Toyota RAV4 vs Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent subtle yet effective changes that gave the vehicle a renewed visage without incurring a high price increase. The updated headlight and grille designs provided the Seltos with a streamlined appearance. A light strip now connected the smaller taillight assemblies, which added cohesion to the rear design. The new “Pluton Blue” paint color, on our test model, accentuated the fresh look.

Inside, the Seltos offered new interior color options: “Gentle Brown” and “Midnight Green.” Our test model came with a standard black interior, which showcased a large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dash. This panel combined a fully digital instrument cluster and an enlarged touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the modern feel.

Trim levels ranged from LX to SX, with standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels, cloth upholstery, manual front seats, USB ports, air conditioning, remote keyless entry, Bluetooth, and an 8-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the S added fog lights, LED daytime running lights, silver roof rails, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The range-topping SX included features like 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an electrochromatic rearview mirror, and a Bose premium stereo system.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 aimed to exude a tough, adventurous spirit, epitomized by its perpetual frown and grimace. The gray body cladding, part of its SUV persona, displayed aggressive angularity, and dual exhaust outlets hinted at a performance that wasn't necessarily present. Upper trims featured fake skid plates and off-road-themed versions like the TRD Off-Road.

Our TRD Off-Road model test vehicle donned the “Army Green” color, showcasing its off-road intent. Equipped with a base price of $38,295 plus a $1,350 destination charge, it included a digital rearview mirror and Advanced Technology and Weather packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,925.

Inside, the RAV4 focused on utility with durable materials, ample storage options, and large rubberized controls. The TRD Off-Road featured SofTex upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats (Weather package), and a heated steering wheel. It accommodated four adults comfortably, and five when necessary, although the rear seat's low position might impact leg support. Cargo capacity was 37.6 cubic feet, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Base LX trims came standard with AWD, while the S and EX offered FWD and AWD options.

For more power, the X-Line and SX trims featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 195 horsepower (20 hp more than the previous year) and 195 lb-ft of torque, routed through a new eight-speed automatic transmission with standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided improved acceleration and responsiveness, especially noticeable in mid-range speeds. The Seltos also managed various road surfaces adeptly, showcasing well-weighted steering and minimal body roll.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 sported a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base models featured FWD, with AWD available.

Our TRD Off-Road model boasted standard AWD with torque-vectoring, exclusive off-road suspension tuning, an underbody skid plate, and all-terrain tires. The Multi-Terrain Select system offered driving modes including Normal, Snow, Mud & Sand, and Rock & Dirt. Despite only having 8.6 inches of ground clearance, the RAV4 managed well in moderate off-road conditions. However, its engine required high revving to reach peak performance, contributing to a loud and slightly unrefined driving experience.

In terms of cargo space, the 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. A hands-free power liftgate was optional on the SX trim. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with plenty of headroom, ensuring good visibility and rear legroom. The interior storage was well-designed, with practical in-door cupholders and cubbies.

On the other hand, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 provided practicality with a spacious 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The TRD Off-Road trim’s interior emphasized utility with numerous storage options, rubberized controls, and SofTex upholstery. Though comfortable, the rear seats were slightly low, affecting leg support.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel for the infotainment display, varying in size from an 8-inch touch screen on the base trim to a 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The digital instrument cluster also varied from 4.2 inches to a fully digital 10.25 inches. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, retaining physical buttons for volume, tuning, and climate controls. Higher trims like the SX benefited from an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone-based vehicle access.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 utilized the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, featuring a standard 8-inch or available 10.5-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and various connected services. Though comprehensive, the system lacked a multi-panel Home screen and had a delicate font hard to read in certain light conditions. Top trims offered a JBL premium audio system, though our test vehicle didn't have it.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came standard with a suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist.

In contrast, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), encompassing adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and emergency braking. However, the base LE trim lacked blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The TSS 2.5 system worked adequately but showcased limitations in handling curves and traffic on highways. The RAV4 also lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to subpar ratings in recent crash tests.