2021 Nissan Kicks vs 2021 Kia Seltos

Posted on June 17, 2021

Not everybody needs a large, three-row SUV that hauls around tons of people and even more cargo. A lot of drivers prefer the SUV height and feel over a sedan but do not want to drive a tank down the highway. This is where the small and compact SUVs step in to fill the void. 2021 Nissan Kicks and 2021 Kia Seltos are two SUVs that are on the smaller side but pack a mighty punch.

Kicks vs Seltos - Design

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offers a bold exterior style for drivers in Calgary and across Canada. Improved for 2021, the Kicks offers narrower headlights, sportier bumpers, and a bolder V-motion grille. With the two-tone colour palette, the Kicks draws the eye.

The 2021 Kia Seltos is built on the same platform as the Hyundai Kona and offers sharp angles and lines on the exterior.

Kicks vs Seltos - Performance

Every model of the Nissan Kicks is powered by a 122-hp four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the only option, and it provides a comfortable and well-cushioned ride over all types of roads.

Kia takes a different approach with the Seltos, offering two engine options depending on trim level. The standard option is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 146 horsepower, and the upgraded option is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers 175 horsepower.

Kicks vs Seltos - Safety

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is outfitted in safety with the Full Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assist technologies on all models. Drivers in Calgary can feel confident and safe when driving a Kicks with its standard features, such as blind spot warning, lane departure warning, high beam assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear automatic braking, and intelligent emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Kia does not include many driver-assist technologies as standard on the 2021 Sportage. In order to have a similar arsenal of features like the Kicks, drivers would need to upgrade to the EX model, which adds significant expense, costing almost $9,000 more than Kicks.

Kicks vs Seltos - Models and Price

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is for sale in four model configurations in Calgary and across Canada. Starting at $19,898, the Kicks a 7.0-inch touchscreen NissanConnect multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Nissan Safety Shield 360, and Bluetooth. The Kicks is only sold as a FWD vehicle.

The 2021 Kia Seltos is offered in five model configurations. Starting at $23,095, every model of the Seltos features heated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a blind spot warning system, and rear cross traffic alert. Every model except the base LX FWD comes standard with all-wheel drive.

Kicks vs Seltos - Features

Comparing the 2021 Nissan Kicks and 2021 Kia Seltos, it is easy to see that they are both great vehicles. But with better fuel economy, better pricing, a bolder design, and more, it is clear that the 2021 Nissan Kicks is the right choice for drivers in Calgary.