2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2020 Nissan Rogue, available in S, SV, and SL Platinum trims, offered a straightforward design with a single engine and transmission choice, and options for front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The SL Platinum trim, priced at an estimated $37,998 CAD, featured a bold V-Motion grille and 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels, giving it an appealing look despite its age. However, the interior revealed its dated design with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded centre console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Seltos, though a subcompact SUV, provided a big-car feel with its upright layout and commanding road view. Its headlight design, while busy, complemented the grille, and the aggressive lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities. The interior boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech features reminiscent of upscale brands. The Seltos offered a range of trims, with the SX Turbo featuring a two-tone roof design in the U.S. specification, adding to its sporty appeal.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Weighing 1,664 kilograms, the Rogue's powertrain was adequate but not sporty, with the CVT doing its best to maximize performance. However, the Rogue struggled with acceleration, especially when merging onto highways or climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with real-world consumption higher than expected. The Rogue's ride and handling were improved by Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the driving experience was marred by lifeless steering and CVT drone.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The latter, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided ample power and brisk acceleration, especially in Sport Mode. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, thanks to its Drive Mode dial and 18.5 cm ground clearance. The Seltos delivered a driving experience more akin to a luxury SUV, with nimble handling and responsive steering.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan's Zero Gravity design, they were somewhat undersized, and finding a comfortable driving position was challenging for taller individuals. The rear seats, however, offered excellent thigh support, legroom, and a great view, enhanced by the panoramic moonroof. Cargo space was a strong point, with 1,112 litres available behind the rear seats and additional underfloor storage.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in interior space, offering 752 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The Seltos also provided ample rear-seat space, with generous head- and legroom, and numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue's infotainment system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with upgrades available for navigation and a Bose audio system. However, the 7-inch touchscreen interface was outdated, with slow response times and subpar voice recognition, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a more modern infotainment setup, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The system was intuitive, with a helpful home button and hard buttons for easy navigation. However, quirks like defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and limited data connectivity ports were minor annoyances.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came with standard Safety Shield 360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included ProPilot Assist and a surround-view camera. However, its safety ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA and issues with frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with higher trims including adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 4-star overall rating from NHTSA, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.