2021 Ford Escape vs. 2021 Kia Seltos
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Escape and 2021 Kia Seltos contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Escape and the 2021 Kia Seltos.
When comparing the 2021 Ford Escape's and the 2021 Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Escape has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2021 Kia Seltos has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Escape's and the 2021 Kia Seltos's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Kia Seltos is a better car than the 2021 Ford Escape.
Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Escape ranges from $17,990 to $27,127 while a used 2021 Kia Seltos is priced between $17,714 to $24,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Escape loses 46.4 percent of its value and the 2021 Kia Seltos loses 37.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Kia Seltos retains 9.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Ford Escape.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Escape’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the 2021 Kia Seltos base engine makes 146 horsepower. The Escape is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 500 miles. The Seltos is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 449 miles.This gives the 2021 Kia Seltos the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Ford Escape the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Ford Escape and 2021 Kia Seltos are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Ford Escape has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Kia Seltos, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,555
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$22,058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$18,750 - $29,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$22,150
Price Range:
$17,990 - $27,127
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,463
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39,197
# Good or Great Deals:
411
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,269
Price Range:
$17,714 - $24,995
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$21,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,501 - $28,440
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
582
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
48,015
# Good or Great Deals:
295
Ford Escape Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Seltos Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Escape
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
14.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Seltos
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.3 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
12.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.5 - 10
Ford Escape Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
19 out of / 59Ranking
19 out of / 19Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Kia Seltos Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 16Ranking
9 out of / 59Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Ford Escape Trim Levels
S, SE, SEL, Titanium
2021 Kia Seltos Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, S Turbo, SX Turbo
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
190 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 34 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
412 / 500 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
383 / 449 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
N/A
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Cargo Space:
37.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.7 inches
Cargo Space:
26.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3302 lbs
Width:
85.6 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
180.5 inches
Wheelbase:
106.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2948 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
64.2 inches
Length:
172 inches
Wheelbase:
103.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Antimatter Blue / Velocity Blue
Gold
Desert Gold
Gray
Carbonized Grey
Red
Bronze Fire
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Orange
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Cherry Black
Blue
Dark Ocean/Clear White Roof / Neptune Blue
Gold
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Clear White/Black Roof / Snow White Pearl
Orange
Mars Orange
Yellow
Starbright Yellow/Black Roof
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Earth Gray
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Black w/Blue Stitching
