2024 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 206 millimetres of ground clearance, standing tall at 1,885 millimetres. Its front end appeared ready to conquer the road, with massive headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned with new paint options, including Eminent White Pearl and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical driving situations.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, featuring updated headlight and grille designs, and a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies. These subtle changes gave the Seltos a refreshed appearance without significant developmental costs. The new "Pluton Blue" paint colour added a sharp look to our test model. Inside, the Seltos introduced a Gentle Brown interior colour, with our test model showcasing the standard black interior. The most noticeable change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, enhancing the vehicle's modern appeal.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. However, its 2,948-kilogram towing capacity and V8-level fuel economy were less impressive compared to modern SUVs. The GX's weight contributed to predictable roll through corners, and its driving dynamics were improved despite its age. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The SX and X-Line trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 60 to 100 km/h situations. The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. Its 18 centimetres of ground clearance made it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep centre console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row provided comfortable seating, while the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required effort to open, and the cargo space was limited, with only 328 litres behind the rear seats and 1,832 litres with all seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided up to 1,778 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 753 litres with them in use. A hands-free power liftgate was standard from the EX Premium trim. The Seltos offered an upright seating position with ample headroom and rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the centre console had an open design for storing essentials. A removable cargo cover was standard from EX Premium, adding versatility to the cargo area.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an improvement over the previous model, with standard integrations like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and more. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and optional multi-terrain monitor further enhanced its off-road prowess.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying. The base infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a logical layout and responsive interface. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate, enhancing usability. Upper trims featured an upgraded Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and more. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were commendable.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The EX Premium trim added smart adaptive cruise control, while the SX included traffic sign recognition and highway driving assist. The drive-away warning feature alerted drivers to potential distractions.