2022 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its rugged and aggressive exterior styling, a testament to its decade-long presence in the market. Despite its age, the GX's design remained coherent, with the massive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights adding a distinctive touch. However, the interior did not quite match the luxury standards expected of a modern SUV. The wood trim felt more like molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic detracted from the overall luxury feel. Nevertheless, the standard semi-aniline leather provided a touch of elegance.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Seltos offered a more contemporary and stylish interior, with exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. Despite the presence of hard, shiny plastic, the build quality was commendable. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for commonly adjusted features, enhancing the user experience. However, the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was an unusual choice. Overall, the Seltos presented a more refined and modern look compared to the GX.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers and stopping a challenge. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It boasted a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and respectable ground clearance, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a more engaging driving experience. The Seltos featured Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with the latter balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. However, the suspension tuning was less than ideal, resulting in a bouncy ride on uneven roads. The Seltos excelled in urban environments, offering good visibility and easy parking, but fell short in off-road capabilities compared to the GX.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The upright dashboard and high centre console contributed to a bus-like driving feel. While the GX offered excellent outward visibility, the forward view was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console storage and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Cargo capacity was also limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access and comfortable seating. The front seats were adjustable, and heated seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with additional features like rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The Seltos offered decent storage space, with a smartphone shelf and generous cargo capacity of 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded. Overall, the Seltos provided a more practical and comfortable interior compared to the GX.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with a standard 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system but lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a more advanced infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. It featured Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The system was intuitive to use, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, and the purple theme colour was an odd choice. Overall, the Seltos provided a more modern and user-friendly tech experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including features like a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, making it a safer choice compared to the GX.