2020 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its reputation for utility, safety, and performance, with a few subtle yet significant updates. Subaru's Global Platform provided a 70% increase in structural rigidity, and the base 2.5-liter engine was revamped with 90% new parts, offering 182 horsepower. The exterior changes were minimal, focusing on head- and taillight designs, while the interior saw the introduction of an 11.6-inch touchscreen in most trims. The innovative DriverFocus technology aimed to enhance safety by monitoring driver alertness and adjusting settings via facial recognition. The Outback was available in seven trims, with the XT versions featuring a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine for those seeking more power.

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a spacious and commanding presence on the road. Its design included a busy yet cohesive headlight and grille styling, with an aggressive lower front bumper. The interior boasted a straightforward design with upscale influences, featuring a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty, utilitarian feel. The Seltos was available in five trims, with the base LX offering essential features and the SX Turbo providing a premium experience with a larger infotainment screen and advanced driver assistance features.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's performance was marked by its two engine options. The base 2.5-liter engine delivered 182 horsepower and improved fuel efficiency with 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims offered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission. Subaru's symmetrical AWD system provided consistent power delivery and enhanced handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance for light off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine choices. The LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter engine with 146 horsepower, suitable for city driving but lacking at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims came with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, producing 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Seltos excelled in handling, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, enhanced by the Drive Mode dial offering Normal, Sport, and Smart modes for tailored driving experiences.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in interior space, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The spacious interior accommodated tall passengers comfortably, with excellent headroom and legroom. Subaru prioritized visibility, providing clear sightlines in most directions, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback's design balanced exterior compactness with interior spaciousness, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2021 Kia Seltos impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with them folded. It featured numerous storage compartments and cubbies, enhancing its practicality. The rear seats provided ample head- and legroom, a rarity in subcompact SUVs. The Seltos' interior design catered to both functionality and comfort, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, appealing to tech enthusiasts with its large, vibrant display. However, the system suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the infotainment system had potential, with a user-friendly layout and essential connectivity features.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered a range of infotainment options, with the SX Turbo featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a Bose premium sound system. The system was intuitive, with a helpful home button and hard buttons for easy navigation. However, the USB connectivity had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio and only one data-capable port. Overall, Kia's infotainment system was straightforward and user-friendly, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback included a comprehensive safety suite, with standard AWD and EyeSight technology. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. Despite these issues, Subaru's commitment to safety was evident, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered a robust array of safety features, with most trims including driver-assistance technologies like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection, enhancing safety. While not all features were standard, the Seltos provided a competitive safety package for its class.