2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

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. 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, 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 Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior was characterized by a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, giving it a substantial presence. The Sequoia measured 1,956 mm in height, 2,030 mm in width, and 5,210 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,099 mm and 32 cm of ground clearance. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. However, the interior was well-built, with high-quality materials and a focus on durability, making it suitable for families. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the LX, EX, and EX Premium trims, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SX trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The Seltos provided a choice of driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 18.5 cm. Despite its lively urban performance, the Seltos struggled with suspension tuning, leading to a bouncy ride on uneven roads.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia had a payload capacity of up to 608 kg and a towing capacity of 3,221 kg. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride on highways and was capable off-road. Its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension contributed to its controlled ride, while the TRD Pro model featured enhanced suspension with Fox shocks.

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. The rear seat provided ample space for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents on upper trims. Cargo space measured 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down, with additional storage options available.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats on all trims. The cargo compartment included a 12-volt outlet, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system starting from the EX Premium grade, paired with a Bose premium sound system on the SX trim. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive but lacked a native voice recognition system, relying on smartphone assistants for better results.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. It offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trims included navigation and a JBL premium audio system. Despite its dated technology, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

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 Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS but featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. It also had the STAR safety system with stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Sequoia was equipped with a full complement of airbags and safety features to protect occupants.