Nissan opportunely joined the compact SUV section in 2007 with the Qashqai, a compact crossover SUV named immediately after nomadic tribes of Iran. The Qashqai permitted the Japanese automotive powerhouse to be a single pioneer in the freshly produced section of small SUVs. After 15 decades and more than 3 million models sold, the Qashqai continues to be a benchmark but now with a plethora of competitors threaten to steal its spot in this section.
We are chatting about the Korean automaker KIA, which lastly fronted up the smaller SUV playground with their to start with generation Seltos in 2019. With a title taken from the son of Hercules, this subcompact crossover arrived as an exciting proposal with an eye-catching pack of goodies. In 2022, the Seltos even now features superb benefit for funds and an engaging powertrain to butt heads with just one of its major rivals like the Qashqai and see who’s in the small SUV phase.
Nissan Qashqai
Price tag: $25,098 CAD / 33,890 AUD / $24,960 USD (Nissan Rogue Sport)
By means of Autopista
The existing generation of the Qashqai attributes ProPILOT electrification and semi-autonomous driving to carve out a specialized niche for alone as the little brother of the X-Path.
The Ariya, Nissan’s electric SUV, clearly inspired its design. Nevertheless, with significantly much more compact proportions, it measures 4.42 meters extensive. The entrance end gets boomerang headlamps, a sharp V-Movement grille, and vertical styling traces in the fascia. The rear keeps a a lot more conservative type primarily based on the exact same DNA of the Qashqai it replaces.
There are also essential novelties in the mechanical section, with an offer you of electrified engines and with out diesel. Instead, the Japanese manufacturer has accompanied the only gasoline engine with an unprecedented e-Energy hybrid propulsion program for the prime trim comprising an electric motor with a regular combustion motor (petrol). This configuration works as a generator to demand the batteries that present vitality to the electric powered motor, the only a single in cost of only moving the vehicle.
A 1.3-liter turbocharged gasoline engine powers the rest of the selection in two obtainable outputs: 140 horsepower–available only with a 6-speed guide transmission–and 158 horsepower, with Xtronic computerized transmission and both FWD or AWD. The Nissan Qashqai has offered well due to the fact its release.
Via Autobild
Nissan has thoroughly upgraded this block to contain the 12V gentle hybrid program. In addition, it incorporates a individual lithium battery put in less than the flooring and a belt-pushed generator to collect braking energy, offering torque assist for the duration of acceleration.
The Qashqai is based on the new CMF-C system, shared with other designs in the team, this sort of as the Sentra, the Renault Mégane, or the Mitsubishi Outlander. This state-of-the-art architecture decreases bodyweight though improving its rigidity, which translates into greater trip quality and fantastic basic safety for travellers.
This vehicle is rebranded for United states marketplaces as the Nissan Rogue Sport.
For other marketplaces like Canada, the Qashqai is out there with a 2. inline-4 engine creating 141 horsepower and 147 lb.-ft. of torque. The Canadian Qashqai options Nissan Xtronic CVT® (Continually Variable Transmission). The 1.3-liter 4-cylinder gasoline motor with moderate-hybrid assistance in 140 hp achieves 44.5 mpg.
By way of Prime Equipment
Aesthetically, the Qashqai been given a perfectly-deserved restyling, which brought again the swag it had been losing as the prior technology was exhibiting signals of getting older. The new style is much more purposeful, with sharper traces that supply a crystal clear intention of the brand to build a lot more futuristic silhouettes.
The new Qashqai presents a spacious inside for 5 travellers with a town-friendly exterior for simple maneuverability but nevertheless not as roomy or adaptable as some competition. On top of that, it has a generous boot room of 648 cu. ft. (504 L), excluding luggage boards.
According to Whatcar.com, the Nissan Qashqai has stuck with the profitable mixture of an elevated driving posture, fashionable however reasonably rugged appears to be like, and down-to-earth functioning costs even though also supplying consumers plenty of trims possibilities – from entry-stage Visia ideal up to magnificent Tekna+.
