2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Kia Seltos

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 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 universally liked. Inside, it boasted 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 a popular choice.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault or Citroen. It featured exciting and exotic styling, with standout elements like boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. In Canada, the Sportage was available in five trim levels, starting with the LX, which offered front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional AWD. Higher trims came with standard AWD. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which, while durable, lacked the feel of genuine leather. The Sportage provided excellent visibility from the driver's seat, with a large front windshield and low beltline. The dashboard featured an impressive display, but the cabin had its share of hard-wearing plastic and piano-black finishes. The dual-zone automatic climate control was standard from the EX trim.

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 engine, delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo 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 even power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 18.5 centimetres. While the Seltos excelled in urban environments, its suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation.

The 2023 Kia Sportage introduced a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While more powerful than the previous model, it lacked the turbocharged engine option of the past, which had delivered 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Sportage offered FWD on the LX trim, with AWD optional on LX and standard on higher trims. The X-Line trim added rugged visual cues but no additional off-road features. The Sportage's AWD system provided adequate power distribution during off-road tests, and it offered 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models, making it capable for typical off-pavement adventures.

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 the tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel allowed for a comfortable driving position. 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 measured 752 litres behind the rear seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down, with handy features like plastic grocery bag hooks.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a larger vehicle, offered impressive interior space. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,050 mm, with 966 mm of rear headroom. The trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,098 litres with the seat folded down. The front seats featured typical storage options, including a cubby ahead of the shifter and a spacious centre console bin. A panoramic sunroof was available. However, the Sportage's technology, such as touch-sensitive HVAC controls, could be frustrating to use, with dual-functionality buttons that complicated basic functions.

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. It included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a wired connection. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access, but lacked a native conversational voice recognition system.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on EX-and-up trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. While impressive, the system required wired connections for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, despite offering a wireless charger. The icons on the screen were similar in appearance, making it challenging to find the right button while driving. Bluetooth, keyless entry, and wireless charging were standard on higher trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. The SX trim offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability 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 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and lane-following assist. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim included advanced features like a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.