Nissan Qashqai vs. Kia Seltos: Our Small SUV Pick

Nissan opportunely joined the compact SUV phase in 2007 with the Qashqai, a compact crossover SUV named immediately after nomadic tribes of Iran. The Qashqai authorized the Japanese automotive powerhouse to be one particular pioneer in the recently designed section of smaller SUVs. Immediately after 15 many years and around 3 million models marketed, the Qashqai continues to be a benchmark but now with a myriad of competitors threaten to steal its position in this segment.

We are talking about the Korean automaker KIA, which at last fronted up the tiny SUV playground with their to start with generation Seltos in 2019. With a name taken from the son of Hercules, this subcompact crossover arrived as an interesting proposal with an eye-catching pack of goodies. In 2022, the Seltos even now provides exceptional value for dollars and an engaging powertrain to butt heads with 1 of its key rivals like the Qashqai and see who’s in the modest SUV section.

Nissan Qashqai

Price: $25,098 CAD / 33,890 AUD / $24,960 USD (Nissan Rogue Activity)

By way of Autopista

The recent era of the Qashqai functions ProPILOT electrification and semi-autonomous driving to carve out a area of interest for by itself as the minor brother of the X-Path.

The Ariya, Nissan’s electric SUV, plainly impressed its design. Nevertheless, with substantially a lot more compact proportions, it measures 4.42 meters lengthy. The front conclusion gets boomerang headlamps, a sharp V-Movement grille, and vertical styling lines in the fascia. The rear retains a a lot more conservative model primarily based on the exact same DNA of the Qashqai it replaces.

There are also necessary novelties in the mechanical section, with an provide of electrified engines and without the need of diesel. As a substitute, the Japanese brand name has accompanied the only gasoline engine with an unparalleled e-Electric power hybrid propulsion process for the top rated trim comprising an electric powered motor with a traditional combustion motor (petrol). This configuration works as a generator to cost the batteries that present power to the electric motor, the only a single in charge of only shifting the automobile.

A 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine powers the rest of the variety in two obtainable outputs: 140 horsepower–available only with a 6-pace handbook transmission–and 158 horsepower, with Xtronic computerized transmission and either FWD or AWD. The Nissan Qashqai has marketed nicely because its launch.

By using Autobild

Nissan has thoroughly upgraded this block to involve the 12V gentle hybrid system. In addition, it incorporates a different lithium battery put in less than the flooring and a belt-pushed generator to obtain braking electricity, delivering torque assistance through acceleration.

The Qashqai is dependent on the new CMF-C system, shared with other models in the group, this sort of as the Sentra, the Renault Mégane, or the Mitsubishi Outlander. This state-of-the-art architecture lessens pounds whilst increasing its rigidity, which interprets into superior journey top quality and exceptional safety for passengers.

This car is rebranded for United states of america markets as the Nissan Rogue Activity.

For other markets like Canada, the Qashqai is accessible with a 2. inline-4 motor producing 141 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque. The Canadian Qashqai options Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Constantly Variable Transmission). The 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline motor with mild-hybrid aid in 140 hp achieves 44.5 mpg.

Through Top rated Equipment

Aesthetically, the Qashqai gained a very well-deserved restyling, which introduced back again the swag it experienced been dropping as the preceding generation was exhibiting signs of getting old. The new style and design is significantly extra purposeful, with sharper lines that supply a very clear intention of the manufacturer to produce a lot more futuristic silhouettes.

The new Qashqai presents a roomy inside for 5 travellers with a city-friendly exterior for uncomplicated maneuverability but nonetheless not as roomy or adaptable as some opponents. In addition, it has a generous boot room of 648 cu. ft. (504 L), excluding luggage boards.

In accordance to Whatcar.com, the Nissan Qashqai has caught with the winning mix of an elevated driving position, stylish nonetheless fairly rugged appears to be, and down-to-earth running charges although also supplying buyers a great deal of trims solutions – from entry-stage Visia proper up to high-class Tekna+.

