2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 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, with a headlight design that seamlessly integrated into the grille. While not intended for off-roading, its aggressive front bumper hinted at adventurous capabilities. The interior boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of upscale brands. The Seltos came in various trims, each offering a range of features from basic to more luxurious, including options like a larger infotainment screen and upgraded audio systems.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid drew styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma, giving it a rugged appearance. However, its design felt somewhat disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash featured a metallic styling element that added visual interest and storage options. The Bronze Edition introduced unique elements like bronze wheels and door sills, though the fabric choices were questionable in terms of durability. The Highlander's interior was less conventional but offered practical storage and seating options, with the third row being less accommodating for adults.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, it lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim, however, came with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 175 horsepower, providing a more spirited drive. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine combined with a hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It featured a CVT and standard AWD, with an electric motor assisting the rear axle. Acceleration was smooth, though the engine's drone during heavy acceleration was noticeable. The Highlander offered a comfortable ride, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. While not sporty, it provided a quiet cabin experience, making it suitable for family travel.

The Kia Seltos impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and expanding to 1,778 litres with seats folded. It provided ample storage compartments and generous rear-seat space, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments. Storage was plentiful, with various trays and bins for personal items. The second row was spacious, accommodating taller passengers comfortably, while the third row was more suitable for children. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats folded, offering competitive storage for a three-row SUV.

The Kia Seltos came with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display. The infotainment system was intuitive, though some quirks with USB connectivity were noted. The SX Turbo trim included a Bose premium sound system, enhancing the audio experience.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical buttons aiding operation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering additional features like a wireless charging pad and premium audio system.

The Kia Seltos included standard airbags, stability control, and child-seat anchors. Most trims offered advanced safety features like collision avoidance and lane-keep assist. It received a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and a four-star rating from NHTSA.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Some systems required fine-tuning, but overall, it provided comprehensive safety coverage.