2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Kia Seltos

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 styling, and the aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities. The two-tone roof design and red circles around the wheel centers added a trendy and dynamic touch. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design layout with clean lines and seamlessly integrated tech features, reminiscent of more upscale brands like Audi. The LCD screen for climate controls and the handle framing the tray below the center stack underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, particularly in Black Onyx, transformed into a rolling black hole with its eradicated chrome and dark paint job. However, it quickly accumulated dust, making it look drab and old. The GX's design, both exterior and interior, appeared dated, resembling the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Despite this, the cabin quality was impeccable, featuring smooth, silky refinement and a quiet ride. The GX's interior was comfortable, with physical controls clearly labeled, though some switchgear was old-school. The Black Line Special Edition added NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner, enhancing its luxurious feel.

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) and available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. 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, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This engine provided ample power for quick acceleration and highway driving, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, making it feel more like a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system. Despite its 5,126-pound curb weight, the GX managed a 7.8-second run to 60 mph, aided by its torque. The GX's fuel economy was a low 16 mpg combined, but it performed better than expected during testing. The Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, making the GX more agreeable to drive. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal detracted from the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided impressive cargo space, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs. The interior featured numerous cubbies and compartments, with ample head- and legroom for rear passengers, a rarity in subcompact SUVs.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and well-padded interior surfaces. However, the narrow rear door openings made entry difficult, and the third-row seat was cramped and close to the tailgate, reducing cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, and the cargo space was limited to 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded, less than some compact SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, while the SX Turbo came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a Bose premium sound system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a helpful home button and hard buttons for easy navigation. However, the system defaulted to the phone's music when plugged in via USB, and only one of the two USB ports allowed data connection.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, with a dual-screen view for simultaneous navigation and radio display. The voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. However, the stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and child-seat anchor latches. All trims except the base LX included a suite of driver-assistance features, such as forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. The EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX included adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.