2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota Venza

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 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 shiny hard plastic that detracted from its overall appeal. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The 2022 Toyota Venza re-emerged on the Toyota New Global Architecture K (TGNA-K) platform, sharing its foundation with several other Toyota and Lexus models. Measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,854 mm in width, and 1,674 mm in height, the Venza had a modern exterior design with a deeply scalloped body side and a prominent nose. Inside, the Venza offered a Lexus-like elegance with high-quality materials and a well-placed touchscreen display. The front seats were supportive, and the rear seats comfortably accommodated three adults. The Venza's design was more suited for urban environments than off-road adventures.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque in 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 had 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 18.5 cm. Despite its lively urban performance, the Seltos struggled with suspension tuning, resulting in a bouncy ride on uneven roads.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas drive for efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing AWD. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes. The Venza's regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery, and the Predicted Efficient Drive (PED) program optimized battery charging based on driving habits. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort rather than aggressive cornering.

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 manually adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on all but 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 measured 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the seat folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Venza seated five in two rows, with good headroom and legroom in both rows. The second row offered 114.8 cm of hip room, and the cabin felt spacious, especially with the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. The Venza featured numerous convenience features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and ample storage options. Cargo capacity was 816 litres behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. The Venza's cabin was designed for quiet travel, with sound-blocking materials throughout.

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, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the voice recognition system was less effective without a connected services subscription.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention, with a range of over 800 kilometres on a full tank. The Venza's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/HD Radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XLE and Limited trims added a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided additional safety and convenience features.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came with numerous safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos SX 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 Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, with features like stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The Venza also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.