2023 Jeep Wrangler 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, 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 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 quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for easy access, although the purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler exuded a rugged, no-nonsense design with its boxy shape and iconic features like the seven-slot grille and round headlights. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Wrangler allowed for a customizable open-air experience with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a unique flair to the SUV. Inside, the Wrangler prioritized practicality with easy-to-clean materials and a straightforward layout. While it lacked luxury features like ambient lighting or massaging seats, it offered a body-coloured dash and chunky controls. The Wrangler's design was simple yet functional, catering to those seeking a robust off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. The SX trim featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Seltos provided a choice of driving modes, including Normal, Sport, and Smart, with the latter balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. However, the suspension tuning was less than ideal, resulting in a bouncy ride and limited off-road capability. Despite these drawbacks, the Seltos excelled in urban environments, offering good visibility and easy parking.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler, known for its off-road prowess, offered a variety of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 featured a powerful 6.4-litre V8 engine with 470 horsepower and torque, providing exhilarating performance. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were enhanced by solid axles, optional differential lockers, and various transfer case options. However, the 392 model's brakes and steering were less refined, requiring caution during on-road driving. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities were unmatched, making it a top choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a spacious interior with easy access and comfortable seating. The driver's seat was adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with additional features like rear air conditioning vents and a centre armrest. The Seltos offered generous cargo space, with 752 litres behind the rear seats and 1,778 litres with the seats folded down. However, the use of hard plastic in certain areas detracted from the overall comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler provided comfortable front seats, with heated options available on higher trims. The rear seat was a tight fit, especially in the two-door models, and accessing the rear was challenging due to small doors. Storage space for small items was limited, but the Wrangler offered a variety of top options for open-air driving. The cargo space was slightly smaller than some competitors, but the Wrangler's versatility and removable tops made it a practical choice for outdoor adventures. The Wrangler also provided ample charging points, catering to modern connectivity needs.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a Bose premium sound system. It offered Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was less effective, and a native conversational system was lacking.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen running the Uconnect system, with an optional 8.4-inch screen. The system appeared complex initially but was user-friendly once familiar. It included off-road pages with detailed information, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Wrangler focused on practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches, without unnecessary frills.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim offered additional features like 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 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered basic safety features, with advanced options available on higher trims or as part of packages. Standard features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. The Wrangler's safety ratings were mixed, with some trims receiving poor headlight ratings. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash tests and three stars for rollover ratings.