Unveiled at the last Los Angeles International Auto Show in November, the Kia Seltos arrived just in time for the return of summer. Completely new, the 2021 Kia Seltos is an entry-level sport utility vehicle that fits into the already complete line of Kia SUVs. Like its big brothers, the Seltos offers great value, robust style, sharp driving and impressive performance.
This is what sets it apart from an established competition that includes the Nissan Qashqai. Let's face it, the Qashqai is a good vehicle and it has been since its entry into the market almost four years ago. That said, four years is a long time and when we compare one of the first subcompact SUV models to hit the market with the most recent, it is obvious that we will see significant differences between the two. In simpler terms, the 2021 Kia Seltos compares favorably to the Qashqai in terms of powertrains and fuel economy, but it dominates in terms of space and handling.
More inspired driving in the 2021 Kia Seltos
It all starts behind the wheel, on the road. You should know that the experts have already tested the Seltos and they are unanimous: it is the most fun to drive urban SUV in its segment. Read any review of the new Seltos, they will tell you that the driving pleasure is impressive as well as the driving position. The latter gives the impression that you are driving an SUV and not a car like in many Seltos competitors including the Qashqai. Indeed, some small SUVs are so small that you lose that confidence that comes with a higher driving position of a sport utility vehicle. You will not have this problem in the Kia Seltos.
You won't have cargo problems either. With 752 liters of cargo space even with all seats in place, the Kia Seltos offers almost 200 liters more than the Nissan Qashqai. It is more spacious than any urban SUV in fact, largely dominating the Honda HR-V, the Subaru Crosstrek, the Jeep Renegade, the Mitsubishi RVR, the Hyundai Kona, the Toyota C-HR and the Ford EcoSport in terms of versatility.
It offers a four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, consuming on average just 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers on the highway even with all-wheel drive. The Qashqai offers an average fuel consumption rating of 9.1 liters per 100 kilometers in the city and 7.6 liters per 100 kilometers with 141 hp. A little less powerful and a little less economical, this is how one could describe the powertrain of the 2020 Nissan Qashqai compared to the Kia Seltos.
Check out the new 2021 Kia Seltos today at Kitchener Kia!
