2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia Seltos

The 2022 Kia Seltos, positioned between the smaller Soul and the larger Sportage, offered five trim levels: LX, S, EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX. Most trims included standard all-wheel drive (AWD), with prices ranging from $22,590 to $28,080, excluding a $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 contrast-color dashboard panels, exposed stitching, gloss-black trim, and metallic accents. However, the abundance of shiny hard plastic made the interior look somewhat cheap. The controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for commonly adjusted features. Despite some nitpicks, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals.

The 2022 Subaru Forester came in base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices starting at $25,195 and topping out at $35,295, excluding a $1,125 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the Forester Wilderness, featured white paint, a dark gray interior with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, and a base price of $33,945, including destination. With additional options, the test vehicle's price reached $36,014.

The Forester's interior emphasized function over form, with hard plastic and soft surfaces creating a cabin that exuded quality and clarity of purpose, despite appearing somewhat inexpensive and dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system was easy to use, with physical knobs and buttons for stereo, climate, and main menu shortcuts. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, from town to off-road courses, proving to be a well-made and practical SUV.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims featured 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 boasted 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 turbo 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. However, the suspension tuning was less appealing, with the vehicle exhibiting lateral rocking motions on uneven pavement and feeling bouncy on undulating roads. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, but the Seltos' 7.3-inch ground clearance was less than class leaders. Despite some complaints, the Seltos was a better small crossover SUV than many rivals, though it fell short of the Mazda CX-30 and Subaru Crosstrek in driving dynamics.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. All Foresters featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD, with the Wilderness model offering a 25% increase in initial torque supply and a towing capacity of 3,000 pounds. The EPA estimated the Forester Wilderness' fuel economy at 26 mpg in combined driving, with our test vehicle averaging 25.9 mpg.

The Forester's CVT featured eight programmed ratios, and the Wilderness model included SI-Drive for a more lively response. Subaru's dual-function X-Mode system allowed drivers to choose settings based on surface conditions, with improved speed management during hill descents. The Wilderness trim also featured a re-tuned suspension, longer springs and shocks, and Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, providing 9.2 inches of ground clearance. The Forester excelled in various driving environments, from town to off-road courses, proving to be a capable and practical SUV.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy entry and exit. The Nightfall Edition featured a six-way manually adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, and heated front seats. The rear seat provided ample legroom and footroom, with rear air conditioning vents, a USB charging port, and a center armrest with cupholders. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit due to tall seating hip points. The Wilderness trim featured water-resistant StarTex upholstery, all-weather floor mats, a rubber cargo mat, and washable material on the rear seatbacks. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered high comfort levels in both front and back seats, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system was intuitive, with volume and tuning knobs and physical buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating, and using a smartphone's digital assistant was recommended.

The 2022 Subaru Forester included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. Premium trim added access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, but the PIN Code Access feature allowed keyless entry for outdoor activities.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came equipped 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 Subaru Forester debuted the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with improved field of vision and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology for monitoring drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.