2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it seamlessly integrated with the grille. The lower front bumper had an aggressive approach angle, hinting at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos 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 featured a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the handle framing the tray below the center stack emphasized its sporty yet utilitarian nature.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's jelly-bean-inspired styling, adopting a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its rugged appeal. The front showcased an expansive tiger-nose grille, while the side featured a silver accent between the front fender and door. The rear design, with its large D-pillar and vertical taillights, was stylish yet practical. Inside, the Sorento boasted high-value features, including heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, and keyless entry. The interior was spacious, with comfortable second-row captain's chairs and ample legroom, although the third row was tight for adults. Cargo space was decent, with 75.5 cubic feet available when the third row was folded.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft 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 turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and brisk acceleration. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, the test car featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided impressive power for merging and passing. The Sorento's AWD system, with torque vectoring and a center-locking differential, ensured traction in various conditions. The suspension, with McPherson struts and a multi-link setup, delivered a smooth ride, even with 20-inch wheels. The Sorento's drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, offered versatility, although the vehicle leaned in corners due to its weight.

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. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, with large door cubbies and a spacious center console for front passengers. The rear seats provided ample head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV, was best suited as a four-seater in upper trims with second-row captain's chairs. The third row was tight for adults, and cargo space behind it was limited to 12.6 cubic feet. However, folding the third row expanded cargo capacity to 75.5 cubic feet. The second-row seats were comfortable, with 41.4 inches of legroom in the front and 41.7 inches in the rear. The interior offered practical storage solutions, including a phone spot with optional wireless charging, cupholders, and a center console bucket.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, while the SX Turbo offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a Bose premium sound system. The larger screen could display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto alongside other data. However, connecting a smartphone via USB could be frustrating, as it defaulted to the phone's audio output. The infotainment system was intuitive, with helpful hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Kia Sorento's tech included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while the SX and SX Prestige trims had a 10.25-inch screen with haptic touch buttons. The larger screen required a wired connection for smartphone integration, and the right third of the display showed redundant information. The Sorento offered ample USB ports, but no USB-C options. The optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, but most drivers would likely use smartphone-based navigation.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard 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 automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection. The Seltos also featured a helpful alert for when the vehicle in front moved away at a stoplight.

The 2021 Kia Sorento boasted a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and auto high beams. The test car had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control, which worked smoothly. The lane-keeping assist system occasionally made excessive corrections. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the SX trims' LED headlights receiving top marks.