2021 Kia Seltos vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a spacious feel with its upright design and commanding road view. Its headlight design, though busy, complemented the grille, and the aggressive lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities. The two-tone roof and red wheel accents added a trendy touch. Inside, the Seltos featured a straightforward design with clean lines and integrated tech, reminiscent of upscale brands. The interior boasted a symmetrical layout with a clean LCD screen and a sporty, utilitarian vibe.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a mature crossover SUV, evolved from its original "cute-ute" category. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current trends, featured angular wheel arches and expressive headlights, creating a playful yet aggressive look. The interior showcased a layered dash with contrasting textures and a simple center stack. The touchscreen was positioned for minimal distraction, and the cabin design tied together with a geometric pattern, adding a unique touch to the overall aesthetic.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. AWD was standard on LX and EX, optional on S. The turbocharged 1.6-liter engine in the S Turbo and SX Turbo delivered 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Seltos handled well, with minimal body roll and a smooth ride, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline model featured a 2.5-liter engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for 217 horsepower, using an eCVT. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run 42 miles on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with independent suspension and AWD models featuring Multi-Terrain Select and dynamic torque vectoring for improved handling.

The 2021 Kia Seltos provided 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 62.8 cubic feet with seats folded. It featured ample storage compartments and impressive rear-seat space, making it one of the most spacious subcompact SUVs.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with different models rated for various towing weights. The interior was roomy, with ample storage and comfortable seating for four, accommodating five if needed.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base trim, with the SX Turbo offering a 10.25-inch screen and Bose premium sound. The system was intuitive, though some quirks with USB connectivity were noted.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with a 7-inch touchscreen and standard tech features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 9-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The RAV4 Prime included advanced tech like a wireless charging pad and a head-up display.

The 2021 Kia Seltos included standard airbags, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims offered driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance and lane-departure warning, with the SX adding adaptive cruise control and cyclist detection.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured Toyota’s Star Safety System and Safety Sense 2.0, with standard driver-assist systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. It earned top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with additional features on higher trims.