2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, had a big-car feel with an upright layout and a commanding view of the road. Its headlight design, though busy, flowed well into the grille styling, and the lower front bumper had an aggressive approach angle. The two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers added to its on-road driving dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design layout with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech features, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The interior boasted a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian design.

The 2021 Lexus NX carried over its familial design and styling attributes, with sharp design lines that made it look similar to the smaller Lexus UX and larger Lexus RX. The NX F Sport version featured a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels, giving it a sportier appearance. Inside, the NX F Sport had quilted NuLuxe sport seats and an optional Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster and a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the center stack design looked dated compared to newer models.

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 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided ample power for highway speeds and passing maneuvers, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well with minimal body roll and a smooth ride over bumps.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with a relatively quiet ride except under hard acceleration. The F Sport model included Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically. The NX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The NX also featured an adaptive suspension system for a smooth and comfortable driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided a generous amount of cargo space, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs on the market. The Seltos also had plenty of cubbies and compartments for storage, and the rear seats offered ample head- and legroom for passengers.

The 2021 Lexus NX had a stylish and comfortable interior, with plenty of room for adults in both the front and rear seats. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, the NX had limited cargo space, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX also featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with the SX Turbo featuring a Bose premium sound system and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was straightforward and intuitive, with helpful hard buttons for easy navigation. However, there were some quirks, such as the default audio switching to the phone's music when plugged in via USB and only one USB port allowing data connection.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 10.3-inch screen available as part of the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the Lexus infotainment system was less user-friendly, relying on a touchpad and burying functions deep in menus. Other standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchor latches. All trims except the base LX included a suite of driver-assistance features, such as 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 and cyclist detection.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 as standard, including a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.