After premiering at the 2019 auto show in Los Angeles, Kia Seltos was one of the few vehicles that stole the spotlight. Only slightly behind the Kia Sportage, the former is more suited to consumers who need something to work well on the city roads.
However, there are other differences between the two vehicles, which this article will be shedding some light on. First and foremost, the size difference is pretty apparent, with the Sportage is efficient in taking the load, but there are also several other factors both inside and outside the vehicles that we must take into consideration. Here are some observations to help you take your pick.
The Outlook
Both Seltos and Sportage have a different exterior that becomes obvious to anyone who passes by. The comparatively smaller Seltos have a more boxy appearance, while the other has a more buff exterior. Due to its huge headlights, one may also think of the Sportage as a bigger and better alternative to the Seltos, but the latter has a more muscular exterior, which isn’t very common among SUVs. In contrast, the Sportage has rounder and smoother lines.
The Interior Space
Anyone who takes a single glance at the Kia Sportage may reach the conclusion that it’s also quite spacious on the interior. However, that’s not entirely true. Even though it’s a compact Sport Utility Vehicle, it doesn’t have as much interior space as one would expect it to have. On the other hand, the Seltos is pretty spacious for a vehicle that doesn’t appear all that buff from the outside.
It may have a comparatively smaller exterior footprint than the Sportage, but you can store plenty of stuff inside. Additionally, the cargo capacity is also something to take note of. While the Sportage only has headroom of about 30 to 40 inches, the headroom of Seltos goes up to 62 cubic feet. You can also enjoy some extra space by folding the rear seats.
The Rear Suspension
Another notable difference between the two vehicles is their rear suspension. The suspension system in any car is supposed to keep it in control and smoothen out the entire ride. While both vehicles have an optimal suspension system, there are noteworthy differences in the rear suspension. In the Seltos, there are two setups available, but they depend on the drivetrain configuration selected by you. However, in the Sportage, your rear suspension does not depend on the drivetrain option.
The Power Factor
The power factor is another huge difference between both the Sportage and Seltos. The engine of the Sportage is far more powerful than the Seltos as it offers a 2-liter turbo-four making it one of the strongest options available in the SUV market. However, in the Seltos, the most you can get is a 1.6-liter turbo-four.
The Technology
Since the Kia Seltos has been launched more recently, it’s jam-packed with features that you may not be able to find elsewhere. It has a 10-inch touch screen with the option to split so you can enjoy customizing your home screen. The Sportage, on the other hand, has a comparatively smaller screen with features slightly lacking as compared to the Seltos.
Moreover, you don’t get the option to modify the screen the way you do with the Seltos. Hence, if you’re someone who places a lot of importance on top-notch technology in a vehicle, you should go with the Seltos. However, if you can compromise on the tech for a vehicle with better engine performance and a heavy outlook, you should go with the Sportage.
The Color Schemes
When it comes to choosing a vehicle, color schemes also play a crucial role. The Kia Seltos may have taken the lead here since there are two modern and cool-toned color schemes available to choose from. For example, you can have a dark ocean blue theme with either a white or a black roof.
The Sound System
The Kia Seltos consists of an audio system with eight speakers that give the entire structure a much-needed flair. Additionally, there is also lighting to complement the sound system, a feature you’re unlikely to find in many vehicles of the same caliber. Once the music is turned on, you can see multiple lights grooving along and giving the entire interior a distinct vibe that may be absent in the Sportage.
The All-wheel-drive Feature
In the Kia Sportage, you will be required to pay more if you wish to have the all-wheel-drive feature on every trim. This limitation stays even in the bigger and stronger version that’s turbocharged. The Kia Seltos is also soon to get the same all-wheel feature on all trims except the S trim.
With the S-trim, you can only get a front-wheel drive. Therefore, if all-wheel drive is a feature you deem important in vehicles, then you may want to stick to the Seltos as it’s easier to get it on the vehicle as compared to the Sportage.
The Bottom-Line
In the end, both vehicles are credible choices in several aspects. While the Seltos has all the updated features, the Sportage is one of the finest-looking vehicles out there. The Seltos take the lead with storage space and multimedia tech, but the Sportage has an unmatched engine performance.
The Kia Seltos has cooler-toned schemes to choose from, but the Sportage may have slightly restricted options in this regard. The Seltos may have better rear suspension, but the Sportage does not depend on the drivetrain option. Both vehicles may share a few similarities, but the differences are far bigger and noticeable. This is why choosing a vehicle is a lot more than looking at the exterior.
While this blog is aimed at making your choice easier, it may not be enough. We recommend finding out more about the features, specs, and prices for both vehicles before you take your pick. At the end of the day, your decision to buy a vehicle largely depends on factors such as your needs and affordability. So, make sure you do your research.
Featured Image by Dominic Alberts from Pixabay
