2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to impress with its rugged design and capability. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned for the 2010 model year, the GX received some new design tweaks, including the hourglass grille that became a signature of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on other models, it suited the GX well. The vehicle's decade-old design was evident, but its shared platform with the Toyota 4Runner ensured it remained a capable and rugged SUV.

Inside, the GX's age was even more apparent. The cabin retained the large, chunky center console and big buttons typical of early 2010s Lexus styling. While this might seem outdated for a luxury SUV, it worked for the GX's rugged nature. The GX was available in three trims: 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and power sunroof to advanced navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems.

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a big-car feel with its upright layout and commanding road view. The headlight design, though busy, flowed well into the grille, and the aggressive lower front bumper hinted at off-road capability. The two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers added to its sporty appeal. The interior featured a straightforward design with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech, reminiscent of more upscale brands like Audi.

The Seltos came in five trims: LX, S, EX, S Turbo, and SX Turbo. The base LX included 17-inch alloy wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like leatherette upholstery, a sunroof, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The SX Turbo, the top trim, offered additional driver assistance features and an upgraded stereo system.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and bumps with ease.

The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tackle deep snow, mud, and sand without breaking a sweat. The GX also boasted a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds and a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This engine was adequate for city driving but lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway driving.

The Seltos' Drive Mode dial allowed drivers to choose between Normal, Sport, and Smart modes, adjusting throttle response, shift mapping, and steering feel accordingly. Despite its upright layout and 7.3 inches of ground clearance, the Seltos handled turns with minimal body roll and felt planted and level at higher speeds. The ride remained smooth over bumps, offering a driving experience more akin to a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. These captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, accessing the third row was challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX provided 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This made it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available. The SX Turbo trim included a hard cargo cover that doubled as a tray for small items. The Seltos also featured numerous cubbies and compartments for storage, with ample head- and legroom in the rear seats, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it was a true touchscreen with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls, offering a simpler user interface compared to modern Lexus systems.

The 2021 Kia Seltos' base S trim came with a 3.5-inch TFT digital screen in the instrument panel and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The SX Turbo trim included a Bose premium sound system, a 7-inch digital display screen, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. This larger screen could display Apple CarPlay/Android Auto alongside other data. However, the system had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB and only one data-capable USB port. Despite these issues, the Seltos' infotainment was generally straightforward and intuitive, thanks to helpful home and hard buttons.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, with large windows and mirrors, further enhanced safety.

The 2021 Kia Seltos included a full array of airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchor latches. All trims except the base LX offered a suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim included adaptive cruise control with idle stop-and-go and cyclist detection. The SX also featured an alert for when the vehicle in front had moved, preventing embarrassing delays at stoplights.