Today there are certainly more SUVs around than ever before, but the vast majority are mid-size, compact, and subcompact models that continue to offer the functionality of an SUV, but with the improved fuel efficiency and driving dynamics of a crossover vehicle built on a very un-truck-like unibody platform. Kia’s all-new 2021 Seltos compact SUV is the latest from this automaker to join in on this competitive market.

Appealing Design, Off-road Capable

The Seltos enters Kia’s lineup positioned between the Soul and Sportage models. It offers a handsome design that blends hard angles with flowing contours, featuring a long hood, wrap-around LED headlamps, a chiseled lower front bumper design, and Kia’s signature grille. Seltos rides on either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels to reinforce its upscale and somewhat aggressive look. While drivers may rarely, if ever, venture off-pavement, the Seltos clearly hints at its off-road capability with integrated front and rear skid plates and black wheel arch cladding. Those wishing to further distinguish their ride can opt for an available two-tone roof treatment.

Fuel-efficient power choices include a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that brings 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft torque, and connects to a constantly variable transmission. Also available is a turbocharged 1.6-liter GDI engine offering 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft. torque, which delivers power to the road through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

Tailoring the Driving Experience

All-wheel drive is available that pairs torque vectoring control to optimize traction at each wheel, along with differential lock control that splits power equally between front and rear wheels for driving in severe weather. Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes can be selected to tailor the driving experience by adjusting engine, transmission, and steering characteristics as desired.

Inside, driver and passengers find a surprisingly roomy cabin with an array of thoughtful touches that enhance the drive. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and leather shift boot speak to a driver’s sensibilities, as does an asymmetrical OLED instrument cluster that angles slightly left for a driver-centric cockpit feel. A 7-inch center display is standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display available. Passengers enjoy a two-step reclining rear seat, rear air vents, and USB ports for comfort and convenience.

An array of Kia Drive Wise driver-assistance systems are available including blind spot collision warning and collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, and more. A rear occupant alert feature reminds a driver to check the rear seats for young passengers if the driver door is opened and a passenger door had been opened and closed. Seltos will offer a base price of about $22,000 when it arrives in dealerships after the first of the year.

Positioned below the Honda CR-V in size and price, Honda’s new HR-V compact crossover aims to attract buyers with its coupe-like styling, SUV functionality,  and of course the quality and dependability of a Honda. The HR-V is based on the Honda Fit platform although it’s substantially larger than the Fit, measuring in 9.1 inches longer, 2.8 inches wider, and 3.2 inches taller. It also features a front and rear track several inches wider for a more stable ride.

These added dimensions mean the HR-V can carry people more comfortably and, of course, accommodate more gear and cargo. Since Honda located the fuel tank beneath the front seats like the Fit, the same second row Magic Seat configuration is built in, enabling the seat to fold completely flat into the floor to provide a more spacious cargo area. In fact, the HR-V’s 100 cubic feet of passenger space and 58.8 cubic feet of cargo volume with the second row seats folded down rivals the interior volume of some midsize SUVs.

The HR-V is powered by the same 1.8-liter engine as the Honda Civic, delivering 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft torque. It comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions and in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trim levels. A continuously variable transmission is available with all-wheel drive, equipped with steering wheel paddles that provide seven preset ratios. A six-speed manual transmission is available on front-wheel-drive LX and EX models.

The HR-V turns in impressive fuel economy numbers. Depending on transmission and whether equipped with FWD or AWD, highway fuel economy reaches up to 35 mpg, as good as it gets in this segment. Driving range is about 400 miles.

Like most Hondas, the HR-V comes with Eco Assist. This includes a sophisticated coaching system that helps improve driving habits for better fuel efficiency. It uses color-changing displays within the HR-V’s instrument cluster, with speedometer illumination changing from white to green depending on real-time fuel efficiency. Engaging the car’s ECON button optimizes operation of the transmission, engine, and other powertrain components to also help conserve fuel.

The HR-V hits a home run with its many desired features combined with an approachable entry point of just $19,215. Depending on trim, standard or available electronics include Brake Assist and Hill Start Assist; electronic stability control; Multi-Angle Rearview Camera; Bluetooth, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and Honda LaneWatch. Either a 5 inch color LCD screen or 7-inch touchscreen display are offered. EX-L Navi trim adds satellite-linked navigation and SiriusXM radio, HD Radio, and Honda Digital Traffic that provides real-time traffic information.

Chevy’s 2015 Trax subcompact SUV offers a new choice for those who want the functionality of an urban-friendly crossover with higher fuel efficiency. With an overall length of 168.4 inches and a smaller physical footprint than many crossovers, it also features a tight 36.7-foot turning diameter that makes for great maneuverability in city traffic

The Trax is based on the subcompact Chevrolet Sonic hatchback but is actually quite a bit larger, allowing it to carry 48.4 cubic feet of cargo and up to five people. It’s built in Korea like the Sonic, and while new to the U.S. market the Trax is already available in over 60 global markets. Along with the Sonic, its platform, mechanics, and cabin layout are shared with the Buick Encore.

Power comes from a 1.4-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder Ecotec engine featuring dual overhead cams and variable valve timing. The engine, also made in Korea, produces 138 horsepower at 4900 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque at 1850 rpm. Around-town driving is spirited with good acceleration and snappy shifts courtesy of a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is a $1500 option.

Like many downsized crossover SUVs in recent years, the Trax aims at highway fuel efficiency in the 30-plus mpg range, a goal met with its EPA-estimated 34 mpg highway fuel economy and 26 mpg in the city.  The AWD version is rated at 31 highway and 24 city mpg. The fuel tank holds 14 gallons.

Though on the smallish side, the Trax offers an interior that’s quite versatile. The 60/40 folding rear seats and a fold-flat front passenger seat allow carrying items up to 8 foot long as needed. The Trax is quite narrow so accommodating three in the rear is a bit tight, although we found rear seat headroom and legroom to be just fine.

The Trax comes with full power equipment including electric power steering, air-conditioning, and a rearview camera. Front wheel drive variants get front disc and rear drum brakes with the AWD featuring four wheel discs. An LT Plus package adds a six-way power driver’s seat, leather-wrap steering wheel, and rear parking sensors. The uplevel LTZ comes with leather upholstery, 18 inch wheels, heated front seats, an auto-dimming mirror, and a Bose sound system. Other versions use cloth seat materials and 16 inch wheels.

Safety is a notable feature of the Trax, which received five stars from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for overall, frontal, and side crash protection and a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. There are 10 airbags including front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtains, and front knee airbags.

Buyers will appreciate this crossover’s approachable $20,995 base price and two year/24,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance. Also appealing is the model’s high level of electronics technology that comes as standard or optional equipment. This includes a 7-inch MyLink touchscreen, On-Star 4G LTE with built-in WiFi hotspot, Siri Eyes Free for iPhone, a USB port, an iPod interface, OnStar emergency telematics, and a BringGo navigation app.