2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. All trims except the Seltos S included standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices at the start of the model year ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails. The MSRP for this trim was $28,045, including the destination charge.

Inside, the Seltos displayed a stylish interior with a contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap. The build quality was excellent, and the controls were logically arranged with a collection of knobs and buttons. Despite some nitpicking, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals, making it easy to forget it competed against the Toyota Corolla Cross and not the Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift, featuring a new front end with redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The Onyx Edition, one of six trim levels, became more accessible with the base powertrain, starting at $33,495. Outbacks with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine came in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $28,395 to $39,845, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The turbocharged XT models, available in Wilderness, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, offered satisfying acceleration with prices from $38,445 to $42,295, plus the destination charge.

Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with the standard powertrain, featured Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Touring trim included everything as standard equipment, aside from dealer-installed accessories. The MSRP for this trim was $41,070, including destination charges. The interior was upscale, with Java Brown leather contrasting beautifully with the black interior and light gray contrast stitching on the dashboard. The Outback's interior used hard plastic that didn't look or feel inexpensive, and the flat, textured door sills formed perfect steps for using the roof rack. The only complaint was the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim on the center console, which easily collected dust and smudges.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo-DCT combination made the Seltos more engaging to drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Smart. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and the ground clearance was 7.3 inches. The Seltos Nightfall Edition returned 27 mpg in combined driving during testing.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed engines, with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) made good use of the power at lower speeds, but passing and climbing power was limited. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine in the XT models produced 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, offering better performance. The XT models were less fuel-efficient, with most rated at 25 mpg combined. The Outback's suspension tuning provided excellent ride quality, and the Active Torque Split AWD system and X-Mode traction system enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Outback handled mud, ruts, and lumpy trails with ease and was surefooted in snowstorms.

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 Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Touring trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat, and heated and ventilated seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Outback provided 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The flat, textured plastic door sills served as steps to reach the roof rack, which was robust and ready for accessories.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system was intuitive to use, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and it was better to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, had a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate control. The base Outback's 7-inch touchscreen included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The 11.6-inch system offered wireless connectivity for Apple and Android platforms, access to Starlink connected services, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The voice recognition system was unreliable, and it was better to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Seltos SX included adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing safety features and adding new pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. EyeSight included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Outback Premium and higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback Limited and Touring added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test.