2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious feel. Its upright design provided a commanding view of the road, with a headlight design that seamlessly integrated into the grille. While not built for off-roading, its aggressive front bumper hinted at adventure. The two-tone roof and red wheel accents added a trendy, dynamic touch. Inside, the Seltos featured a clean, intuitive layout with tech influences from upscale brands. The LCD screen and touchscreen created a visually appealing symmetry, while the utilitarian design elements underscored its sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, giving it a rugged appearance. However, its design felt disjointed, with a swooping character line adding unnecessary bulk. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but overall, it lacked the cohesion seen in competitors. Inside, the asymmetrical dash and metallic elements added interest, while the high-mounted infotainment screen reduced driver distraction. The Bronze Edition's fabric upholstery was a questionable choice, attracting dirt and lacking durability. The Softex leather substitute felt more like vinyl, disappointing compared to alternatives.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower, paired with a CVT. While adequate for city driving, it struggled at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims boasted a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a sporty feel, especially in Sport Mode. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, surprising for a subcompact SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower. It used a CVT and offered FWD, with optional AWD via an electric motor. Acceleration was smooth, though the engine's drone was noticeable under strain. The braking system transitioned seamlessly from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander prioritized comfort over sportiness, with a soft ride and quiet cabin, making it a suitable choice for families seeking a relaxed driving experience.

The Kia Seltos impressed with its cargo space, offering 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with seats folded. It featured numerous storage compartments and ample rear-seat space, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs available.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with various trays and bins. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats stowed.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the SX Turbo offering a 10.25-inch display. While intuitive, the system had quirks, such as defaulting to phone audio when connected via USB. The infotainment was user-friendly, with helpful hard buttons for easy navigation.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Navigation and premium audio were available on higher trims.

The Kia Seltos included standard airbags, stability control, and child-seat anchors. Most trims offered driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning. The SX added adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection, though these features were not standard on all trims.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid received top safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The systems generally performed well, though some required fine-tuning for smoother operation.