2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly big-car feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat busy, it integrated well with the grille. The lower front bumper had an aggressive approach angle, hinting 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 to its on-road driving dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The interior boasted a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new rear bumper. The two-tone paint job option enhanced its upmarket look, with a floating roof design that blended seamlessly into the A-pillar. The Kicks SR trim came with LED headlights, fog lights, and a sportier aesthetic. Inside, the Kicks maintained its D-shaped steering wheel and adjustable seats, offering best-in-class front seat legroom. The interior was filled with higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra.

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 CVT and available in FWD or AWD. While adequate for city driving, this engine lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and spirited acceleration, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and FWD. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it nimble in city driving. Its electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to its agile handling. The Kicks also featured a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks SR trim included an integrated dynamic-control module and adaptive cruise control. The Kicks boasted impressive fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided generous cargo space, with 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 interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, with ample rear-seat space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, with its compact size, offered easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The interior featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base S trim, while the SX Turbo featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with hard buttons for easy navigation. However, only one USB port allowed data connection, which could be frustrating.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system with speakers in the headrests. The Kicks also featured a surround-view monitor and an available WiFi hotspot with NissanConnect services.

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

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks featured 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections. While not crash-tested for 2021, the 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.