2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding driving experience. Its upright design provided a clear 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 interior boasted a straightforward design, with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the handle framing the centre stack underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's first SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The Quad Lamp LED headlights and taillights established a cohesive look, while the large wheel arches and trapezoidal tailpipes added to its bold presence. Inside, the GV80's cabin was a blend of technology and luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimal controls, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The 14.5-inch high-definition display and rotary gear selector highlighted its modern, sophisticated interior.

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). This setup was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a more robust 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 ample power for quick acceleration and highway driving, especially when using the Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it a surprisingly agile subcompact SUV.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine choices: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was refined, with independent multi-link suspension and electronically controlled suspension on 3.5T models, which used road preview technology to adjust to road conditions. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel strained under pressure, while the 3.5T offered a smoother, more powerful experience, enhanced by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 L/100 km city and 10.4 highway.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in cargo space, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, including large door cubbies and a spacious centre console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample head- and legroom, a rarity in subcompact SUVs, positioning the Seltos as a leader in interior space.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a focus on luxury and technology. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design and knurled metal finish. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base LX and EX trims, while the EX Premium and SX Turbo offered a larger 10.25-inch screen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a user-friendly interface and hard buttons for easy navigation. However, the system had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and only one data-capable USB port.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered user-configurable split-screen displays and cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates. Android users could use a digital key function, while the GV80 provided five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In Canada, the base LX included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims offered a full suite of driver-assistance features, including 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 2021 Genesis GV80 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety features. These included blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with available features like a blind view monitor and safe-exit assist.