2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, offered a straightforward approach with a single engine and transmission combination, and a choice between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Our test car, an SL trim with front-drive, included the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870 with destination charges. Despite its age, the Rogue remained attractive, featuring a bold V-Motion grille and exaggerated fender swells. The 19-inch aluminum wheels on the SL trim added to its appeal. However, the interior showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, had a big-car feel with an upright layout and commanding road view. The headlight design, though busy, flowed well into the grille, and the aggressive lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities. Our test model featured a trendy two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers, adding to its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech features, influenced by upscale brands like Audi. The LCD screen for climate controls and the sporty handle framing the center stack tray underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature. Trim levels ranged from LX to SX Turbo, each adding more features and enhancements, making the Seltos a well-rounded and appealing vehicle.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with a single engine option: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Weighing up to 3,671 pounds, the Rogue's powertrain was merely adequate. While the CVT made the most of the available power, the Rogue struggled during freeway acceleration, passing maneuvers, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. The EPA estimated 29 mpg in combined driving for FWD versions, but our testing yielded only 24.9 mpg. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but it wasn't particularly fun to drive. The steering was lifeless and heavy, and the suspension lacked isolation, making the Rogue more of a vehicle to endure than enjoy.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. AWD was standard on LX and EX and optional on the S. The base engine was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to standard AWD. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and passing maneuvers. The Drive Mode dial offered Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, enhancing throttle response and steering feel. Despite its upright layout and 7.3 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos handled turns well with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, rivaling luxury SUVs in driving dynamics.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. The seats, though featuring Nissan's Zero Gravity design, were somewhat undersized, and finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller drivers. The back seat, however, offered excellent comfort with high seat cushions, good thigh support, and a proper backrest angle. The panoramic glass sunroof and rear air conditioning vents added to the rear-seat appeal. In-cabin storage was limited, but the cargo area was spacious, with 39 cubic feet of space behind the back seat and additional underfloor storage compartments.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in cargo space, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items. The Seltos also provided ample storage compartments and cubbies throughout the cabin. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs, making the Seltos a standout in interior space and comfort.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services with features like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and remote access. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, diminishing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, while the SX Turbo came with a Bose premium sound system, a 7-inch digital display in the instrument panel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The large screen could display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto alongside other data. However, plugging in a smartphone via USB defaulted the audio to the phone's output, which could be inconvenient. Only one of the two USB ports allowed data connection, and the backlit port was for charging only. Despite these quirks, Kia's infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly, thanks to helpful hard buttons and a straightforward menu layout.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and some dings from IIHS, preventing it from earning a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Kia Seltos included standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchor latches. All trims except the base LX featured driver-assistance safety features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX included adaptive cruise control with idle stop-and-go and cyclist detection. The SX also had a feature to alert drivers when it was safe to exit the vehicle when parallel parked. These features made the Seltos a strong contender in safety technology.