2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Kia Seltos

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 a trendy and dynamic touch. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The interior boasted a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian feel, with various trim levels offering a range of features from basic to more luxurious options.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality and practicality, with a focus on making life easier for its users. The Wilderness trim, in particular, was designed for rugged adventures, featuring a suspension lift and higher ride height. The interior prioritized function over form, with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and all-weather floor mats. The Forester's cabin combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, exuding quality construction. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Overall, the Forester's design was more about utility and less about aesthetics, appealing to those seeking a practical and durable SUV.

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. While adequate for city driving, this engine 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. This engine provided brisk acceleration and a sporty driving experience, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it a surprisingly agile small crossover.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, offering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. All Foresters came with a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25%. This allowed the Wilderness to double its towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester's engine was adequate at sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT had eight programmed ratios and included SI-Drive for a more lively response. The Forester excelled in off-road conditions, with its dual-function X-Mode system and re-tuned suspension providing improved ride and handling. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance, making it a compelling choice for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs, even rivaling some compact models. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, providing ample storage for passengers. The rear seats offered generous head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs, making the Seltos a practical choice for families or those needing extra space.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The Forester's interior was comfortable, with high seating positions and excellent visibility. Rear passengers enjoyed air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports, while the cargo area offered 28.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 74.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its versatility for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, with a 10.25-inch screen in the SX Turbo. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though connecting a smartphone via USB could be frustrating due to default audio settings. The SX Turbo included a Bose premium sound system and a 7-inch digital display in the instrument panel. Kia's infotainment system was intuitive, with helpful home and hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base trim, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim included a 180-degree forward-view camera, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The Forester's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice recognition was hit-and-miss. The PIN Code Access feature allowed users to leave the key fob in the vehicle, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

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 automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim included adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection. The Seltos provided a comprehensive safety package, though not all features were standard.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS.