2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a subtle refresh, featuring updated headlight and grille designs, and a new light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies. These minor changes collectively gave the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without significantly increasing its cost. The test model showcased a striking new “Pluton Blue” paint colour. Inside, the Seltos introduced a new Gentle Brown interior option, although the test model retained the standard black interior. The most significant interior update 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 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, presented a more understated exterior despite its exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers. The RX's design, with its prominent grille and rear haunches, remained somewhat unremarkable. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering varying levels of power and efficiency. The RX 500h stood out with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, although its aesthetics were heavily dependent on the chosen version and colour/wheel combination.

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, although it exhibited some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three distinct powertrains. The RX 350h, the least powerful, featured a hybrid system with a 2.5-litre engine, producing 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 304 horsepower, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, generated 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension and Direct4 AWD system, but its dynamic capabilities were hindered by a lack of communication between the road and driver.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space for a subcompact SUV, with up to 1,778 litres available with the rear seats folded, and 753 litres with them in use. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility and ample headroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably in both front and rear seats. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including in-door cupholders and cubbies, although the front centre console tray was somewhat limited in size.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, a midsize two-row SUV, focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, felt snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the bottom cushions lacked comfort on longer drives. The rear seats, however, were spacious and comfortable, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was ample, though some compartments lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base model included an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate, and higher trims offered an upgraded Bose stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch functionality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen display with a modern Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. Despite its technological advancements, the RX's steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came with a suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added smart adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering advanced driver assistance systems such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also included Proactive Driving Assist, which monitored forward progress and adjusted braking or steering as needed. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in frontal-impact tests.