2021 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel with its upright design and commanding road view. 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 interior boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of upscale brands like Audi. The Seltos came in various trims, each offering a range of features from basic necessities in the LX to luxurious additions in the SX Turbo, such as a powerful engine and advanced driver assistance features.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a mature design from its 2008 makeover, maintained a classic exterior with modest grille and elegant wheel arches. Its large dimensions and high ground clearance made it imposing, while the interior, though dated, was built with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Sequoia's Nightshade Special Edition, based on the Limited model, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the SUV relevant. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on durability and family-friendly features.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 175 horsepower. The latter, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided ample power for highway speeds and spirited driving, especially in Sport Mode. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it feel more like a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a single powertrain: a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a substantial payload and towing capacity, though its weight contributed to high fuel consumption. Despite its heft, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with competent off-road capabilities enhanced by its robust construction and suspension.

The Kia Seltos excelled in cargo space, offering 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with them folded, surpassing many subcompact and compact SUVs. It provided ample storage compartments and impressive rear-seat space, making it a practical choice for families.

The Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, with spacious seating across all three rows and features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof. Its cargo area offered 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both rear rows down, making it ideal for large families and extended trips.

The Kia Seltos featured an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, some quirks, like USB port functionality, could be frustrating. Overall, the system was user-friendly, with helpful hard buttons for easy navigation.

The Toyota Sequoia's technology felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lagged behind competitors. The Sequoia did offer a JBL premium audio system on higher trims and updated LED lighting, but its lack of modern powertrain technology left it feeling like a relic.

The Kia Seltos came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including airbags, electronic stability control, and driver-assistance technologies like collision avoidance and lane-keep assist. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from major safety organizations but offered a robust set of safety features, including Toyota Safety Sense P and the STAR safety system. These included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and a full complement of airbags, ensuring a safe driving experience.