The 2022 Kia Seltos is an excellent subcompact crossover SUV because of its roomy interior, class-leading cargo space, intuitive infotainment system, and awe-inspiring technology. It may be no surprise that the 2022 Kia Seltos will appeal to most shoppers who are seeking a budget SUV for driving enjoyment, but how fuel-efficient is the car, and what are its fuel economy ratings? Keep reading to learn more!

The 2022 Kia Seltos is offered in two engine options. There is a 2.0-liter Multi-Port Injection (MPI) Atkinson engine that cranks out 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivers power to the wheels using IVT transmission. It is available on the LX, S, and EX trims.

The second engine option is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI), which churns out 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The engine sends power to the wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The 1.6-liter Turbo engine is available on the SX turbo and Nightfall Edition trims.

2022 Kia Seltos MPG

The most efficient 2022 Kia Seltos (the LX model) with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, front-wheel drive, and the IVT transmission sees mileage fall to 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Those are some of the best fuel economy figures in the subcompact crossover category.

The least efficient 2022 Kia Seltos is any 2.0-liter equipped engine trims with all-wheel-drive, which is rated at 27/31/29 mpg in the city, highway, and 29 combined, respectively. Further, models with the turbocharged engine with front-wheel drivetrain get, fuel economy estimates of 29 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway, and 31 mpg combined. On the other hand, the 1.6-liter Turbo engine with all-wheel drive, boasts impressive fuel economy figures at 30/25/27 mpg in the city, in the highway, and combined, respectively.

2022 Kia Seltos Fuel Economy Versus Competitors

For purposes of comparison, Kia Seltos stand toe to toe with other small SUVs that are equipped with FWD. These are the Mazda CX-30, Nissan Sport Rogue, and Hyundai Venue, boast an estimated combined fuel rating of 28, 28, and 32 mpg, respectively. But all these are short of the 31 mpg for the 2022 Kia Seltos.

With regards to Kia Seltos’ rivals with all-wheel drive, the Subaru Crosstrek (with automatic transmission), the CX-30, and the Rogue Sport both deliver a combined fuel rating of 29 mpg. And in the turbo engine segment, the car ranks among the Hyundai Kona and the Jeep Renegade, which deliver a combined 27 mpg. 

As far as car wheelbase goes, the Seltos edges out the Renegade and the Kona by 5.4 inches and 8 inches, respectively.

Conclusion

Kia Seltos is one of the strongest candidates in the subcompact crossover segment that strike the perfect balance between practicality and comfort. Other than boasting generous passenger and cargo space, Kia is one of the most fuel-efficient sports utility vehicles around, and it offers zippier handling.

Kia have really upped their game in the last 10 years providing a very competitive line up of cars. The Sportage has been a long standing and successful model for the brand and has had several face lifts over the years. Now the 2022 model has a ‘little’ sister in the form of the Kia Seltos. 

From a glance you may be wondering what the difference is between the two cars other than the slight exterior styling differences, or maybe you have been considering a Kia SUV and now have a new contender in the mix. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into what these cars have to offer.

2022 Seltos vs Sportage: Performance

The 2022 Kia Seltos enters with a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine providing 147HP with Intelligent Variable transmission and a 1.6L turbo charged engine pushing 175HP, a 7-speed Quick-Shift DCT transmission. Estimated to have up to 31mpg and comes as standard all-wheel drive, the Saltos is a good option for those looking for a reliable and economical SUV. 

The 2022 Kia Sportage on the other hand, enters the market with a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine providing 181HP. Standard front wheel drive but, offers all-wheel drive options and a fuel economy of 30mpg.  

2022 Seltos vs Sportage: Safety

Kia has a clear focus on safety options on all their cars and there is no shortage of safety features available on both the Seltos and the Sportage. Both have Blind-Spot Collision features, the Seltos has BCA-R (Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist-Rear) which uses brake technology to gently apply the front wheel brake to keep the car in lane whereas, the Sportage only has BCW (Blind-Spot Warning); a radar-based system that uses visual and auditory cues to inform the driver of objects in the blind-spot. 

Both the Seltos and Sportage come with Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. The Seltos also has High Beam Assist, Lane Following Assist and Rear Occupant Alert.

2022 Seltos vs Sportage: Comfort

The Seltos and Sportage provide the comfortable interior customers come to expect from Kia. An 8.0-inch Touchscreen Display with rear view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Remote Keyless Entry, Wireless Charging, Dual-Level Cargo Floor, and Steering-Wheel Controls come as standard. 

The Sportage however, also comes with heated front seats, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support and the option to upgrade to Harman Kardon Premium Sound System.

