2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding driving experience. Its design featured an upright layout with a clear view of the road, and the headlight design, though busy, seamlessly integrated with the grille. While not intended for off-roading, the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at a rugged capability. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. The interior boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands, providing a utilitarian yet sporty feel. The Seltos was available in various trims, each offering a range of features from basic to more luxurious, with the SX Turbo standing out for its powerful engine and additional driver assistance features.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design that closely resembled its predecessors, with the signature spindle grille and LED headlights being the most modern elements. Inside, the cabin exuded the quality and refinement expected from Lexus, with a focus on comfort and quietness. The GX was available in several trims, with the Black Line Special Edition offering unique styling elements. Despite its dated design, the GX's interior was crafted with care, featuring physical controls and comfortable seating. However, the layout of some controls was less intuitive, leading to occasional confusion. The GX's design prioritized off-road capability and a commanding driving position, though it came with some compromises in terms of interior space and ease of use.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims were equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. This setup was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a more robust 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway driving, with the Drive Mode dial allowing for adjustments in throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Lexus GX, with its substantial curb weight of 2,325 kilograms, was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, provided a satisfying engine note and a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms. The GX's performance was characterized by its torque, which made acceleration feel more exciting despite a 7.8-second run to 60 mph. The GX's fuel consumption was high, with an estimated 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved stability and handling, making the GX more agreeable to drive, though the steering and brake pedal required some adjustment.

The 2021 Kia Seltos excelled in interior space, offering 752 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,778 litres with the seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available. The interior featured numerous storage compartments and ample rear-seat space, providing comfort for passengers. The Seltos's design prioritized practicality and usability, making it a strong contender in its segment.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seating and well-padded interior surfaces. However, the interior layout included some outdated switchgear, and the placement of controls led to occasional confusion. The GX's third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, impacting cargo space when in use. The side-opening tailgate further complicated loading, especially in tight spaces. Despite these challenges, the GX offered a respectable 1,322 litres of cargo space with the third-row seat stowed, though it fell short compared to some competitors.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen and higher trims boasting a 10.25-inch display. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the lack of wireless connectivity led to some inconveniences. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons providing easy navigation.

The 2022 Lexus GX introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing its technological appeal. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a CD player, along with a Lexus app and connected services. However, the placement of stereo controls below off-roading controls was less intuitive. The GX's voice recognition technology was praised for its accuracy, and the dual-screen view added convenience. The inclusion of Intuitive Parking Assist and optional camera upgrades further enhanced the GX's technology offerings.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered advanced driver-assistance features such as collision avoidance assist, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and other safety features. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors. The absence of crash-test ratings and the proximity of the third-row seat to the tailgate were noted concerns. The GX's safety features were complemented by Safety Connect services, providing additional peace of mind.