2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding presence on the road. Its upright design and aggressive front bumper gave it a rugged appearance, although it wasn't intended for off-roading. The headlight design, while busy, seamlessly integrated with the grille, and the red accents around the wheel centres hinted at its dynamic on-road capabilities. Inside, the Seltos featured a clean and intuitive layout, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The tech features were well-integrated, with a symmetrical LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian design.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was characterized by its sleek black accents, including shiny black wheels and grille, which gave it a distinctive and agile appearance. The CX-30's design made it stand out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, offering a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance. Inside, the CX-30 shared similarities with the Mazda3, featuring high-quality materials and a driver-focused layout. The cabin exuded an upscale vibe with its chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents, although rear-seat space was limited. The CX-30's design emphasized a sense of spaciousness and sophistication, aligning with Mazda's premium aspirations.

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 CVT. While adequate for city driving, this engine struggled at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim, however, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway passing, especially in 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 small crossover.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on fuel octane, and up to 320 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD, delivered effortless acceleration and impressive torque. Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and AWD system ensured optimal power distribution, enhancing driving satisfaction. While the CX-30 Turbo excelled in off-road conditions with its Off-Road mode, its on-road performance was slightly compromised by its added height and weight compared to the Mazda3. Nevertheless, it remained a rewarding drive, offering a balance of power and sophistication.

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 cubbies and bottle holders for front passengers. Rear-seat space was generous, providing ample head- and legroom, a rarity in its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo prioritized driver comfort with an eight-way adjustable seat and a driver-focused layout. While the front seats were heated, ventilated seats were absent, limiting its premium appeal. The cabin's minimalist design and high-quality materials created a sense of spaciousness, but rear-seat accommodations were cramped. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the seats folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback. Storage was adequate, but the placement of the wireless charger in the centre console limited its usability.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base trims, while the EX Premium and SX Turbo offered a larger 10.25-inch display. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Bose premium sound system available on the SX Turbo. However, the infotainment system had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and only one data-capable USB port.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, the system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the audio experience. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, improving safety and convenience. However, the infotainment system's complexity and lack of a touchscreen could be frustrating for some users.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact 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 advanced driver-assistance features like collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, 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 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It featured a full suite of safety and driver-assistance systems, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking. The GT trim added front and rear parking sensors, enhancing safety and convenience.