Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Kia Seltos

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in materials and controls. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh with updated headlight and grille designs, and a new light strip connecting the taillights. The test model in Pluton Blue paint looked sharp, and the interior featured a new Gentle Brown colour option. The most noticeable change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash, offering a modern and fresh look. The Seltos maintained a balance between digital and tactile controls, providing a user-friendly experience. The overall design updates gave the Seltos a fresh face without a significant price increase.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and a Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed at maximizing fuel efficiency. However, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing power and towing capacity, and its driving experience was described as uninspiring. The soft suspension and CVT contributed to a lack of engagement, making it more suitable for city and suburban driving.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 146 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with 195 horsepower. The latter provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in the SX and X-Line trims with their new eight-speed automatic transmission. The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The turbocharged engine's performance was enhanced by the Drive Mode dial, offering Sport, Normal, Eco, and Smart modes for a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and the interior offered features like three-zone automatic climate control and heated seats. However, the third-row access was tight, and the cargo space was compromised by the optional all-weather cargo mat. The Highlander Hybrid provided 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row 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. It featured an upright seating position with ample headroom and rear legroom, making it comfortable for taller occupants. The Seltos included practical storage solutions, such as in-door cupholders and cubbies, and a removable cargo cover from the EX Premium trim. The hands-free power liftgate added convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a JBL sound system. However, the controls were not intuitive, and the graphics lacked contrast. The Drive Connect service plan offered additional features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while upper trims featured a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive screens and logical layouts. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate, and the SX and X-Line trims included an upgraded Bose stereo system. The Digital Key 2 Touch app allowed for convenient access and sharing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, providing peace of mind for safety-conscious buyers.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured standard driver assistance technologies such as forward collision avoidance, lane keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added smart adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist. The Seltos also included Safe Exit Warning and drive-away warning features, enhancing safety for occupants and drivers alike.