2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Kia Soul and the larger Kia Sportage, offering a range of four trim levels in Canada: LX, EX, EX Premium, and SX. All trims except the Seltos 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 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 small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had an abundance of hard plastic that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the infotainment system's purple accent colour was not universally liked.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design, with flared fender arches and a distinctive third-row window. Inside, it offered ample cabin space and clever storage solutions. The XSE test car stood out with its bold red leather interior, navy blue exterior, and sport-tuned suspension. The Highlander was available in several trims in Canada, including LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a range of features from standard AWD to advanced infotainment systems. The XSE trim added unique styling elements and 20-inch alloy wheels, while the Limited and Platinum trims offered premium features like a panoramic moonroof and a JBL audio system.

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 Seltos provided a choice of driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable of light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less than ideal, leading to a bouncy ride on uneven roads. Despite some drawbacks, the Seltos was a lively and easy-to-park vehicle with good visibility.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Highlander offered Sport, Normal, and Eco driving modes, as well as Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes for the AWD system. The V6 engine provided strong performance, particularly at highway speeds, with a throaty exhaust note. The Highlander's handling was commendable, with a sport-tuned suspension in the XSE trim that reduced body roll while maintaining comfort over bumps. The Highlander could tow up to 2,268 kilograms and had a max payload of 775 kilograms, making it a versatile choice for various driving scenarios.

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 all trims except the base LX FWD. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents on upper trims. Cargo space was impressive, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down. The Seltos also featured practical storage solutions, including a smartphone shelf and grocery bag hooks.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered up to 2,387 litres of cargo space with the second- and third-row seats folded. With the second-row seats in use, there was 1,370 litres of cargo space, and 453 litres with all seats deployed. The Highlander featured quick-release latches for easy seat adjustments and a power liftgate on trims above the base LE. The front cabin had ample storage, including deep cargo pockets and a large centre console compartment. The XSE trim featured second-row captain's chairs, providing a centre aisle to the rear seats, which was beneficial for families. While the second row was spacious for adults, the third row was best suited for short trips.

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 connectivity for two devices, navigation, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a wired connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system featured a straightforward layout with hard buttons for easy operation. The XSE trim included a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports. A larger 12.3-inch touchscreen was available, along with a digital instrument panel and an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system.

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 Toyota Highlander featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and dynamic radar cruise control. All trims had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.