2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Nissan Rogue

In the 2022 Kia Seltos, Kia aimed to provide a compact SUV that would bridge the gap between the slightly smaller Soul and the somewhat larger Sportage. The Seltos came in five distinct trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Prices at the beginning of the model year ranged from $22,590 to $28,080, not including a mandatory $1,255 destination charge.

The Nightfall Edition, our test vehicle, sported unique matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), a black grille, additional body cladding, and durable roof rails. With no extra options, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for our test Seltos Nightfall Edition was $28,045, inclusive of the destination fee.

The Seltos's design was a mixed bag. Its headlights, positioned beneath wide, horizontal running lights, were not particularly appealing. The intricate, matte wheels, while tastefully designed, didn’t stand out as they might have had they been glossy.

Inside, the Seltos showcased a stylish interior characterized by a contrast-color dashboard, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. While the cabin appeared chic, the abundance of shiny hard plastics gave it a somewhat cheap feel. However, the overall build quality was excellent. Controls were logically arranged, with a collection of knobs and matte-black buttons offering clear markings. Despite the overall positive impression, the purple accent color for the infotainment system seemed offbeat to many.

On the other hand, the 2022 Nissan Rogue carried its matured, grown-up look forward from last year’s transformation. The redesigned Rogue, which first appeared in 2013, continued to lock horns with top sellers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. While 2022 introduced no new embellishments, the Rogue’s revamped styling from 2021 included a V-motion grille, multi-level LED headlights, LED fog lamps on higher trims, and an air curtain improving aerodynamics. The illusion of a floating roof, thanks to dark supporting pillars, added to its sleekness, while the slightly bulging liftgate provided a classy finish.

Inside, the Rogue’s cabin featured a sophisticated, layered dashboard design with contrasting colors and surfaces across different trims. The center console, housing an electronic gear selector lever, was a highlight. With no need for a mechanical linkage, it freed up more space on the console. Additionally, there was ample room beneath the console for a purse or other items, complemented by large cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The 9-inch center infotainment display was conveniently located near the driver’s line of sight. Higher trims boasted Nissan’s Zero Gravity front seats and a spacious second row, which comfortably accommodated two adults or three in a pinch.

In terms of performance, the 2022 Kia Seltos offered differing experiences based on its engine choices. 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). The LX and EX had standard all-wheel drive (AWD), while the S offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD.

Our Nightfall Edition test vehicle, along with the SX trim, featured a more dynamic turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine delivered 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Despite some hesitations common to DCTs, this combo made the Seltos more engaging to drive than its competitors. Three driving modes—Normal, Sport, and Smart—offered varied driving experiences, though Smart mode occasionally felt unpredictable.

Despite its on-paper improvements, the Seltos’s real-world driving left something to be desired. Its driving dynamics leaned towards firm, with the suspension struggling over speed bumps and failing to isolate cabin occupants from smaller road imperfections. Urban and suburban driving was lively, but the overall ride quality was less than stellar on uneven terrain.

Conversely, the 2022 Nissan Rogue introduced a new 1.5-liter VC-Turbo engine capable of 201 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, an improvement in both power and responsiveness. With a unique Variable Compression technology, the engine adjusted the size of the combustion chamber to optimize power or fuel efficiency based on driving demands. This innovative system was entirely mechanical and remained transparent to the driver.

The new CVT transmission had been reengineered for wider gear ratios, improving off-the-line acceleration and responsiveness during passing maneuvers. This configuration resulted in a spirited yet smooth driving experience, significantly enhanced compared to previous iterations. The Rogue also boasted impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 30 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

Kia positioned the Seltos as a spacious offering in the compact SUV segment, with convenient ingress and egress thanks to its ride height and large door openings. The Nightfall Edition came with a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel for easy adjustments. Cloth upholstery with simulated leather bolstering added to the comfort, though the hard plastic on the upper door panels wasn’t the friendliest to elbows.

Rear passenger space in the Seltos was ample, with enough legroom and footroom for adults, but the seatback angle was a touch too reclined for optimal comfort. Rear amenities included air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cup holders. In terms of cargo space, the Seltos provided 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, convenient grocery sack hooks included.

The Nissan Rogue showcased thoughtful design geared towards convenience and utility. The front cabin was replete with storage options, from bottle holders and cup holders to a center console bin and a tray beneath it. The array of USB-A, USB-C, and 12-volt outlets facilitated device connectivity.

For rear occupants, the second row featured a 60/40 split reclining bench, storage amenities, and charge-only ports. The Rogue boasted a superior cargo capacity, accommodating between 31.6 and 36.5 cubic feet of luggage with the rear seats up, expanding to a generous 74.1 cubic feet once the seats were folded flat.

The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded its technological offerings, making the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system available as an option for the S trim and standard on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. This system featured Bluetooth for dual-device pairing, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, a six-speaker stereo, and USB-connected Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard 8-inch touchscreen in lower trims offered wireless phone connectivity.

Though intuitive, the Seltos’s infotainment had a quirk—its theme color was purple. Physical knobs and buttons facilitated quick access to primary functions. However, the native voice recognition system was less impressive, often frustrating users who chose not to rely on Siri or Google Assistant.

The 2022 Nissan Rogue continued with the technological enhancements introduced in 2021, featuring three significant screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a 9-inch center infotainment touchscreen, and a 10.8-inch head-up display. Models equipped with navigation used Google Maps and Waze with voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto came standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay available on upper trims.

ProPilot Assist, Nissan’s advanced driver-assist system, was also available, integrating with the navigation system to prepare for upcoming road conditions. Additionally, the Intelligent Key allowed unlocking of all doors from the rear door handles, a convenient touch for families.

Kia equipped the 2022 Seltos with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights were standard. Higher trims gained blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with Highway Driving Assist. The Rear Occupant Alert system reminded drivers to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle.

In crash tests, the Seltos earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS for the SX trim, with lower trims missing this accolade due to headlight performance. NHTSA rated the Seltos overall at four stars, noting a four-star performance in the front-passenger crash test.

The Nissan Rogue featured the Safety Shield 360 suite across all trim levels, offering automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, combined adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience. The 2022 Rogue achieved a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with the 2021 model receiving a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, indicative of its impressive safety credentials.