2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including the LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Seltos LX. The price range was between $23,595 and $33,195, excluding a mandatory $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model, the 2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the infotainment system's purple accent colour was not universally liked.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX had a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and significant ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colours. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's interior had a surprising amount of plastic, reflecting its low sales volume and the need for cost-effective manufacturing. However, it still offered luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery. The GX's design was sleeker compared to other blocky Toyota models, and its dimensions made it suitable for off-road adventures. The hood's design improved visibility, making technical driving easier.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Seltos had driving modes like Normal, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres. Despite its lively urban performance, the Seltos struggled with suspension tuning, leading to a bouncy ride on uneven roads.

The 2023 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying driving experience. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with estimates of 16.2 litres per 100 kilometres in the city. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities, making it user-friendly in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, though the seatback angle was slightly reclined. The Seltos offered decent storage space, including a smartphone shelf and cargo space of 752 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. The GX featured hard buttons for controls, avoiding the trend of haptic-touch interfaces. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders. However, the third row was tight and best suited for emergencies. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting at the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via cable. The system was intuitive but lacked a native voice recognition system, relying on connected services for better results.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over the previous model. It included SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX also had a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and a CD player. While the tech was functional, it lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a 4WD system, downhill assist, and other driving-focused technologies.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it featured the Lexus Safety System+ with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and other safety features. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date.