2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

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 Seltos LX included 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 2022 Kia Seltos 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 style 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 infotainment system's purple accent colour was not universally liked.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue, redesigned in 2021, continued to impress with its mature styling and shared design features with other Nissan models, like the Pathfinder. It sported a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, and a floating roof design. The interior featured a sophisticated layered dash and a centre console with an electronic gear selector, offering ample storage space. The Rogue's Zero Gravity front seats were comfortable, and the second row provided good legroom. Fit and finish were exemplary, especially in the top Platinum model, with high-quality materials throughout.

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 CVT. The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Seltos provided three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres. While the Seltos was lively in urban settings, its suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and road noise on highways.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue benefited from a new 1.5-litre VC-Turbo engine, producing 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The engine's variable compression technology allowed for efficient power delivery. The Rogue's CVT had wider gear ratios, enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. The chassis and suspension provided a smooth ride with minimal body roll, and the electric power-assisted steering offered good feel. The Rogue's fuel consumption was impressive, with estimates of 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres city/6.5 highway/7.2 combined.

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 and steering wheel were adjustable for comfort, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. Cargo space was ample, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue featured numerous storage options, including bottle holders, cupholders, and various cubbies. The rear seat offered a 60/40 split reclining bench, and the cargo area provided 1,033 litres of space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the second row folded. The Rogue's interior was designed for practicality and convenience, with multiple charging ports and a wireless charging pad.

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. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity, though a cable was required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive but lacked a native voice recognition system, relying on connected services for better results.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue's technology upgrade included a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch centre infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay on upper trims. ProPilot Assist, available with Navi-Link, integrated navigation for predictive speed control, enhancing the driving experience.

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 offered 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 Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning. ProPilot Assist provided advanced driver-assist capabilities. The Rogue received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.