2022 Toyota Venza 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 complemented the grille well. The lower front bumper had an aggressive approach angle, hinting at off-road capabilities, even though it wasn't designed for such adventures. The two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers added a trendy and dynamic touch. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands. The interior boasted a clean LCD screen for climate controls and a sporty yet utilitarian feel, with various trim levels offering a range of features from basic to more luxurious options.

The 2022 Toyota Venza, reintroduced on the TGNA-K platform, showcased a modern exterior design with excellent proportions, fitting comfortably into the Lexus lineup. Its most striking feature was the deeply scalloped body side, emphasizing power, while the tailgate's LED lighting added a touch of elegance. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than rugged terrains. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like interior with high-quality materials and an elegant layout. The layered dash and well-placed touchscreen display enhanced the cabin's sophistication, providing comfort and support for both front and rear passengers.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims were equipped with a 2.0-liter 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 S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway maneuvers. The Seltos offered various drive modes, including Sport, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel, making it surprisingly agile for a small crossover.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency and performance. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to tailor the driving experience. The Venza's handling was agile, sharing a wheelbase with the Camry, but its taller body discouraged aggressive cornering. It excelled as a midsize family vehicle, delivering a smooth and efficient ride.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It featured numerous storage compartments and provided ample rear-seat space, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five comfortably, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 45.2 inches of hip room, accommodating three adults. The cabin felt roomy, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic glass roof. The Venza provided numerous convenience features, including power-adjustable seats, an electric parking brake, and ample storage options. Its lithium-ion battery pack had minimal impact on cargo capacity, offering 28.8 cubic feet behind the second row and 55.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, adding sound-blocking materials for a serene driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base S trim, while the SX Turbo offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though some quirks with USB connectivity were noted. Overall, Kia's infotainment was intuitive, with helpful hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Venza's hybrid system required no special attention, offering a seamless driving experience without charging concerns. The Venza featured an eight-inch touchscreen on LE and XLE models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Limited trim. The infotainment system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The Limited trim added a JBL audio system and advanced technology options like a head-up display and digital rearview mirror. Toyota Connected Services provided various connectivity features, enhancing the Venza's tech offerings.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims included driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection.

The 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. It featured eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety credentials.