2021 Kia Seltos vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a big-car feel with its upright layout and commanding road view. Its design featured a busy headlight arrangement that seamlessly integrated with the grille, and an aggressive lower front bumper. The two-tone roof design and red wheel center accents added to its dynamic appearance. Inside, the Seltos boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech features reminiscent of upscale brands. The interior was spacious, with ample head- and legroom, and a variety of storage compartments, making it a practical choice for everyday use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, was equipped with a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive power, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors, and it felt large on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess compared to other models.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower, paired with a CVT, suitable for city driving but lacking power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for highway driving and quick acceleration. The Seltos' Drive Mode dial allowed drivers to switch between Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, enhancing throttle response and steering feel. Despite its subcompact size, the Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but did not translate to more interior space. It provided 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models capable of towing up to 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in interior space, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with them folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The Seltos provided ample head- and legroom for rear passengers, a rarity in its class. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, enhancing its practicality for everyday use. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items, adding to its functionality.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone integration. The system offered high-quality graphics but was criticized for slow response times. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, although the capacitive steering-wheel controls were prone to glare.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered a user-friendly infotainment system, with the SX Turbo trim featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen that could display multiple functions simultaneously. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons for easy navigation. However, the USB connectivity had some quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when plugged in. Despite these minor issues, the Seltos' infotainment was praised for its simplicity and ease of use.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from major organizations, but it included standard features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Optional packages offered adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, although Land Rover's offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided a comprehensive suite of safety features, with most trims including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection. The Seltos' safety features were competitive, especially for a subcompact SUV, providing peace of mind for drivers.