2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, and while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it seamlessly integrated with the grille. The aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos wasn't designed for such adventures. 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. The LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided visual symmetry, while the handle framing the tray below the centre stack emphasized its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging from the rest of the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design included unique elements like a sculpted hood and a distinct shoulder line. Dark chrome finishes and a cross-hatched matrix pattern on the Sport grades highlighted its sporty intent. Genesis offered a wide range of colour combinations, with more than 100 options available, including exclusive matte paints for the Sport grades. The interior featured elliptical inserts inspired by airplane wings, with premium grades offering quilted leather seats and door panels. While some plastic elements were present, the overall quality of the interior surfaces was high.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and spirited acceleration. The Seltos offered three drive modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response and steering feel. Despite its upright layout, the Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the more powerful choice, producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. This engine aimed to compete with mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, with a rear-biased torque distribution. The Sport Plus grade included an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance. The GV70 offered multiple drive modes, including Sport+ for aggressive driving, and an electronically controlled suspension system that balanced comfort and handling. Its tight turning radius was advantageous in urban environments.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided impressive cargo space, with 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded. It offered ample storage compartments and cubbies throughout the cabin. Rear-seat space was generous, with plenty of headroom and legroom, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-focused design, with a tall centre console separating the driver from the front passenger. The infotainment controls were intuitive, and the climate controls featured haptic feedback. Standard features included heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, but storage options were limited. Cargo volume was 819 litres behind the second row, expanding to 1,610 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base trims, with a larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though only one USB port allowed data connection. The SX Turbo trim included a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capability. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system for keyless start. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top trims. The GV70 also featured Hyundai’s Blind View Monitor system and multiple USB ports for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered advanced driver-assistance features like 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 Genesis GV70 included ten standard safety features, such as blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. It also featured a rear occupant alert system and the Genesis Highway Driving Assist system. While safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available, the GV70's safety systems were highly regarded.