2022 Kia Seltos vs 2023 Subaru Forester

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). Prices 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), a black grille, added body cladding, and robust roof rails. The MSRP for this trim was $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. The build quality was excellent, and the controls were logically arranged, with knobs and buttons for commonly adjusted features. Despite some nitpicking, the Seltos was larger, more useful, more refined, and more powerful than many of its direct rivals.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, while not a beauty, was all about function over form. It came in Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $26,395 to $36,495, excluding a $1,225 destination charge. Our test vehicle, the Touring trim, had an MSRP of $37,720, including destination. The Forester resembled two boxes on wheels, with flared fenders, a narrow waist, and pincer-shaped lighting. The Touring trim featured appealing 18-inch alloy wheels and upscale satin chrome exterior trim.

Inside, the Forester Touring offered exclusive Saddle Brown leather and trim, exposed stitching, and metallic accents. The interior reflected traditional Subaru design with analog gauges, an 8-inch touchscreen, and an information display at the top of the dashboard. Hard plastic was abundant but made the cabin easy to clean. The control layout relied on traditional buttons and knobs, making it easy to locate and use. The Forester's appearance was busy, but its back-to-basics nature was appreciated.

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 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. Smart mode balanced fuel efficiency with responsiveness but could be unpredictable. Sport mode quickened the powertrain's pulse but sometimes struggled to find the right gear. The AWD system had a Lock function for even power distribution at lower speeds, and ground clearance was 7.3 inches. The Seltos was suitable for light off-roading and snowstorms but not for more challenging terrain. The suspension tuning was the least appealing aspect, with the vehicle exhibiting lateral rocking motions and feeling bouncy on uneven roads. The Seltos returned 27 mpg in combined driving during testing.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT had eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport driving mode. All trims except the Base had an X-Mode off-road traction management system with hill descent control. The Forester Wilderness trim offered additional off-roading capabilities.

During testing, the Forester Touring handled flooded roadways, rain-blasted freeways, and muddy trails with ease. The Forester's excellent driving dynamics, including light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and well-tuned suspension, provided a comfortable and communicative ride. The Forester returned 25.9 mpg on the testing route, falling short of the EPA rating of 29 mpg in combined driving. A turbocharged engine or hybrid option would improve performance and efficiency.

The 2022 Kia Seltos excelled in form and function, offering a roomy interior with easy entry and exit. The Nightfall Edition had 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 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. The Premium trim included a panoramic glass sunroof, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer system. Higher trims offered StarTex artificial leather or perforated genuine leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated outboard rear seats. The Forester provided excellent outward visibility, easy entry and exit, and well-sealed doors. Cargo space measured 26.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and 69.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down.

The 2022 Kia Seltos featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system 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 to use, with physical knobs and buttons for primary functions. However, the voice recognition system was frustrating to use, and a native conversational voice recognition system was missing.

The 2023 Subaru Forester offered a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included satellite radio, HD Radio, Starlink connected services, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The Forester's older Subaru Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls, volume and tuning knobs, and main menu buttons. However, the voice recognition system was nearly useless, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a better option.

The 2022 Kia Seltos came 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. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Safe Exit Assist. The Seltos received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured the next-generation EyeSight collection of driving assistance and collision avoidance technologies, with updated software and cameras. Higher trims added Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB). The Touring trim included a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Forester received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.