2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a refreshed appearance without significant cost increases. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, adding a sharp aesthetic. Inside, the Seltos introduced a new Gentle Brown interior colour, although the test model retained the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, presented itself as a luxury SUV with distinct styling. The TX's upscale appearance was enhanced by 22-inch silver-finished wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly improved its presence. The TX's design was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, with options for Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada. The interior, while luxurious, felt dark due to the Peppercorn colour scheme, but offered ample comfort and features.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The SX and X-Line trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 60 to 100 km/h scenarios, despite some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, but during testing, it averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm yet comfortable suspension and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on highways, although the brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space, with up to 1,778 litres available when the rear seats were folded, and 753 litres with the seats in use. A hands-free power liftgate was standard from the EX Premium trim. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom, ensuring good visibility and rear legroom. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the centre console offered a small tray for essentials. A removable cargo cover was standard from the EX Premium trim.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility than previous models. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument panel. Upper trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with logical layouts and responsive screens. The SX and X-Line trims offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system. The Seltos also featured Digital Key 2 Touch, allowing smartphone-based access and sharing.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional features available in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system featured a 14-inch touchscreen display, with Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription for app-based vehicle access. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The EX Premium trim added smart adaptive cruise control, while the SX included traffic sign recognition and highway driving assist.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. The Executive packages offered front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist.