2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport 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 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 purple accent colour for the infotainment system was not to everyone's taste.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was described using terms like "modernist" and "reductive," emphasizing a clean and simple design. The test vehicle featured Eiger Grey paint, silver 23-inch wheels, and a Black Exterior Pack, exuding understated luxury. Inside, it boasted a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim. The Range Rover Sport was available in Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One specifications. The Dynamic SE test vehicle included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and other features, pushing the MSRP beyond $120,000. The design highlights included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

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 Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable of light off-roading. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. The Seltos was lively in urban environments, but highway driving revealed significant road noise and wind-related issues.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography trim, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The Range Rover Sport featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, with a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms. The SUV's architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and the adaptive damping air suspension adjusted up to 500 times per second. Despite its capabilities, the Range Rover Sport struggled to match the driving dynamics of sport-tuned SUVs from competitors. Off-road, it excelled with advanced suspension and technology, offering impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy entry and exit. The driver's seat and steering wheel were adjustable, and heated front seats were standard on most trims. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. Cargo space was ample, with 752 litres behind the back seat and 1,778 litres with the rear seat folded down. The Seltos provided practical storage solutions, though the upper door panel trim was hard plastic.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier access, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. The rear seat, however, was less accommodating, with limited legroom and narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport included practical storage solutions, though some compartments were less useful.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured 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 smartphone connectivity, though a cable was required for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, but the voice recognition was limited without a subscription to connected services.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It offered wireless smartphone connectivity, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and impressive Meridian audio systems. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating to use, with limited functionality from the native digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport included a wireless smartphone charging pad, though it was challenging to access.

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 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also offered Remote Park Assist and adaptive cruise control with steering assist. However, the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond, and the steering assist was unreliable, especially on highway curves.