The subcompact SUV segment is populated by several interesting players, even though some manufacturers offer more than one model; one smaller, one more massive. This is the case for Nissan with the Kicks and the Qashqai, but also for Kia with the Soul, the Niro and the Seltos.
More recently, the more massive subcompact SUVs have appeared as an intermediate solution between the small and compact SUVs. Each manufacturer has come up with its own solution, trying to reinvent the wheel. At Kia, they've done it with the Seltos, a vehicle that perhaps strikes the perfect balance that consumers are looking for. Here's what makes it more interesting than the Qashqai, which also tries the same thing.
Modernity
The Qashqai has been with Nissan since 2018, but in effect, the company brought us a model that had been driving in Europe since 2013. As for the Seltos, it was presented to the press in February 2020. Its design is much more recent and you can feel it when you slip aboard, when you use the on-board technologies, as well as when you take the wheel to discover a much more solid model on the road.
Time takes its toll on the automotive industry and things change quickly. A product can't hope to compete if it's several years behind its rivals. This is the case with the Qashqai.
The mechanics
One of these elements of modernity is well illustrated when comparing the offerings under the hood. The Qashqai is powered by a single engine, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that offers 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. Just what's needed.
With the Seltos, you have two choices. The entry-level versions are served by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that delivers 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Very similar, we agree.
However, if you want more, the SX version is served by a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that claims 175 horsepower, 195 pound-feet of torque. And if you're not a fan of continuously variable transmissions, this same version is the only one of the two models that comes with a seven-speed robotized automatic transmission.
Cargo space
With the Seltos, Kia has rethought how to offer maximum interior space in a relatively small envelope. The result is spectacular and it's measured in cargo space. With the four-wheel drive versions of both vehicles, the Qashqai offers 1,509 liters of volume. This increases to 1778 liters with the Seltos; the difference is enormous.
It's also evident in the second row, where occupants enjoy much more room in the Kia model.
Really, in every way, the Seltos offers more than the Qashqai. Come by the dealership to see for yourself, and you'll see the difference.
