2021 Volkswagen ID.4 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel, with an upright design that provided a commanding view of the road. Its headlight design, though busy, seamlessly integrated with the grille, and the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even if it wasn't designed for such adventures. The red circles around the wheel centres added a touch of sportiness, complementing its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and tech influences reminiscent of upscale brands. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the handle framing the tray below the centre stack underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, showcasing a distinctive look that set it apart from its gasoline counterparts. It featured a streamlined profile with wheels pushed to the corners, eschewing the fake toughness of traditional crossovers. The interior blended Volkswagen's minimalism with a smartphone aesthetic, using piano black and matte plastic to push the tech theme. The ID.4's interior was spacious, with more front headroom than some gasoline competitors, although rearward visibility was compromised by thick rear pillars. The twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard freed up space on the centre console, though the narrow design limited storage for larger items.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims came 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 turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder 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, with drive modes like Sport enhancing throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride over bumps, offering a driving experience akin to a luxury SUV.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was available in two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, while the electric motor's instantaneous torque made acceleration fun. However, the ID.4 was tuned for comfort, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over rough surfaces. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 relied on friction brakes, with limited regenerative braking, to provide a familiar driving experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space, with 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. It featured numerous storage compartments, including large cubbies and bottle holders in the doors, a spacious centre console, and a tray between the front seats. The rear seat space was generous, providing ample head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing many EV competitors but falling short of some gasoline crossovers. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility, though rearward visibility was hindered by thick pillars. The ID.4 lacked a "frunk" for extra storage, prioritizing cabin space instead. The console was narrow, limiting storage for larger items, but offered plenty of spots for smaller items like phones. Heated seats and a steering wheel were standard, providing efficient warmth during cold weather.

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 additional space for radio, climate, or navigation data. The SX Turbo included a Bose premium sound system. However, the infotainment system had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and only one data-capable USB port. Despite these issues, the system was intuitive, with helpful hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 came with a standard 10-inch touchscreen, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them challenging to use while driving. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with easy-to-navigate menus and smart graphics.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchor latches. In Canada, the base LX included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added a full suite of driver-assistance features, including 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 Volkswagen ID.4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered a range of driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. New features like Travel Assist and Emergency Assist enhanced safety, with Travel Assist providing smooth lane centring and responsive acceleration and deceleration.