2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding presence on the road. Its design featured an upright layout with a busy yet cohesive headlight and grille styling. The aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even though it wasn't designed for such adventures. The two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers added a trendy and dynamic touch. Inside, the Seltos boasted a straightforward and intuitive design, with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands. The interior was both utilitarian and sporty, with a focus on symmetry and functionality.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, standing out among its competitors with superior interior quality and technological sophistication. It was considered more prestigious than the Infiniti QX80 or Lincoln Navigator and had a significant visual presence compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. The X7's styling was appealing, with traditional BMW cues and a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, it shared high-tech design and high-quality materials with the X5, offering a luxurious and comfortable experience for its occupants.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, it lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway maneuvers, with drive modes enhancing throttle response and steering feel.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and xDrive AWD. The eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel economy, though EPA ratings showed a slight decrease. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering smooth and powerful performance. Despite its size, the X7 handled well, though body motions were noticeable. The Dynamic Handling Package improved maneuverability and stability, while the M Sport brakes provided reliable stopping power.

The 2021 Kia Seltos impressed with its spacious interior, offering 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It featured numerous storage compartments and provided ample rear-seat space, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available.

The 2021 BMW X7 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The second-row captain's chairs were exceptionally comfortable, and the third-row seat accommodated adults comfortably. The X7 provided 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seats folded, expanding to 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though it fell short of class leaders.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim offered a Bose premium sound system and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. While the infotainment system was intuitive, some quirks, such as USB port functionality, were noted.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted a 12.3-inch iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It included features like wireless charging, voice recognition, and gesture control. The system was user-friendly, though some functions required acclimation. A head-up display was also available, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims included driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The SX trim added cyclist detection and safe exit assist.

The 2021 BMW X7 included standard safety technologies, with optional packages adding features like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist. The Driving Assistance Professional Package enhanced the X7's ADAS, providing smooth and accurate assistance in various driving conditions. The Parking Assistance Package offered semi-automated parking and a surround-view camera.