2022 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 came with standard all-wheel drive (AWD), except for the Seltos S. Prices initially ranged 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), and additional styling elements. The MSRP was $28,045, including the destination charge. The Seltos had a stylish interior with contrast-color dashboard panels and metallic accents, though it was marred by shiny hard plastics. The controls were logically arranged, but the purple accent color for the infotainment system was not universally appealing. Despite some design quirks, the Seltos was larger, more refined, and more powerful than many competitors, making it easy to forget it competed against the Toyota Corolla Cross rather than the Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, had evolved significantly since its North American debut in 1996. Initially a small alternative to larger SUVs, it grew in size and sophistication over five generations, becoming a sales leader. The 2022 model, part of a 2019 redesign, often topped U.S. SUV sales charts. Its exterior styling was typical of current crossovers, with angular wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with organic body shapes. The RAV4's expressive headlights and grille gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The touchscreen interface was well-placed for minimal distraction. The interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern, tying various cabin elements together. The Adventure-trim test vehicle had 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels, adding to its distinctive design.

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. The AWD system included a Lock function for power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The suspension tuning was less appealing, with noticeable body motion and limited bump isolation. The Seltos returned 27 mpg in combined driving during testing.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only model, tested for this review, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for FWD models was 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, while AWD models achieved 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 net horsepower, achieving 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The Adventure AWD model provided smooth power delivery and car-like handling, with MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link suspension in the rear. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior for its segment. The Nightfall Edition featured 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 adequate leg support. The Nightfall Edition included cloth upholstery with Sofino simulated leather bolsters, a single-zone automatic climate control system, and heated front seats. The rear seat accommodated adults comfortably, with generous legroom and footroom. Rear amenities included 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 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 69.8 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. It had a payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds, depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied by model, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 provided ample space for four adults, with a roomy front row and a split-folding bench seat in the rear. The cabin featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, including a roomy glove compartment and covered storage beneath the center armrest.

The 2022 Kia Seltos expanded the availability of its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to the S trim level, with standard inclusion on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims. The system featured Bluetooth pairing for two devices, a navigation system, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was less effective without an active subscription to connected services.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered a robust technology suite, with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and smartphone integration as standard. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, with the Premium Audio setup on Limited models and the RAV4 Prime XSE offering an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime included five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a wireless charging pad. Available features included a bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch head-up display.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came equipped with numerous safety features, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. 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 earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota’s Star Safety System, with enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock braking, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 included a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and road sign assist. Higher trims offered blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.