2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering four trim levels in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. All trims except the LX came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $23,595 to $33,195, excluding the $1,850 destination charge. The U.S. model tested, the Nightfall Edition, was similar to the top SX grade, featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, and a dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos was a visually appealing small SUV, though the headlights were not particularly favoured. Inside, it showcased a stylish design with exposed stitching and metallic accents, but the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from the interior's overall quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for easy access, although the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding the $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, focused on in this review, featured a turbocharged engine and was not electrified, unlike the hybrid NX 350h and plug-in hybrid NX 450h+. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, with a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. It was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on comfort, especially in models with heated and ventilated seats. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with sport-bolstered seats and unique interior features. However, the decluttered dashboard, with many functions integrated into the touchscreen, could be challenging to navigate quickly.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Seltos provided a choice of Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable in light off-roading conditions. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. Despite some handling issues, the Seltos was lively in urban environments and easy to park, though highway driving revealed some wind noise and vibrations.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer driving experience. Lexus claimed a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, and observed fuel consumption was higher in the F Sport model. The NX's handling was a significant improvement over the previous model, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. The NX was not designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The driver's seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom and footroom, with additional features like rear air conditioning vents and a USB charging port on upper trims. Cargo space was generous, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room than its predecessor, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat. Comfort was a priority, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better seat bolstering, and rear-seat passengers had access to air conditioning vents and USB chargers. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and ambient lighting was available on certain trims. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting at the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity, though a cable was required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access, but lacked a native voice recognition system.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice recognition technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The NX offered cloud-based services, over-the-air updates, and a digital key feature. However, the larger touchscreen collected fingerprints and reflections, and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New technologies included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, such as rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.