2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Genesis GV70

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, which we tested, featured matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, a turbocharged engine, a dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and additional styling elements like a black grille and robust roof rails. The MSRP for this trim 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 of its competitors.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared stylistic elements with the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV design. Inside, the GV70 boasted a luxurious cabin with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen that rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a more tactile experience compared to touch capacitive controls. The gas-powered GV70 was available in two trims, 2.5T and 3.5T, while the Electrified GV70 offered Advance and Prestige trims. The GV70's interior was a testament to Genesis's luxury credentials, with features like genuine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and a premium stereo system.

The 2022 Kia Seltos offered a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the LX, S, and EX trims, 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 with 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 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 even power distribution at lower speeds, and the Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. Despite its lively feel in urban environments, the Seltos struggled with suspension tuning, exhibiting lateral rocking motions and poor bump isolation.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, while the 3.5T featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The GV70 Electrified used a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and could charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on a fast charger. The GV70 offered a refined driving experience, blending comfort and handling, though the electric version leaned slightly more towards comfort.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy ingress and egress 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. The rear seat was spacious enough for adults, with generous footroom and rear air conditioning vents. Cargo space measured 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. The Seltos also included practical storage solutions like a smartphone shelf and grocery sack hooks.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with the seats in use. The GV70 came standard with a hands-free power liftgate and featured decently large cupholders in the center console. The front seats were easily adjustable for comfort, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench could recline for added comfort.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the EX, Nightfall Edition, and SX trims, with a Bose premium sound system on the SX. The system included Bluetooth, navigation, connected services, satellite radio, and a six-speaker stereo, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto requiring a cable connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions, but lacked a native conversational voice recognition system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. Genesis provided helpful buttons and a rotary dial for control, though the dial was located near the vehicle's rotary shifter, which could cause confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system.

The 2022 Kia Seltos was equipped with numerous driver-assistance systems, including forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering 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 and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package on the 2.5T added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera system. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.