2022 Honda Odyssey vs 2021 Kia Seltos

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, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek scale down the size of the SUV without paring 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.

If you are a minivan aficionado like we are, then you know that the 2022 Honda Odyssey is the most enjoyable one to drive. It has that light, effortless, responsive driving character that Honda bakes into every one of its cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans. But you also know that the Odyssey’s rivals are successfully outflanking it in terms of stylish design, all-weather capability, electrified efficiency, infotainment technology, and outright luxury.

In response to these new threats, Honda makes no changes to the 2022 Odyssey. Good thing its “original recipe” approach remains pretty tasty.