2022 Subaru Forester vs 2021 Kia Seltos

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 while the headlight design was somewhat busy, it integrated well with the grille. The aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos wasn't designed for such adventures. The red circles 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 tray below the centre stack emphasized its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality over form, with a design that emphasized practicality. The Wilderness trim, with its suspension lift and higher ride height, added ruggedness, though the massive protective cladding and matte-black hood decal were polarizing. Inside, the Forester focused on function, combining hard plastic and soft surfaces to create a cabin that felt well-constructed, albeit somewhat dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was intuitive, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's new front styling improved its appearance, but the Wilderness's unique features were not universally appealing.

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 CVT. This setup was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a more potent 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 highway driving and spirited acceleration, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. Despite its high ground clearance, the Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, offering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While not turbocharged, the engine was adequate for most driving conditions, though it could feel sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT, with its eight programmed ratios, provided a smooth driving experience, and the Wilderness model's design increased initial torque supply by 25%. The Forester's towing capacity doubled to 1,360 kilograms, thanks to this CVT. The dual-function X-Mode system improved off-road capabilities, and the re-tuned suspension enhanced ride and handling. The Wilderness trim's longer springs and shocks increased ground clearance, making it adept at tackling challenging terrains.

The 2021 Kia Seltos impressed with its cargo space, 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 cubbies and compartments, providing ample storage for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats offered generous head- and legroom, a rarity among subcompact SUVs.

The 2022 Subaru Forester excelled in functionality, with easy entry and exit due to its tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery and all-weather floor mats, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a three-person roof tent, enhancing its practicality. The Forester's cargo space measured 818 litres without the sunroof and 762 litres with it, expanding to 2,101 litres with the rear seats folded. This positioned the Forester among the roomiest compact SUVs, offering ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base LX and EX trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen system. The EX Premium and SX Turbo trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch touchscreen, capable of displaying multiple functions simultaneously. The SX Turbo also 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.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came equipped with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims, including the Touring and Wilderness, featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Wilderness trim also included a 180-degree forward-view camera, useful for off-roading. The navigation system was effective, though a breadcrumb function would have been beneficial for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Kia Seltos included standard safety features such as front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In Canada, the base LX trim offered blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims included a full suite of 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 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear automatic braking. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.