2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Kia Seltos

The 2021 Kia Seltos, despite being a subcompact SUV, offered a surprisingly spacious and commanding driving experience. Its design featured an upright layout with a clear view of the road, and the headlight design, though busy, seamlessly integrated with the grille. The aggressive approach angle of the lower front bumper hinted at off-road capabilities, even if it wasn't designed for such adventures. The two-tone roof and red wheel center accents added a touch of modern flair. Inside, the Seltos boasted a straightforward design with clean lines and tech features reminiscent of more upscale brands. The LCD screen for climate controls and the intuitive layout underscored its utilitarian yet sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large sheet metal expanses. The most notable change was the rear, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights. The interior was simplified, with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements enhanced the luxurious feel, and the cabin's solid construction ensured a quiet ride. The Range Rover's interior quality surpassed that of many competitors, offering a refined luxury experience.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with two engine options. The LX, S, and EX trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and available in both FWD and AWD. While adequate for city driving, it lacked power at higher speeds. The S Turbo and SX Turbo trims offered a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard AWD. This engine provided brisk acceleration and responsive handling, especially in Sport Mode, which enhanced throttle response and steering feel.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 provided impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the P530 offered even more power. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response system and rear-wheel steering, making it easy to maneuver in various conditions.

The 2021 Kia Seltos offered impressive cargo space for a subcompact SUV, with 26.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 62.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It featured numerous storage compartments and provided ample rear-seat space, making it one of the most spacious options in its class.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover excelled in interior space, with generous room in the first two rows and excellent visibility. The front seats offered long-distance comfort with available massage functions, while the second row provided ample space and power adjustments. The optional third row was suitable for smaller passengers, and cargo space ranged from 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row to 93 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2021 Kia Seltos featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the base S trim, while the SX Turbo offered a 10.25-inch screen with a Bose premium sound system. The system was intuitive, with hard buttons for easy navigation, though some quirks with USB connectivity were noted.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the Meridian audio system provided excellent sound quality. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Kia Seltos came with standard front- and side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Most trims included driver-assistance features like forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, with additional features in higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features such as frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing.