2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Kia Seltos
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Kia Seltos is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Kia Seltos is the better choice, offering a more versatile and user-friendly experience with a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 if:
- You are looking for an electric vehicle with a distinctive design and a spacious interior.
- You value advanced safety features and high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
- You prefer a modern infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and innovative features like ID.Light.
Choose the 2021 Kia Seltos if:
- You need a spacious subcompact SUV with ample cargo space and rear-seat room.
- You prefer a straightforward and intuitive infotainment system with physical buttons for easy navigation.
- You want a vehicle with a variety of trim levels and engine options, including a turbocharged engine for more power.
Overview | |
MSRP$21,990 | MSRP$39,995 |
Average price$18,904 | Average price$24,149 |
Listings747 | Listings194 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Kia Seltos Reviews SummaryThe subcompact SUV segment has now grown to 18 vehicles and counting. It is one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments among new cars. This is in large part due to the combination of usable cabin space, efficiency, price, and confidence-inspiring ride height. But even within this segment, there are two classes of vehicles. There are ones that feel somewhat watered down, such as the Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, and Nissan Kicks. And then there are subcompact SUVs that do not force the buyer to compromise. Options like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek scale down the size of the SUV without pairing back on the quality or features. The all-new 2021 Kia Seltos, slotted below the compact Kia Sportage and midsize Kia Telluride and Sorento, is very much in the latter group, and it may lead the pack out of the gate. The Seltos provides a high-quality cabin, the latest infotainment and safety technologies, and driving dynamics that go well beyond the segment status quo. | |
2021 Volkswagen ID.4 Reviews SummaryThe “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover. VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen. We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 146 hp I4 | Engine201 hp Electric |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City27 | MPG City104 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway89 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)8 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 146 hp I4 | Engine Name201 hp Electric |
Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm | Horsepower |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)8 hours |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity82 kWh |
MPG City27 | MPG City104 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway89 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space26.6 cu ft | Cargo Space30.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3087 lbs | Curb Weight4517 lbs |
Height63.6 in | Height64.4 in |
Length172.0 in | Length180.5 in |
Width70.9 in | Width72.9 in |
Wheelbase103.5 in | Wheelbase108.9 in |
Maximum Payload1080 lbs | Maximum Payload1347 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Kia Seltos is 8.0 out of 10, while the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Kia Seltos is the better choice, offering a more versatile and user-friendly experience with a higher overall rating.
Choose the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 if:
Shop Now- You are looking for an electric vehicle with a distinctive design and a spacious interior.
- You value advanced safety features and high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.
- You prefer a modern infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and innovative features like ID.Light.
Choose the 2021 Kia Seltos if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious subcompact SUV with ample cargo space and rear-seat room.
- You prefer a straightforward and intuitive infotainment system with physical buttons for easy navigation.
- You want a vehicle with a variety of trim levels and engine options, including a turbocharged engine for more power.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $21,990 | $39,995 |
Average price | $18,904 | $24,149 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | The subcompact SUV segment has now grown to 18 vehicles and counting. It is one of the fastest-growing vehicle segments among new cars. This is in large part due to the combination of usable cabin space, efficiency, price, and confidence-inspiring ride height. But even within this segment, there are two classes of vehicles. There are ones that feel somewhat watered down, such as the Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, and Nissan Kicks. And then there are subcompact SUVs that do not force the buyer to compromise. Options like the Hyundai Kona, Mazda CX-30, and Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek scale down the size of the SUV without pairing back on the quality or features. The all-new 2021 Kia Seltos, slotted below the compact Kia Sportage and midsize Kia Telluride and Sorento, is very much in the latter group, and it may lead the pack out of the gate. The Seltos provides a high-quality cabin, the latest infotainment and safety technologies, and driving dynamics that go well beyond the segment status quo. | The “Dieselgate” emissions scandal forced Volkswagen to double down on electric cars, and now we’re finally seeing the first result of that: the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 electric crossover. VW has made an electric car before, but its last attempt, the e-Golf, was built to satisfy emissions standards, not rack up sales. It was barely advertised, and it was sold only in certain states. That’s not the case with the ID.4, which will be available nationwide and will even be built in Tennessee starting in 2022. Volkswagen views the ID.4 as a rival not to other EVs, but to mainstream gasoline vehicles like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Being late to the party means there are already several other EVs trying to coax new-car buyers away from internal combustion, however. If you want a reasonably-priced EV, the Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Kia Niro EV already exist, and General Motors just announced the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV—a new variant of the Chevy Bolt EV with a crossover body style similar to the Volkswagen. We tested an ID.4 1st Edition, which commemorates the car’s launch, and an ID.4 PRO S with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 1st Edition is a limited-edition model that has already sold out, but it’s mechanically identical to the ID.4 Pro S AWD, albeit with power sent only to the rear wheels. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 146 hp I4 | 201 hp Electric |
Drive Train | AWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 27 | 104 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 89 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 8 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 146 hp I4 | 201 hp Electric |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 8 hours | |
Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 82 kWh | |
MPG City | 27 | 104 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 89 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 26.6 cu ft | 30.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3087 lbs | 4517 lbs |
Height | 63.6 in | 64.4 in |
Length | 172.0 in | 180.5 in |
Width | 70.9 in | 72.9 in |
Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 108.9 in |
Maximum Payload | 1080 lbs | 1347 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, had a big-car feel. Its upright layout provided a commanding view of the road, and the headlight design, though busy, flowed well into the grille styling. 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 layout with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech features, reminiscent of more upscale brands like Audi. The clean LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash added visual symmetry, while the handle framing the tray below the center stack underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an EV, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from Volkswagen's gasoline models. It replaced the straight lines and sharp angles of the Tiguan and Atlas with a streamlined profile and wheels pushed out to the corners. The ID.4, based on VW’s EV-specific MEB platform, followed the European-market ID.3 hatchback. While it had plastic body cladding and a slightly taller ride height, it didn't look much like an SUV, similar to other EV crossovers like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Hyundai Kona Electric. The interior design blended Volkswagen’s trademark minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic. The base ID.4 Pro came with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while the Pro S and 1St Edition models had leatherette upholstery.
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) and available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The base engine was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. 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 and standard AWD. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway driving. The Seltos had a Drive Mode dial with Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, enhancing throttle response and steering feel in Sport mode. Despite its upright layout and 7.3 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos exhibited minimal body roll in turns and maintained a smooth ride over bumps.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 launched with a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. It was the first rear-wheel drive (RWD) Volkswagen passenger car sold in the U.S. since the Beetle. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version with a second electric motor arrived later in 2021, increasing power output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the AWD version offered more power and traction. The ID.4 was tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking for one-pedal driving, relying more on friction brakes and coasting for efficiency.
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, even surpassing some compact SUVs. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items. The Seltos had plenty of cubbies and compartments for storage, including large door cubbies and a spacious center console. The rear seats offered ample head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than competitor EVs, though legroom was average for the segment. It had 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, more than several EV rivals but less than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 did not have a front trunk (frunk), opting instead to maximize cabin space. The interior felt spacious from the driver’s seat, with good forward visibility but subpar rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars and a small back window. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the center console, though the console itself was narrow and close to the floor, limiting storage for larger items. Standard heated steering wheel and front seats efficiently maintained cabin heat in cold weather.
The 2021 Kia Seltos came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base S trim, while the SX Turbo featured a Bose premium sound system, a 7-inch digital display screen in the instrument panel, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The large screen could display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto alongside other data. However, plugging in a smartphone via USB would default the audio to the phone’s output, which could be inconvenient. Only one of the two USB ports allowed data connection, and it was not backlit, making it difficult to find in the dark. Despite these quirks, Kia’s infotainment system was straightforward and intuitive, with helpful hard buttons below the touchscreen for easy navigation.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with an optional 12-inch screen) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display screen served as the instrument cluster, and haptic touchpads replaced nearly all switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads were difficult to use without tactile feedback, making simple tasks like adjusting mirrors or lowering rear windows cumbersome. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system that responded to the prompt “Hello ID,” allowing for easier control of functions like temperature and radio stations, though it was slow to respond. The ID.4 also introduced ID.Light, a light strip at the base of the windshield that communicated information to the driver, but it was more of a novelty than a useful feature. The touchscreen was well-positioned with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus, offering a choice between smartphone-like icons or a split-screen setup.
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 with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim included adaptive cruise control with idle stop-and-go and cyclist detection. The SX also featured an alert for when a vehicle in front had pulled away, preventing the embarrassment of a courtesy honk from the driver behind.
The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received the highest-level Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the RWD model. The standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, park distance control, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The ID.4 also introduced Travel Assist, which added automated lane centering to the adaptive cruise control, and Emergency Assist, which could bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Travel Assist performed well, smoothly following curves and responding well to acceleration and deceleration.
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