2022 Seltos vs Sportage: Conclusion

The 2022 Seltos has 5 trim options compared to only 4 available on the Sportage this is due to the additional Nightfall Edition Seltos. The Seltos starts at $22,590 with the LX trim up to the SX Turbo starting at $28,090. The 2022 Sportage starts at $24,090 with the LX trim up to the SX Turbo starting at $33,750.

So, the answer is really down to personal preference. Both cars have a lot to offer and a wide range of options to suit individual needs. The styling of both cars will attract and deter customers equally. Both SUVs are sure to be strong models for Kia going forward and may even convert into the EV market in years to come.

Both Kia and Toyota have very successful, long-standing careers in the automotive industry. Due 

to their constant innovation and high build quality, both companies have seen exponential 

growth over the last few decades. 

Whilst their vehicle ranges and core values may vary, there are a number of similarities between 

the two companies that are worth keeping in mind when deciding which one you should buy into. 

For this article, we will be comparing the similarities and differences between the 2022 Kia 

Telluride and the 2022 Toyota Highlander. 

Telluride vs Highlander Engine/Capability Comparison

When it comes to what’s under the hood, there are a number of similarities that we’re able to see. 

Firstly, the Kia Telluride features a 3.8 Litre V6 engine with an output of 262 lb-ft torque and 291 

hp. It also has the capability of towing up to 5,000 lbs. 

The Toyota however, features a 3.5 Litre V6. despite having a slightly smaller engine, its output 

is almost identical to its Kia rival. The Toyota’s engine outputs, 263 lb-ft torque, and 295 hp. It too can 

tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

Both vehicles boast an 8-speed electronically-controlled automatic transmission. Also featuring, 

4 different drive modes for driver comfort, ranging from Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart in the Kia 

and Sport, Eco, Normal, and Snow in the Toyota. 

Torque Vector Corning Control is another feature that both SUVs come with, along with sharing a 

similar fuel consumption of roughly 23 MPG (combined). 

Telluride vs Highlander Interior / Technology Comparison

The interiors are where we begin to see a few subtle differences between these two vehicles. 

Kia features a number of tricks and gadgets such as its 10.25-inch Touch-screen display. It also 

has neat features called “quiet mode” which will keep the sound system focused on only the front 

row of seats if your passengers are sleeping. 

The Kia also comes with a smart key, remote engine start, and enough seating for 8 people. 

Interior space is also well-utilized – Cargo Volume (SAE): behind 1st row / behind 2nd row / 

behind 3rd row; 87/46/21 cubic  Ft.

The Toyota seems to have fewer gadgets on the inside than its Kia counterpart, however, it does 

also come with a touchscreen display and seats 8 people. You’ll also get a reversing camera with a 

projected path – which makes parking ALOT easier. Included from the base model of the 

highlander ranger is what Toyota calls a “Three-zone automatic climate control”, which allows all 

your passengers to adjust their own temperature settings.

Telluride vs Highlander Exterior Comparison

On the outside of these two vehicles, the Highlander seems to pull ahead in what’s on offer. 

The Kia features Solar Control Glass, which will keep the heat from the sun out of your car on hot 

days. It also comes with project beam halogen headlights and 18-inch alloys, with a maximum 

Vehicle Curb Weight of 4,211 lb.

The Toyota seems to have slightly more to offer than the Kia does on the outside. 

The Telluride offers you a smart key system on the front doors with remote keyless entry and 

illuminated entry. You also get LED projector headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) function 

and High Solar Energy-Abosrbing (HSEA) glass on the front side windows. 

18 inch allows also come as standard on the Toyota Highlander. 

Telluride vs Highlander Price Comparison

Once again, you’ll notice that both vehicle have a very similar “starting from” price . . . 

Kia – From $33,090

Toyota – From $35,405

Telluride vs Highlander Conclusion

Whilst both the Kia Telluride and the Toyota Highlander have much in common, no doubt that as you’ve 

read through this comparison, you’ve noticed one or two deciding factors that have swayed your 

decision. This is what the biggest difference between these two cars will come down to, what you as an 

individual would like from your vehicle. 

Would you rather have the bigger touch-screen display in the Kia or the reversing camera in the Toyota? 

The choice is yours. You may also have a personal preference for a particular manufacturer and with 

both cars being so similar in their offerings, the manufacturer branding may be what ends up winning 

you over. 

Either way, we hope this comparison has been useful to you in helping you to decide. 

2022 Kia Telluride at Family Kia

Thanks for reading our article comparing the 2022 Kia Telluride vs 2022 Toyota Highlander. Family Kia is proud to offer the 2022 Kia Telluride for sale to customers in Florida. Our Kia Sales Specialists are standing by to help answer any questions you have regarding your vehicle purchasing decisions. Call, click or stop by our Kia dealership near Jacksonville, FL today!