2021 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel, with an upright design that provided a commanding view of the road. Its headlight design, though busy, seamlessly integrated with the grille, and the aggressive lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even if it wasn't designed for such adventures. The red accents around the wheel centres added a sporty touch, complementing its on-road dynamics. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and tech influences reminiscent of upscale brands. The intuitive layout included a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a touchscreen atop the dash, enhancing its utilitarian yet sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, had evolved significantly since its inception. Its exterior styling, while fitting in with current crossover designs, featured angular wheel arches and crisp lines that contrasted with the body-side bends. The expressive headlights and grille gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a simple centre stack. The touchscreen interface was well-positioned for minimal distraction, and the interior design included unique geometric patterns that tied the cabin together, enhancing its overall quality feel.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, EX, and EX Premium trims came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, it lacked power at higher speeds. The SX Turbo trim featured a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for highway driving and spirited acceleration, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, offering a driving experience akin to a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It delivered smooth power and good fuel economy, with AWD available on most trims. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor for 217 horsepower, offering excellent fuel efficiency. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering and handling.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided impressive cargo space, with 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. It featured numerous storage compartments and ample rear-seat space, offering plenty of head- and legroom for passengers.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while still classified as a small SUV, offered even more cargo space, with 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models offering varying towing limits. Inside, the RAV4 was roomy and comfortable, with ample space for front passengers and numerous storage options throughout the cabin.

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 it had some quirks with USB connectivity. The SX Turbo trim included a Bose premium sound system, and the infotainment system was generally intuitive and easy to use.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on base trims, with a 9-inch screen and JBL audio system available on higher trims. It included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM, with additional tech features like a digital rear-view mirror and head-up display on top trims. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology with multiple USB ports, power outlets, and ambient lighting.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Higher trims offered a full suite of 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 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota's Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0 suite, with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.