Kia Seltos vs Nissan X-Trail
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Kia Seltos
From $31,250
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.9 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
468L
Nissan X-Trail
From $28,490
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
102kW
8.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
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Price Breakdown
The Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Nissan X-Trail opens at $28,490. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $2,760.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $34,375 and $31,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Seltos by roughly $2,280 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Kia Seltos stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Nissan X-Trail. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Nissan X-Trail responds with a Petrol making 102kW and 198Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual driving the rear wheels.
The Kia Seltos has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 102kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 250mm shorter than the Nissan X-Trail at 4,635mm (2,630mm wheelbase).
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $2,423/year for the Nissan X-Trail. That is a $456 annual difference in favour of the Kia Seltos.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $2,423 (Nissan X-Trail). The Kia Seltos saves you roughly $456 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 3 years / 100,000km (Nissan X-Trail). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —6yr (Nissan X-Trail).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Seltos takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Kia Seltos will save you roughly $456 a year in fuel. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Nissan X-Trail?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $28,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia Seltos by $2,760.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Seltos uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Seltos all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan X-Trail has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia Seltos makes the most power at 110kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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