2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Lexus NX

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. All trims except the Seltos S included standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging 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.

Inside, the Seltos displayed a stylish interior with a contrast-color dashboard panel, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look cheap, despite excellent build quality. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs for commonly adjusted features and matte-black buttons with clear markings. The purple accent color for the infotainment system was a minor drawback. Overall, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), offered base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid. The NX 350, our focus, featured a turbocharged engine and came in F Sport and Luxury trims.

The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, with a jutting spindle grille and refined styling details. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most NX models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim featured a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, the F Sport had sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The minimalist interior design was a departure from the previous model, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen.

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 delivering 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The turbocharged engine provided a more engaging driving experience, with torque available between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.

The Seltos offered Normal, Sport, and Smart driving modes, with Smart mode balancing fuel efficiency and responsiveness. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and the vehicle had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The Seltos was suitable for light off-roading and snowstorms but not for more challenging terrain. The multi-link rear suspension improved ride and handling, but the suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable impacts from speed bumps and uneven pavement. The Seltos felt lively in urban environments, with excellent outward visibility and easy parking. However, road noise and wind noise were significant on the highway.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range.

The NX 350 had Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the Luxury trim offered a softer driving character. The NX 350 accelerated to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX's handling impressed, but the turbocharged engine didn't sound as refined as German rivals. The NX had 7.7 inches of ground clearance, limiting its off-road capabilities.

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, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and heated front seats. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. The Seltos provided 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, with a cozy dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim had better-bolstered seats, and the rear seat offered roomy accommodations with air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The NX had a panoramic glass sunroof and a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system. Cargo space increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. The system required a cable connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard 8-inch touchscreen in the LX and S trims offered wireless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions, but the voice recognition system was frustrating.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreen. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and five connected service subscription plans. The system offered a 10-speaker sound system or an optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and a digital key capability.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came with 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 included adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.