2024 Lexus TX vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh, resulting in subtle yet effective updates. The exterior featured redesigned headlights and grille, with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without significant cost increases. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, which was particularly striking. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," although the test model retained the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, distinguished itself as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The test model, in Luxury trim, featured impressive 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs off-putting. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, offered a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with FWD or AWD options. The test vehicle, equipped with FWD and Luxury trim, included a Convenience Package, Technology Package, and a 21-speaker surround-sound audio system, culminating in an MSRP of $67,869.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with AWD, while the S and EX trims offered FWD with optional AWD. The X-Line and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph scenarios, and handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed the TX 350 could accelerate to 60 mph in eight seconds (7.8 seconds with AWD). The engine's performance was adequate, with a swell of torque aiding acceleration. The TX 350 FWD had an EPA fuel economy rating of 23 mpg in combined driving, though testing averaged 20.4 mpg. AWD, available for an additional $1,600, offered slightly quicker acceleration and improved traction. The TX 350's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The SX trim included an optional hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 Luxury model featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with optional heated and ventilated captain's chairs. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility. Cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded and 97 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across trims, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with physical controls for volume and climate settings. The SX trim offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2024 Lexus TX, equipped with the optional Technology Package, featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen with a complimentary three-year Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with additional subscriptions for Service Connect, Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, and Remote Connect. The test vehicle's 21-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay surround-sound system provided impressive audio quality.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came standard with driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim included smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, highway driving assist, and a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance, though it was not always transparent. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist, with optional parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.