2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson rode on a new platform, exclusively available in the U.S. as the long-wheelbase version, which provided just two rows of seating and an expanded cargo area. At the front, the Tucson showcased the new face of Hyundai vehicles, featuring a parametric grille that concealed standard LED daytime running lights, Bi-LED headlights, and LED front turn signals. Once illuminated, the lights formed an Aztec Spirit Bird-like shape.

The side profile shared design elements with the Hyundai Elantra, notably a silver D-pillar that created a floating roof effect. The rear sported distinct, LED-illuminated toothy taillights, except for the base model, which further distinguished the Tucson from other compact SUVs.

The Tucson offered 17- or 19-inch wheels, varying by trim. SE, SEL, and Blue trims with internal combustion engines (ICE) had 17-inch alloys, while the SEL with the Convenience Package featured 19-inch alloys. The N-Line trim boasted a unique, darkened wheel design. Premium trims included upgraded fascias, skid plates, gloss black pillars, and a panoramic sunroof. Common standards were roof rails (excluding SE trim), body-color mirrors, solar glass, and acoustic laminated glass. Features improved with trims beyond the base model, offering heated mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, optional sunroof, and more.

The Tucson's cabin was attractively appointed with stain- and odor-resistant cloth seats, and higher trims offered sport and leather options. It featured a clean dashboard design with horizontal vent lines which provided a sense of spaciousness.

Kia positioned the 2022 Seltos between the Soul and the Sportage. Available in five trims (LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX), most trims featured standard AWD, with a starting price range of $22,590 to $28,080 (excluding destination charges).

Our test model, the 2022 Kia Seltos Nightfall Edition, included 18-inch matte-black alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), enhanced body cladding, and robust roof rails. Although the headlights, peeking from under horizontal running lights, weren’t the most appealing aspect, the intricate wheels, albeit matte finish, added a unique touch.

The Seltos’ interior featured contrasting color dashboard panels, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents, though the abundance of hard, shiny plastic somewhat degraded its appeal. The build quality, however, was commendable. Kia designed the controls in a logical manner, accompanying buttons and knobs that were easy to use, though the infotainment's purple accent color wasn’t a universally appreciated choice.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson came with two powertrain options: a 2.5-liter direct-injected four-cylinder (ICE) and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid. The ICE engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission delivered 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. While this engine was capable, it wasn’t particularly thrilling. Improved efficiency saw the ICE engine achieving an estimated 28 mpg combined.

The hybrid powertrain, offering 226 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, was more engaging, especially noticeable during tests that involved significant elevation changes. Comparatively, it was more powerful than rivals’ hybrids from Ford, Honda, and Toyota.

The Tucson offered AWD standard on the hybrid and as an option on ICE models. During off-road testing, the AWD system performed admirably, similar to Subaru’s reliable system. Fuel efficiency ranged from 26 mpg to 38 mpg combined, depending on the powertrain and drivetrain configuration.

The upcoming Tucson PHEV would feature a similar hybrid engine with additional battery support, promising 261 hp and an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range, making it the most powerful in the lineup.

The Seltos LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, managed by a CVT. AWD was standard on the LX and EX, while the S trim offered both FWD and AWD options.

The Nightfall Edition and SX trims benefited from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, yielding a more energetic 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a seven-speed DCT, it made the Seltos more engaging to drive, despite some hesitations common to DCTs. Three driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart—allowed drivers to adjust the performance according to their needs, although Smart mode exhibited some unpredictability in responsiveness.

With 27 mpg in combined driving, the AWD system included a lock function for power distribution at low speeds. Despite a sophisticated rear suspension and good cornering on smooth roads, the Seltos' suspension struggled with bumps and undulating roads, affecting ride comfort and confidence in handling.

The Tucson’s interior matched up well against heavyweights such as the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue, and Ford Escape. Standard features included a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, with higher trims offering an eight-way version, lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, and memory functions.

Cabin space was generous; the Tucson offered more legroom in the rear seats compared to the RAV4 and more passenger volume than the CR-V, RAV4, and Escape. Its cargo capacity stood at 74.8 cubic feet, comparable to the Forester, RAV4, and CR-V, but larger than the Escape. Additionally, the dual-level cargo floor and remote seat release added convenience, with a hands-free liftgate available on mid-grade models.

Kia Seltos focused on practicality with spacious and flexible interiors. Easy entry and exit were facilitated by its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition offered a six-way manual driver's seat and a comfortable driving position, though the front passenger seat lacked height adjustability.

The Nightfall Edition trim included cloth upholstery with simulated leather bolsters, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The rear seat was spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, though the seatback angle was somewhat reclined. Rear accommodations included air vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders.

Cargo capacity measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and expanded to 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, combined with practical storage options like plastic grocery sack hooks.

The Tucson came equipped with robust tech features. Standard was an 8-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, and two USB ports. Higher trims introduced a 10.25-inch touchscreen (requiring wired smartphone connectivity), dual-zone automatic climate control, and additional rear USB outlets.

Though the larger touchscreen was visually embedded within a comprehensive control unit, the lack of distinct physical touchpoints posed minor usability issues. Steering wheel controls and voice commands became essential for distraction-free operation. A digital instrument cluster was available on higher trims.

For 2022, Kia extended the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment to the S trim, making it standard on EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims. The system featured Bluetooth connectivity for two devices simultaneously, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a USB connection.

Despite its intuitive interface, the system’s lack of a native conversational voice recognition system and the odd choice of a purple theme color were minor drawbacks. Physical controls like volume and tuning knobs, as well as buttons for primary functions, enhanced usability.

While untested by IIHS and NHTSA, the Hyundai Tucson came with an impressive array of standard safety features as part of the Hyundai SmartSense suite. These included forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, a driver attention monitor, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and more.

Available features on higher trims included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and remote parking assist. Hyundai’s comprehensive safety technology rivaled that in luxury SUVs. Additionally, Hyundai offered a substantial warranty package, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The Kia Seltos came fortified with numerous driver assistance systems, including forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high beams. The Rear Occupant Alert reminded drivers to check the back seats before exiting the vehicle.

Upgrading to the EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim brought features like adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. Connected services included emergency notifications and various parental control features.

The Seltos earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick for the SX trim, and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.