2021 Toyota Venza vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Toyota Venza, when introduced, was often compared to a Lexus due to its sleek design. Its elongated profile and distinctive grille drew parallels to the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The Venza was available in three trims: LE, XLE, and Limited, with a choice of seven paint colours, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a suite of safety technologies. The XLE trim added black bumper garnishes and a larger infotainment screen, while the Limited trim boasted a digital rearview mirror and a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the Kia Soul and Sportage, offering four trims in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. The Nightfall Edition, tested in the U.S., was akin to the SX trim, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels and a turbocharged engine. The Seltos was praised for its spacious interior, though the abundance of hard plastic detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, and the infotainment system, despite its purple theme, was user-friendly. The Seltos was noted for its larger size and power compared to rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Its electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (e-CVT) allowed for smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during speed increases. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 5.9 L/100 km in the city and 6.4 L/100 km on the highway. Its handling was typical of a Toyota, providing a confident driving experience. The hybrid powertrain was backed by a 10-year/240,000-kilometre warranty.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos provided three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, though the suspension tuning was less than ideal, leading to a bouncy ride on uneven roads. The Seltos achieved a fuel consumption rating of 8.7 L/100 km combined.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was known for its practicality, offering a unique cabin design with premium appointments. The centre stack featured capacitive buttons for climate and infotainment controls, while the deep centre console housed various controls and storage options. The Venza provided ample headroom and comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. Cargo space was 816 litres, sufficient for daily use but less than some competitors.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in interior space, with easy entry and exit due to its ride height and large door openings. The front seats were comfortable, though the upper door panels were hard plastic. The rear seat offered generous legroom and footroom, with additional amenities on upper trims. Cargo space was 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded, providing ample storage for various needs.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured an 8-inch infotainment system on the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen on the XLE and Limited trims. The Entune system, while responsive, was not the most user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XLE and Limited trims included a nine-speaker JBL audio system. Toyota connected services, such as Safety Connect and Remote Connect, were also standard.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX Premium trim, paired with a Bose sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, and satellite radio, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a cable connection. The interface was intuitive, with physical controls for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available on higher trims. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Seltos included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. From the EX trim, features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist were added. The SX trim offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA.