2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Most trims, except the Seltos S, included standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails, priced at $28,045 with the destination charge. The Seltos was a small SUV with a stylish interior, though it had some hard plastic elements that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the infotainment system's purple accent color was not universally liked. Despite minor criticisms, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many of its competitors, making it easy to forget it competed against the Toyota Corolla Cross rather than the Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, continuing its second generation into its 14th year, was a mature design with a timeless exterior. It featured a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines, giving it a substantial presence. Measuring 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase, the Sequoia had a ground clearance of 9.6 to 10 inches. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a dated design and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt out of place compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition, based on the Limited model, featured darkened chrome or black-painted exterior trim and split-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels, giving it a contemporary look. Despite its age, the Sequoia remained a reliable and durable choice for families.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbocharged 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 at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. Despite its lively feel in urban environments, the Seltos struggled with suspension tuning, exhibiting lateral rocking motions and poor bump isolation. The official EPA fuel economy rating for the Nightfall Edition was 27 mpg in combined driving.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential, and a two-speed transfer case with low range in 4WD models. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight of 5,730 to 6,000 pounds, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on the highway, with excellent anti-lock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. Its body-on-frame construction and ample ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, with a four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension providing a controlled ride. The Sequoia had a turning circle of 38.1 feet and excellent sightlines, making it a decent daily driver in suburban environments.

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 Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, allowing for a comfortable driving position. The front passenger seat was mounted high enough for proper leg support. The Nightfall Edition included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating in all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a standard one-touch tilt/slide power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The center console and glove compartment provided ample storage, with additional pockets on each door. Rear passengers had access to cup holders and power outlets. The cargo compartment included an auxiliary 12-volt outlet, with 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Power-folding or manual folding of the third row expanded cargo space to 66.6 cubic feet, while folding both the second and third rows provided 120.1 cubic feet of space.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with an optional Bose premium sound system on the SX. 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 standard 8-inch touchscreen in the LX and S trims offered wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical buttons and knobs for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, lacking a native conversational feature.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with WiFi connectivity and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with a premium audio and convenience package available. The Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, lacking modern powertrain features like turbocharging and electrification. However, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting, a rear backup camera, and front and rear parking sonar.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim, with top marks for crashworthiness and crash-avoidance tech. The NHTSA gave the Seltos an overall rating of four stars.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, along with Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology. The Sequoia also had a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, and trailer sway-control.