2024 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a connecting light strip between the smaller taillights, giving the Seltos a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. Our test model, adorned in the new "Pluton Blue" paint, stood out sharply. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though our model sported the standard black interior. The most striking change was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, tested amidst a snowstorm near Mount Rainier National Park, showcased its rugged capabilities. The Rock Creek trim, equipped with 3-Peak Mud-and-Snow-rated Toyo Open Country AT3 tires and standard all-wheel drive, excelled in challenging conditions. The Pathfinder's design, revamped in 2022, featured an assertive front end and protective cladding, with the Rock Creek trim adding a V-Motion grille and stacked LED lighting. Despite its adventurous look, the Pathfinder remained a unibody crossover, lacking additional ground clearance or skid plates. Inside, the Rock Creek offered leatherette-and-cloth upholstery with bright orange "Rock Creek" logos, while the SL and Platinum trims boasted full leather and quilted semi-aniline leather seats, respectively.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbo engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, despite some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, offered 284 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Rock Creek trim increased output to 295 hp and 270 lb-ft. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, providing smooth shifts. The Pathfinder's towing capacity reached 6,000 pounds with the Platinum and Rock Creek trims, thanks to a transmission oil cooler. The Rock Creek's soft suspension excelled on bumpy roads but felt floaty on twisty roads. Fuel economy for the Rock Creek was 20 mpg city, 23 highway, and 21 combined, with standard 4WD and seven drive modes enhancing traction.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder, though smaller on paper, provided ample interior space. During a ski trip with four adults, it comfortably accommodated skis, luggage, and groceries. Cargo space measured 16.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 45 cubic feet with it folded, and 80.5 cubic feet with both rows down. The SV and Rock Creek trims now included a power liftgate. The Pathfinder's three-zone climate control and comfortable seats ensured a pleasant ride, with the Rock Creek offering captain's chairs and a removable center console.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying. The base model had an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for volume and climate. The SX trim offered an eight-speaker Bose stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder lagged in tech compared to competitors. Its older interface, though functional, appeared dated. Screen sizes ranged from 8 inches in lower trims to 9 inches in SL and Platinum. The Pathfinder included a 6-speaker stereo, with a 13-speaker Bose system available on higher trims. NissanConnect supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless projection limited to Apple devices on the 9-inch screen. Navigation was standard only on SL and Platinum trims.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist.

The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Adaptive cruise control and ProPilot Assist were standard on all but the base trim, with traffic sign recognition available on SL and Platinum trims.