2025 Lexus RX Hybrid 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 connecting light strip between the smaller taillights, giving the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, adding a sharp aesthetic. Inside, the Seltos introduced two new interior colors, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though the test model retained the standard black interior. A prominent change was the expansive digital panel covering two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a more understated exterior despite its exclusive Incognito paint and orange brake calipers. The RX's design, with its large grille and rear haunches, remained somewhat unremarkable, though the current generation was more palatable depending on the chosen version and color/wheel combination. The RX Hybrid lineup included three models: RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering varying power and efficiency. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned features, stood out for its performance, though it sacrificed fuel economy. Inside, the RX provided a contemporary and comfortable environment, though some ergonomic choices, like the loud climate system fan and snug front seats, detracted from the luxury experience.

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 all-wheel drive, while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The X-Line and SX trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This turbo engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in mid-range speeds, though it exhibited some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road conditions well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll, making it a capable subcompact SUV.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup offered diverse performance options. The RX 350h, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, delivered 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque, prioritizing fuel efficiency. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid increased output to 304 horsepower, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. The RX 500h, with its turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission, produced 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, offering impressive acceleration but lower fuel economy. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, enhancing its dynamic capabilities. However, the RX 500h's performance was marred by occasional drivetrain hesitation and a lack of communication between the road and driver, making it less rewarding to drive enthusiastically.

The 2024 Kia Seltos provided practical interior space, offering up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with them in use. The upright seating position and ample headroom contributed to excellent driver visibility and comfortable rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the SX trim included a removable cargo cover for added convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug front seats with enhanced bolstering, though the bottom cushions lacked long-term comfort. The rear seats, equipped with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, provided ample room for adults. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover could obstruct loading larger items. Interior storage was practical, though the rear center armrest compartment lacked lining, potentially causing noise and vibration.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. The infotainment system offered a logical layout with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Seltos retained tactile controls for volume and climate settings, enhancing usability. The SX trim featured an upgraded Bose premium stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone-based access.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid met luxury expectations with its high-tech features, though some expected items were optional. The RX 500h Black Line Special Edition included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The RX also featured a head-up display and an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. However, the unlabeled steering wheel controls proved distracting and potentially dangerous, detracting from the overall experience.

The 2024 Kia Seltos came equipped with standard driver assistance features, including 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 offered advanced features like smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, providing automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also offered Predictive Driving Assist, a surround-view camera, and Traffic Jam Assist. The RX earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS rated it poorly in certain crash tests.