2022 Kia Seltos vs 2021 Lexus NX
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus NX is 7.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia Seltos scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Kia Seltos is the better choice, offering more practicality, a more engaging driving experience, and a modern infotainment system.
Choose the 2022 Kia Seltos if:
- You need a spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space.
- You want a more engaging driving experience with a turbocharged engine option.
- You seek a modern infotainment system with a large touchscreen and connected services.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
- You prioritize a luxurious and quiet interior with high-quality materials.
- You want a vehicle with a strong reputation for reliability and excellent safety ratings.
- You prefer a smooth and comfortable driving experience with advanced suspension technology.
Overview | |
MSRP$37,610 | MSRP$22,590 |
Average price$31,384 | Average price$20,989 |
Listings784 | Listings491 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
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2021 Lexus NX Reviews SummaryOne year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. | |
2022 Kia Seltos Reviews SummaryHere’s a fun fact: the Kia Seltos is named after Celtos, the mythological son of the Greek god Hercules. Swap that ‘C’ for an ‘S’, which reportedly stands for speed and sportiness, and you’ve got Seltos. Since speed and sportiness are in short supply here, we’ll say the ‘S’ is for SUV. Now in its sophomore model year, the 2022 Seltos adds a new Nightfall Edition with blacked-out trim. Kia also expands the availability of its driver-assist and collision avoidance systems and its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more trim levels for 2022. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 235 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City22 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 235 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower235 hp @ 5600 rpm | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City22 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space17.7 cu ft | Cargo Space26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3940 lbs | Curb Weight3087 lbs |
Height64.8 in | Height63.6 in |
Length182.3 in | Length172.0 in |
Width83.9 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase104.7 in | Wheelbase103.5 in |
Maximum Payload895 lbs | Maximum Payload1080 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity2000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Lexus NX is 7.0 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia Seltos scores 7.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Kia Seltos is the better choice, offering more practicality, a more engaging driving experience, and a modern infotainment system.
Choose the 2022 Kia Seltos if:
Shop Now- You need a spacious and practical interior with ample cargo space.
- You want a more engaging driving experience with a turbocharged engine option.
- You seek a modern infotainment system with a large touchscreen and connected services.
Choose the 2021 Lexus NX if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a luxurious and quiet interior with high-quality materials.
- You want a vehicle with a strong reputation for reliability and excellent safety ratings.
- You prefer a smooth and comfortable driving experience with advanced suspension technology.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $37,610 | $22,590 |
Average price | $31,384 | $20,989 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.7 |
Expert reviews | 7.0 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | One year ahead of its redesign, the aged 2021 Lexus NX luxury compact SUV retains the features that have made it so popular: good looks, a high-quality interior, and agile driving dynamics. But not all that glitters is gold, as the NX has some definite problem areas. | Here’s a fun fact: the Kia Seltos is named after Celtos, the mythological son of the Greek god Hercules. Swap that ‘C’ for an ‘S’, which reportedly stands for speed and sportiness, and you’ve got Seltos. Since speed and sportiness are in short supply here, we’ll say the ‘S’ is for SUV. Now in its sophomore model year, the 2022 Seltos adds a new Nightfall Edition with blacked-out trim. Kia also expands the availability of its driver-assist and collision avoidance systems and its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more trim levels for 2022. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 235 hp I4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City | 22 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 235 hp I4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | 235 hp @ 5600 rpm | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 22 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 17.7 cu ft | 26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3940 lbs | 3087 lbs |
Height | 64.8 in | 63.6 in |
Length | 182.3 in | 172.0 in |
Width | 83.9 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 895 lbs | 1080 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 2000 lbs | |
The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented F Sport version. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.
Inside, the NX F Sport boasted quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design seemed outdated compared to newer models. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional and comfortable, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.
The 2022 Kia Seltos positioned itself between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. The Nightfall Edition, tested for this review, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission, and additional body cladding. The Seltos had a stylish interior with a contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap, despite excellent build quality.
Kia arranged the controls logically, with knobs for stereo volume and cabin temperature, complemented by matte-black buttons. The infotainment system's purple accent color was a minor drawback. Despite these nitpicks, the Seltos was larger, more useful, and more refined than many of its direct rivals, making it easy to forget it competed against the Toyota Corolla Cross rather than the RAV4.
The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport models featured Active Sound Control, which electronically enhanced the engine note through the speakers, though some purists found this gimmicky.
Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the AWD model had similar numbers but a combined rating of 24 mpg. The NX 300 had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed electronically limited to 124 mph. The adaptive-suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable driving experience, though the steering lacked feedback.
The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine's torque arrived 3,000 rpm sooner than the base engine, making it more engaging to drive.
The Seltos had three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Smart. Smart mode balanced fuel efficiency with responsiveness but could be unpredictable. Sport mode quickened the powertrain's pulse but sometimes struggled to find the right gear. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, though ground clearance was only 7.3 inches. The Seltos handled light off-roading well but struggled with larger potholes and uneven pavement. Despite these issues, the Seltos felt lively in urban environments and had good grip on smooth corners.
The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate legroom for rear passengers. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats had a 60/40 split-folding design. The NX offered 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.
The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy entry and exit. The Nightfall Edition had a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The front passenger seat was not height-adjustable but provided proper leg support. The Nightfall Edition featured cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, footroom, and amenities like air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the seat folded down.
The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Lexus Premium Audio system had eight speakers, with an optional Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed users to control various functions remotely, and Lexus Enform Services Connect provided maintenance alerts.
The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the S trim level. This system was standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with the SX trim featuring a Bose premium sound system. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The standard 8-inch touchscreen in the LX and S trims offered wireless smartphone connectivity. The system lacked a native conversational voice recognition system, making smartphone digital assistants more reliable.
The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The 2022 Kia Seltos offered numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim included adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.
By: CarGurus + AI
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