Drive.com suggests the new 2022 Nissan Qashqai crossover is smarter, safer, and improved geared up than its predecessor.

Execs: Innovative style and design inside and out, packed with advanced technologies, higher level of regular security attributes.

Cons: However depends on a CVT. Other rivals offer you superior seating versatility, underwhelming functionality.

Via Kia

Kia Seltos

Selling price: $22,590 USD / 23,595 CAD / 26,700 AUD

The Kia Seltos is 1 of the most current types of the South Korean brand, arriving in 2019 to compete in the subcompact SUV phase. Hunting from the outdoors, Seltos attributes a straightforward however appealing style, with loads of straight strains ending in the contrasting grille at the entrance. The Kia Seltos GT Line 2022 is a model that has set the standard within its phase for its spacious inside and wonderful technological offer.

One particular of the most critical factors of the KIA Seltos 2022 is underneath the hood. The GT Line version comes with a 1.4-liter turbo engine, able of making 138 hp and 179 lb-ft, more than enough to shift with relieve. It doesn’t struggle to retain a great tempo on the freeway, nor does it have to have to drive the motor too really hard to achieve freeway speeds. Some turbo lag forces you to sink your foot a minor a lot more on the accelerator when commencing, but it is not a hold off that hinders driving.

Via LA Situations

The dual-clutch automatic transmission mitigates the influence of turbo lag. It does a good job squeezing the most effective functionality out of the motor devoid of impacting fuel economic system much too significantly. On the other hand, in conditions of driving manners, the Kia Seltos 2022 points significantly additional to comfort and ease than to sportiness.

Gasoline overall economy for the Seltos is an EPA-believed score of 27/31 mpg metropolis/highway. The additional potent 175-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder products have a somewhat reduced gas economic system rating of 25/30 mpg.

The suspension has a quite soft touch, which transmits robustness when going via potholes and does not get to launch when tracing curves on the street. Nonetheless, there is a marked human body roll.

The 2022 Kia Seltos GT Line has a simple, roomy, and practical cabin nonetheless, this does not mean it lacks practicality. On the contrary, the interior provides adequate comfort and ease and area for 5 individuals and a boot place of 15.3 cu. ft. (433 liters). At the same time, this version offers a selected sporty air by integrating unique options these kinds of as GT Line athletics bucket seats.

Through CNET

At the conclusion of the working day, the 2022 KIA Seltos is a quite balanced SUV in handling. Its engine will make it agile, even though the chassis pursues the consolation of an SUV geared towards family members and urban mobility.

Motor vehicle and Driver say the Seltos carves out a small specialized niche and satisfies motorists with a charming chassis and a at ease cabin.

U.S. News describes the Kia Seltos as just one of the roomiest and most fuel-efficient subcompact SUVs all around, and it offers respectable handling, but its powertrains go away place for advancement.

Execs: Upscale inside elements and style and design, persuasive powertrain, higher level of ease and comfort products.

Drawbacks: Unimpressive handling, not a whole lot of driving aids, it doesn’t present an electrified version.

Verdict

Despite the fact that the Kia Seltos has grow to be a really serious contender in the tiny SUV section, it falls quick with regards to technology and functionality and not providing a edition with some level of electrification.

Nevertheless, thanks to its boxy excellent seems, sensible proportions, hardy presentation, good functionality, sufficient street clearance, thoughtful machines ranges, and general value for revenue, the Seltos shapes up as a handsome and likable overachiever of the small SUV established.

On the other hand, the already veteran Qashqai carries on to be a benchmark in the tiny SUV phase. It stays 1 of the most compelling models in its group. The restyling that Nissan gave to the new technology Qashqai and the incorporation of a mild hybrid powertrain make it the winner of this showdown, but not by a great deal variance.

Opposition in the compact SUV section is finding additional fascinating and fiercer year right after 12 months, we see models that threaten the throne of the forerunner of the section.