoration package.
Refined in upper trims: To nerd out for a moment – with many cars, a change in trim level just means different upholstery and more speakers. But Nissan fits a more sophisticated suspension to AWD versions of the Kicks, giving them a more refined ride (though at the expense of cargo space).
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models for sale near you.
Pricing
New 2027 Nissan Kicks Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
$29,700 |
|||
$24,365 |
$23,900 |
|||
$26,065 |
$25,600 |
|||
$28,565 |
$28,000 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2027 Kia Seltos vehicles and New 2027 Nissan Kicks vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2027 Kia Seltos | 2027 Nissan Kicks | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | N/A | N/A |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 141 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 140 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT | Automatic, Xtronic CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 28 city/33 highway/30 combined mpg | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 inches | 104.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 174.4 inches | 171.9 inches |
| Width | 72.0 inches | 70.9 inches |
| Height | 62.9 inches | 64.0 inches |
| Turning Diameter | N/A | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 40.5 inches | 39.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 42.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 38.9 inches | 34.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.5 inches | 54.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.3 inches | 54.7 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 64.2 feet | 50.1 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Kicks is a compelling package with its good looks and impressive cargo space. But with our money, we’d opt for the Seltos most of the time. Its long warranty probably works out in most buyers’ favor more than the up-front savings of the Kicks, and its added passenger space means you can sit adults in the rear without apologizing.
