2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2022 Kia Seltos was positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offering five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Most trims, except the Seltos S, came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Prices at the start of the model year ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding the $1,255 destination charge. The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails, with an MSRP of $28,045, including the destination charge. The Seltos was a visually appealing small SUV, though the headlights and intricate wheels had mixed reviews. Inside, it showcased a stylish design with contrast-color dashboard panels and metallic accents, though the shiny hard plastic detracted from the overall quality. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent color for the infotainment system was not universally liked.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design referenced the big Range Rover's profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. The Velar's design included a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its streamlined appearance. Special details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts added to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim featured bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was sleek, with high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims added extra leather and richer textures. Despite its base trim, the Velar maintained a luxurious feel, though it sacrificed some interior space for its stylish exterior.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Nightfall Edition and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbo engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution, and the Seltos was capable in light off-roading conditions. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. The Seltos excelled in urban environments, offering good visibility and easy parking, though highway driving revealed some wind noise and road roar.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" ride. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, with an upgraded version offering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. This powertrain provided high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's driving experience was refined, though it lacked the off-road prowess of larger Range Rover models.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy access due to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The interior included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. Rear-seat space was generous, with ample legroom and footroom, though the seatback angle was slightly reclined. The Seltos provided decent storage space, with a cargo capacity of 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar offered a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to its stylish design. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button, which was seen as illogical and potentially dangerous. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, offering a more logical layout and useful features like voice activation and a heated windshield. Despite its stylish design, the Velar's interior space and control layout were points of contention.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with an optional Bose premium sound system on the SX. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though a cable connection was required. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for easy access. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system offered a simplified layout with fewer icons and more logical arrangements. It included features like voice activation, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield. The navigation system could suggest traffic detours and provide off-road measurements. The instrument panel offered customizable layouts, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driving assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Seltos EX added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX offered adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for the SX trim, though other versions did not qualify due to headlight performance. The NHTSA gave the Seltos an overall rating of four stars.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.