Generate.com says the new 2022 Nissan Qashqai crossover is smarter, safer, and greater outfitted than its predecessor.
Execs: Refined design inside and out, packed with highly developed technological know-how, superior amount of conventional basic safety attributes.
Cons: Nevertheless relies on a CVT. Other rivals supply greater seating flexibility, underwhelming performance.
By way of Kia
Kia Seltos
Price tag: $22,590 USD / 23,595 CAD / 26,700 AUD
The Kia Seltos is just one of the most the latest versions of the South Korean brand name, arriving in 2019 to compete in the subcompact SUV phase. Looking from the outside the house, Seltos features a easy nonetheless eye-catching layout, with plenty of straight lines ending in the contrasting grille at the entrance. The Kia Seltos GT Line 2022 is a design that has set the conventional inside its segment for its roomy interior and great technological give.
One particular of the most vital facets of the KIA Seltos 2022 is less than the hood. The GT Line version will come with a 1.4-liter turbo engine, capable of producing 138 hp and 179 lb-ft, ample to shift with ease. It doesn’t wrestle to keep a superior speed on the highway, nor does it require to push the motor far too challenging to attain freeway speeds. Some turbo lag forces you to sink your foot a minimal much more on the accelerator when starting up, but it is not a hold off that hinders driving.
By using LA Occasions
The dual-clutch computerized transmission mitigates the impact of turbo lag. It does a fantastic work squeezing the best effectiveness out of the motor without the need of impacting gas financial state far too much. On the other hand, in terms of driving manners, the Kia Seltos 2022 details considerably a lot more to comfort and ease than to sportiness.
Gasoline overall economy for the Seltos is an EPA-believed rating of 27/31 mpg metropolis/highway. The additional effective 175-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder versions have a a little bit reduce gas economic climate score of 25/30 mpg.
The suspension has a extremely gentle contact, which transmits robustness when likely via potholes and does not get to launch when tracing curves on the street. On the other hand, there is a marked entire body roll.
The 2022 Kia Seltos GT Line has a easy, roomy, and realistic cabin nevertheless, this does not necessarily mean it lacks practicality. On the contrary, the inside provides adequate consolation and space for 5 individuals and a boot area of 15.3 cu. ft. (433 liters). At the similar time, this model features a sure sporty air by integrating distinctive options these kinds of as GT Line athletics bucket seats.
Through CNET
At the end of the day, the 2022 KIA Seltos is a fairly well balanced SUV in dealing with. Its engine would make it agile, while the chassis pursues the comfort of an SUV geared toward spouse and children and city mobility.
Automobile and Driver say the Seltos carves out a compact specialized niche and satisfies motorists with a charming chassis and a snug cabin.
U.S. News describes the Kia Seltos as one of the roomiest and most gasoline-successful subcompact SUVs close to, and it presents first rate managing, but its powertrains depart area for improvement.
Professionals: Upscale interior resources and design, powerful powertrain, significant amount of comfort and ease gear.
Disadvantages: Unimpressive dealing with, not a ton of driving aids, it does not give an electrified version.
Verdict
Whilst the Kia Seltos has turn out to be a major contender in the small SUV segment, it falls short about technological innovation and overall performance and not supplying a version with some stage of electrification.
Nevertheless, many thanks to its boxy good looks, useful proportions, hardy presentation, good efficiency, enough highway clearance, thoughtful tools ranges, and over-all worth for funds, the Seltos shapes up as a handsome and likable overachiever of the tiny SUV established.
On the other hand, the already veteran Qashqai continues to be a benchmark in the compact SUV segment. It remains one particular of the most compelling designs in its category. The restyling that Nissan gave to the new technology Qashqai and the incorporation of a moderate hybrid powertrain make it the winner of this showdown, but not by significantly variance.
Competition in the compact SUV section is finding much more remarkable and fiercer 12 months following year, we see designs that threaten the throne of the forerunner of the section.
