2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of trim levels in Canada, including LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. Most trims came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Seltos LX, and prices ranged 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 a stylish design with exposed stitching and metallic accents, but the abundance of shiny hard plastic detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, with intuitive knobs and buttons, although the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The 2022 Subaru Forester offered a range of trim levels, including base, Convenience, Touring, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Premier, with prices starting at $29,495 and reaching $40,595. The Forester Wilderness model, tested with white paint and a dark grey interior, featured water-repellant StarTex simulated leather and a base price of $38,995, including destination. The Forester's exterior design was not its strong suit, with the Wilderness trim adding a suspension lift, higher ride height, and extensive protective cladding. Inside, the Forester prioritized function over form, with a combination of hard plastic and soft surfaces that emphasized quality construction. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, though the presence of three display screens was less than ideal. Overall, the Forester was well-made, with improved front styling in most trims, though the Wilderness's cladding and details were not universally appealing.

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 four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered 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 had a ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres. While the Seltos was lively in urban environments, its suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. The steering was secure but not engaging, and the vehicle experienced wind noise on the highway.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters featured a CVT and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply. The Forester Wilderness had a towing capacity of 1,360 kilograms, double that of other trims. The SUV averaged 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Forester's engine was adequate near sea level but felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT featured eight programmed ratios, and the Wilderness model included SI-Drive for a more lively response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system was standard, offering improved off-road capabilities. The Forester's suspension was re-tuned for better ride and handling, with the Wilderness model featuring longer springs and shocks for increased ground clearance. The Forester excelled in various environments, with its long-travel suspension absorbing bumps and maintaining road feel. It performed well off-road, though engine power and wind noise were noted drawbacks.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior that was easy to live with daily. Its ride height and large door openings facilitated easy entry and exit, and the adjustable driver's seat and steering wheel allowed for a comfortable driving position. Heated front seats were standard on most trims, though the hard plastic door panel trim was unkind to elbows. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. Upper trims included rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a centre armrest with cupholders. The Seltos provided decent storage space, with a smartphone shelf and cargo space measuring 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness trim included all-weather floor mats and washable materials. The Forester's roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 100 kilograms and a static load of 362 kilograms, suitable for a three-person roof tent. Comfort levels were high, with excellent visibility and rear air conditioning vents. Storage space was decent, with various compartments and cupholders. Cargo space measured 818 litres without the panoramic sunroof and 762 litres with it, with a squared-off cargo area and new cargo hooks. Folding the rear seat increased capacity to 2,101 litres, making the Forester one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

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 in the SX trim. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a cable connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and a native conversational system was absent.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Starlink connected services. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward-view camera. The test vehicle had navigation and the Harman Kardon audio system, though a breadcrumb function was desired. The voice recognition system was inconsistent in effectiveness.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Seltos also featured a Rear Occupant Alert system and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability 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 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. It included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centring assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. Limited and Premier trims included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology. The Forester received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star rating for rollover resistance. The IIHS had not rated the 2022 model, but it was expected to retain the 2021 model's Top Safety Pick+ rating.