Nissan Qashqai vs. Kia Seltos: Our Small SUV Pick

Nissan opportunely joined the compact SUV segment in 2007 with the Qashqai, a compact crossover SUV named soon after nomadic tribes of Iran. The Qashqai permitted the Japanese automotive powerhouse to be one particular pioneer in the recently developed segment of modest SUVs. Following 15 years and around 3 million units marketed, the Qashqai proceeds to be a benchmark but now with a myriad of opponents threaten to steal its spot in this segment.

We are chatting about the Korean automaker KIA, which finally fronted up the modest SUV playground with their to start with era Seltos in 2019. With a name taken from the son of Hercules, this subcompact crossover arrived as an fascinating proposal with an attractive pack of goodies. In 2022, the Seltos still provides superb benefit for income and an partaking powertrain to butt heads with one particular of its main rivals like the Qashqai and see who’s in the small SUV section.

Nissan Qashqai

Price tag: $25,098 CAD / 33,890 AUD / $24,960 USD (Nissan Rogue Sport)

By means of Autopista

The present technology of the Qashqai features ProPILOT electrification and semi-autonomous driving to carve out a area of interest for alone as the tiny brother of the X-Trail.

The Ariya, Nissan’s electric powered SUV, obviously impressed its style and design. Nevertheless, with substantially extra compact proportions, it actions 4.42 meters extensive. The front stop receives boomerang headlamps, a sharp V-Motion grille, and vertical styling strains in the fascia. The rear retains a more conservative type based on the similar DNA of the Qashqai it replaces.

There are also critical novelties in the mechanical division, with an supply of electrified engines and without the need of diesel. Alternatively, the Japanese brand has accompanied the only gasoline motor with an unprecedented e-Electric power hybrid propulsion method for the prime trim comprising an electric powered motor with a regular combustion engine (petrol). This configuration works as a generator to demand the batteries that present strength to the electric powered motor, the only one particular in demand of only shifting the auto.

A 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline motor powers the rest of the range in two out there outputs: 140 horsepower–available only with a 6-velocity manual transmission–and 158 horsepower, with Xtronic computerized transmission and either FWD or AWD. The Nissan Qashqai has sold perfectly given that its release.

Through Autobild

Nissan has thoroughly upgraded this block to include things like the 12V moderate hybrid system. In addition, it incorporates a individual lithium battery mounted less than the ground and a belt-driven generator to obtain braking vitality, offering torque support for the duration of acceleration.

The Qashqai is based on the new CMF-C system, shared with other styles in the team, these types of as the Sentra, the Renault Mégane, or the Mitsubishi Outlander. This superior architecture reduces weight while bettering its rigidity, which interprets into better trip excellent and fantastic security for travellers.

This vehicle is rebranded for United states of america marketplaces as the Nissan Rogue Activity.

For other markets like Canada, the Qashqai is available with a 2. inline-4 motor creating 141 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque. The Canadian Qashqai options Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Constantly Variable Transmission). The 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with moderate-hybrid aid in 140 hp achieves 44.5 mpg.

By means of Prime Equipment

Aesthetically, the Qashqai gained a perfectly-deserved restyling, which introduced back the swag it had been dropping as the past technology was demonstrating symptoms of growing old. The new style is a lot a lot more purposeful, with sharper traces that produce a crystal clear intention of the brand to build extra futuristic silhouettes.

The new Qashqai provides a spacious interior for five travellers with a city-helpful exterior for effortless maneuverability but nonetheless not as roomy or adaptable as some competitors. Furthermore, it has a generous boot area of 648 cu. ft. (504 L), excluding luggage boards.

According to Whatcar.com, the Nissan Qashqai has trapped with the winning blend of an elevated driving posture, attractive yet reasonably rugged appears to be like, and down-to-earth working costs although also supplying potential buyers lots of trims solutions – from entry-level Visia suitable up to luxurious Tekna+.

