2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

2022 Kia Seltos
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Aviator
2023 Lincoln Aviator
$51,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Aviator
$51,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Kia Seltos is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2023 Lincoln Aviator scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Kia Seltos is the better choice, offering a more balanced combination of affordability, practicality, and user-friendly features.

Overview

MSRP

$22,590

MSRP

$51,370

Average price

$20,955

Average price

$56,011

Listings

512

Listings

549
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.0 out of 10
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Noisy
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive stereo
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Cramped third row
  • Outdated technology

2022 Kia Seltos Reviews Summary

Here’s a fun fact: the Kia Seltos is named after Celtos, the mythological son of the Greek god Hercules. Swap that ‘C’ for an ‘S’, which reportedly stands for speed and sportiness, and you’ve got Seltos. Since speed and sportiness are in short supply here, we’ll say the ‘S’ is for SUV. Now in its sophomore model year, the 2022 Seltos adds a new Nightfall Edition with blacked-out trim. Kia also expands the availability of its driver-assist and collision avoidance systems and its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more trim levels for 2022.

2023 Lincoln Aviator Reviews Summary

There is a reason that Ford’s Lincoln luxury division emphasizes the ethos of “Quiet Flight” when discussing its products, and our 2023 Aviator Black Label Grand Touring proved itself the epitome of this concept. It quietly glides everywhere you go, swaddling you in comfort, luxury, and high-tech features. And Lincoln hasn’t altered this formula for the new model year. Aside from a new Jet Package (blacked-out trim) and a new Special Edition Luxe Package (black-painted roof), each newly available for Grand Touring models, there are no changes to the 2023 Aviator lineup.
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 146 hp I4

Engine

3.0L 400 hp V6

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

RWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

27

MPG City

18

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

26
2022 Kia Seltos
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Aviator
2023 Lincoln Aviator
$51,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2022 Kia Seltos
$22,590MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Lincoln Aviator
$51,370MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Kia Seltos is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2023 Lincoln Aviator scores 7.0 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2022 Kia Seltos is the better choice, offering a more balanced combination of affordability, practicality, and user-friendly features.

Overview
MSRP
$22,590
$51,370
Average price
$20,955
$56,011
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.7
5.0
Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.0 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Spacious
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Great warranty
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Interior materials feel cheap
  • Noisy
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Comfortable
  • Impressive stereo
Cons
  • Unimpressive electric range
  • Cramped third row
  • Outdated technology
Summary
Here’s a fun fact: the Kia Seltos is named after Celtos, the mythological son of the Greek god Hercules. Swap that ‘C’ for an ‘S’, which reportedly stands for speed and sportiness, and you’ve got Seltos. Since speed and sportiness are in short supply here, we’ll say the ‘S’ is for SUV. Now in its sophomore model year, the 2022 Seltos adds a new Nightfall Edition with blacked-out trim. Kia also expands the availability of its driver-assist and collision avoidance systems and its 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system to more trim levels for 2022.
There is a reason that Ford’s Lincoln luxury division emphasizes the ethos of “Quiet Flight” when discussing its products, and our 2023 Aviator Black Label Grand Touring proved itself the epitome of this concept. It quietly glides everywhere you go, swaddling you in comfort, luxury, and high-tech features. And Lincoln hasn’t altered this formula for the new model year. Aside from a new Jet Package (blacked-out trim) and a new Special Edition Luxe Package (black-painted roof), each newly available for Grand Touring models, there are no changes to the 2023 Aviator lineup.
Video
No video found
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 146 hp I4
3.0L 400 hp V6
Drive Train
AWD
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
7
Horsepower
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
27
18
MPG Highway
31
26
Look and feel
2022 Kia Seltos
7/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator
8/10

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 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 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 a collection of knobs and matte-black buttons for commonly adjusted features. The infotainment system's purple accent color was a minor drawback, but overall, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator offered a choice between a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The standard V6 engine was available with Standard, Reserve, and Black Label trims, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring trims combined the V6 with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack, with standard AWD. Prices ranged from $53,340 to $89,280, excluding a $1,195 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the Black Label Grand Touring, had an MSRP of $91,225, including a $750 paint job.

The Aviator's exterior design was appealing, with the most successful execution of the modern Lincoln face. However, the wheel designs on our test vehicle were too plain, and the multi-spoke machined-finish rims did not justify the high price tag. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence, electric door handles, and soft-close doors added a touch of luxury, but the electronic door latches could pinch fingers. Inside, the Black Label Grand Touring featured a fancy interior with patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, chrome accents, and rich caramel-hued leather seats. While the materials were mostly high-end, some chrome detailing and stitching looked cheap, and the key fob felt too inexpensive for a luxury vehicle.

Performance
2022 Kia Seltos
6/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator
7/10

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 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 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 Seltos had a ground clearance of 7.3 inches. The suspension tuning was the least appealing aspect, with the vehicle exhibiting lateral rocking motions and a bouncy ride on uneven roads. The Seltos Nightfall Edition returned 27 mpg in combined driving during our test.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, generated 494 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 630 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The EPA estimated 21 miles of electric driving range and 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode. The Aviator offered Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, Deep Conditions, and Tow/Haul driving modes. During our evaluation, the Aviator covered 22.3 miles on electric power, with a fuel economy equivalent to 163.4 mpg. Over 94.7 miles, it averaged 24.3 mpg. The drivetrain provided plenty of power but was sometimes unpredictable, with inconsistent brake pedal behavior. The Aviator's Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension managed body motions well, but the vehicle wasn't particularly fun to drive. The steering was heavy and numb, and the Aviator prioritized quietness and smoothness over engagement.

Form and function
2022 Kia Seltos
8/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator
7/10

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy ingress and egress. 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, single-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats. The rear seat was spacious, with generous footroom, 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 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with a four-zone automatic climate control system, a heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and automatic heated and ventilated front and second-row seats. The 30-way Perfect Position front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row captain’s chairs were roomy and supportive. However, the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, with limited kneeroom and legroom. Cargo space measured 18.3 cubic feet with the third-row seats in use, 41.8 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded, and 77.7 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

Technology
2022 Kia Seltos
7/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator
6/10

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 wired connection. The system was intuitive, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions, but the voice recognition system was frustrating to use.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Black Label Grand Touring came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM satellite radio, and navigation. However, it used the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was impressive, and the Phone As A Key digital key system was convenient. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were clear and easy to use, and the front and rear parking sensors and surround-view camera system were helpful.

Safety
2022 Kia Seltos
9/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator
8/10

The 2022 Kia Seltos included forward-collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the SX trim 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 2023 Lincoln Aviator featured Co-Pilot360 1.5, 1.5 Plus, and 2.0 driver aids, including automatic high-beam adaptive-pixel headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Aviator earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Cost Effectiveness
2022 Kia Seltos
8/10
2023 Lincoln Aviator
6/10
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