2021 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, and the headlight design, though intricate, seamlessly integrated with the grille. While not intended for off-roading, the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at a rugged capability. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. The U.S. test model featured a two-tone roof design, adding to its visual appeal.

Inside, the Seltos boasted a straightforward and intuitive design, reminiscent of more upscale brands like Audi. The clean lines and integrated tech features, such as the LCD screen for climate controls, provided a sense of symmetry with the touchscreen atop the dash. The interior was both utilitarian and sporty, with trim levels ranging from the entry-level LX to the top-tier SX Turbo, each offering a variety of features from heated seats to advanced infotainment systems.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, captured the rugged spirit of its predecessor while focusing on everyday usability. Its modern retro design, reminiscent of Land Rover, featured short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The tall fender wells and tucked-in body sides were designed for trail driving, minimizing unnecessary adornments. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge, emphasized its adventurous character.

Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet uncluttered design. The centre stack featured convenient storage cubbies and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim varied across models, from cloth to leather-trimmed heated seats, with practical flooring options for active lifestyles. The Bronco Sport was designed for both urban commuting and weekend adventures, with a focus on versatility and capability.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While adequate for city driving, this engine struggled at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided brisk acceleration and improved highway performance, with drive modes enhancing throttle response and steering feel.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model boasted a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance providing a capable and comfortable ride.

The Kia Seltos impressed with its spacious cargo area, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including large door cubbies and a spacious centre console, providing ample space for passengers and their belongings.

The Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with its versatile cargo space, designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, optional slide-out work table, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base LX and EX trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen and a 3.5-inch digital screen in the instrument panel. The EX Premium and SX Turbo trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 7-inch digital display. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some connectivity quirks were noted. Overall, the infotainment system was intuitive and user-friendly.

The Ford Bronco Sport came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, enhancing off-road capability. Intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel were available on select trims.

The Kia Seltos came standard with a comprehensive array of airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In Canada, the base LX trim included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features, such as collision avoidance assist and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models included AWD and a terrain management system. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.