2022 Lincoln Navigator 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 while the headlight design was somewhat intricate, it harmonized well with the grille. The aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even though the Seltos wasn't built for such adventures. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos boasted a clean and intuitive design, with tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands. The seamless integration of the LCD screen for climate controls and the touchscreen atop the dash provided a sense of symmetry, while the handle framing the centre stack underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Lincoln Navigator underwent subtle styling changes, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs. The front end received a restyle, though it drew mixed reviews due to its Audi-esque grille. However, the rest of the updates were well-received, enhancing the SUV's overall appeal. Inside, the Navigator dazzled with quality materials and a mid-century modern design, featuring the new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme. The Sync 4 infotainment system, with its larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, offered improved functionality and user-friendliness. The Navigator's interior was further enhanced by the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now equipped with Amazon Fire TV, providing passengers with access to popular streaming services.

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). While adequate for city driving, this engine struggled at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim, however, featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for both city and highway driving, with the Drive Mode dial offering Normal, Sport, and Smart modes to enhance the driving experience. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, the Navigator offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 3,674 to 3,765 kilograms. The adaptive-damping suspension, updated with Road Preview technology, ensured a smooth ride by preparing for road imperfections in advance. The Navigator's electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response, addressing previous concerns. Despite its size and weight, the Navigator handled various road conditions with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and ample ground clearance. Fuel consumption was reasonable, averaging 12.6 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Kia Seltos impressed with its spacious interior, 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 Seltos also provided ample storage compartments and impressive rear-seat space, with generous head- and legroom for passengers.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to excel in comfort and space. Its front seats were heated, ventilated, and offered 30-way power adjustments, ensuring exceptional comfort. The second-row captain's chairs, now with massaging, heating, and ventilation, provided a luxurious experience. The third-row seats remained roomy and supportive, thanks to the independent rear suspension design. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,925 litres with the second-row seats folded. The long-wheelbase Navigator L offered even more space, making it ideal for larger families or those needing extra cargo capacity.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured a range of infotainment options, with the base LX and EX trims offering an 8-inch touchscreen, while the EX Premium and SX Turbo trims included a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB, were noted. Despite these minor issues, the infotainment system was generally intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator's new Sync 4 infotainment system, with its 13.2-inch touchscreen, offered a significant improvement over its predecessor. The system was easy to use, with physical controls for volume and climate functions, and supported Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, now with Amazon Fire TV, provided access to popular streaming services. The optional 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system delivered an exceptional listening experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. In Canada, the base LX trim included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims offered additional driver-assistance features such as collision avoidance assist 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 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard, enhancing safety. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though drivers were required to remain attentive. While the system performed well, it highlighted the need for continued driver vigilance. These advancements represented steps toward fully autonomous driving, but the importance of responsible driving remained paramount.