Push.com says the new 2022 Nissan Qashqai crossover is smarter, safer, and greater equipped than its predecessor.

Professionals: Innovative style and design inside and out, packed with state-of-the-art technologies, high level of standard safety attributes.

Cons: Nonetheless depends on a CVT. Other rivals present far better seating flexibility, underwhelming effectiveness.

Via Kia

Kia Seltos

Price: $22,590 USD / 23,595 CAD / 26,700 AUD

The Kia Seltos is a single of the most recent styles of the South Korean manufacturer, arriving in 2019 to compete in the subcompact SUV phase. Looking from the exterior, Seltos characteristics a simple still desirable style and design, with a lot of straight lines ending in the contrasting grille at the front. The Kia Seltos GT Line 2022 is a model that has established the standard inside of its phase for its spacious interior and excellent technological present.

One of the most important factors of the KIA Seltos 2022 is below the hood. The GT Line edition will come with a 1.4-liter turbo motor, capable of building 138 hp and 179 lb-ft, enough to shift with relieve. It doesn’t battle to retain a superior speed on the highway, nor does it want to force the engine much too tricky to access highway speeds. Some turbo lag forces you to sink your foot a tiny a lot more on the accelerator when starting, but it is not a delay that hinders driving.

By means of LA Situations

The dual-clutch computerized transmission mitigates the result of turbo lag. It does a fantastic occupation squeezing the ideal performance out of the motor with out influencing gasoline financial system too substantially. Even so, in terms of driving manners, the Kia Seltos 2022 points substantially extra to comfort than to sportiness.

Gas overall economy for the Seltos is an EPA-estimated score of 27/31 mpg metropolis/freeway. The more effective 175-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder designs have a somewhat decreased fuel financial state rating of 25/30 mpg.

The suspension has a pretty tender contact, which transmits robustness when likely by means of potholes and does not get to launch when tracing curves on the highway. Nonetheless, there is a marked entire body roll.

The 2022 Kia Seltos GT Line has a uncomplicated, roomy, and simple cabin nevertheless, this does not imply it lacks practicality. On the opposite, the interior presents sufficient convenience and home for 5 individuals and a boot area of 15.3 cu. ft. (433 liters). At the exact same time, this variation boasts a specified sporty air by integrating special attributes these types of as GT Line sporting activities bucket seats.

By way of CNET

At the finish of the working day, the 2022 KIA Seltos is a very well balanced SUV in dealing with. Its engine helps make it agile, although the chassis pursues the consolation of an SUV geared toward family members and urban mobility.

Motor vehicle and Driver say the Seltos carves out a compact area of interest and satisfies drivers with a charming chassis and a snug cabin.

U.S. Information describes the Kia Seltos as one of the roomiest and most gasoline-economical subcompact SUVs all around, and it delivers decent handling, but its powertrains depart room for improvement.

Pros: Upscale inside resources and style, compelling powertrain, substantial level of ease and comfort gear.

Downsides: Unimpressive handling, not a good deal of driving aids, it does not supply an electrified variation.

Verdict

Although the Kia Seltos has grow to be a critical contender in the small SUV segment, it falls brief about engineering and efficiency and not offering a version with some degree of electrification.

Continue to, thanks to its boxy excellent appears, useful proportions, hardy presentation, first rate efficiency, ample road clearance, considerate equipment levels, and general benefit for income, the Seltos designs up as a handsome and likable overachiever of the smaller SUV established.

On the other hand, the currently veteran Qashqai continues to be a benchmark in the compact SUV phase. It continues to be 1 of the most persuasive models in its category. The restyling that Nissan gave to the new era Qashqai and the incorporation of a delicate hybrid powertrain make it the winner of this showdown, but not by substantially difference.

Level of competition in the compact SUV phase is obtaining far more exciting and fiercer year immediately after 12 months, we see products that threaten the throne of the forerunner of the phase.