2021 Ford EcoSport vs 2021 Seltos: Which SUV is better?

The Kia Seltos is a newcomer to the subcompact SUV market in Montreal. Its eye-catching looks have created a great deal of admiration, but it's when you drive it that you really fall in love. With its ultra-precise steering, this little crossover proves to be very pleasant and fun to drive. The Ford EcoSport has been around longer, since 2003, and is now taking its chances against the Kia SUV. Here's a comparison of the EcoSport vs. Seltos without further ado.

More model choices for the 2021 Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos is available starting at slightly over $25,000 for the base LX FWD model and going up to a little over $34,000 for the SX Turbo. In all, there are 5 trim levels to choose from. The 2021 EcoSport is offered 4 models, namely the S, SE, SES and Titanium with a suggested starting price of $25,299 to $31,799. Only the LX TA version of the Seltos is front-wheel drive, the others all feature all-wheel drive. 

Powertrain leans toward the Kia Seltos SUV as well

The LX, EX and EX Premium models of the 2021 Seltos are powered by a 4-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an IVT gearbox, while the SX Turbo is powered by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower for 195 lb-ft, coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission. As for the Ford EcoSport, it comes standard with a 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that develops 123 horsepower and 125 lb-ft. As an option, you can choose the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 166 horsepower and 149 lb-ft. And in spite of its greater output, the Seltos still performs much better in terms of fuel consumption, with a combined average rate of 7.7 L/100 km versus 9.2 L/100 km.

If you compare their respective entry-range versions, you'll find that for the same price, give or take a few dollars, the Kia gives you a lot more for your money. And it starts with heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, cruise control, Stop & Go technology, Safe Exit Assist System, Rear Occupant Alert, Hill-assist control, Rear Cross-Traffic alert, fog lights, heated sideview mirrors with integrated signal repeaters, a rearview camera, and heated washer nozzles, among others. You have to admit, it's impressive to offer so much equipment for less.

There’s no debate: the Kia Seltos wins this SUV duel

Wait, because we're not done impressing you. You see, as well as offering you a lot more features than the 2021 Ford EcoSport, the Seltos is also more spacious, with a trunk of 752 litres and a cargo capacity of 1,778 litres with the rear seats folded down, compared to just 592 litres. Unsurprisingly, the interior is also more spacious, and your passengers will complain less about the lack of leg and head room. In fact, the only thing the Ford can boast about compared to its rival is the number of body colours, with 10 compared to 8. But that's where it ends.

In their top-of-the-range versions, namely the Seltos SX Turbo and EcoSport Titanium AWD, both offer you the power sunroof, heated steering wheel and smart key. As you'd expect, the Kia adds a layer with ventilated front and heated rear seats, a 10.25-inch display with integrated navigation, a wireless phone charger, head-up display, automatic wipers and so on. But we’d better leave it at that, because it's getting really embarrassing for the Ford.

Come try the new 2021 Seltos in Montreal

That’s it for the comparison, which ends in a huge lead for the Seltos. All that's left is for you to come and test drive it, and you'll probably be delighted not only by its charm and innumerable qualities, but also by its exciting driving dynamics. Between us, it's so much more enjoyable to drive a vehicle that gives you real pleasure every time you get behind the wheel. So, we await you at your Spinelli Kia dealer, located in Roxboro on the West Island of Montreal, easily accessible from Highway 13 in Laval.