Compare the2023 Cadillac XT4VS 2023 Kia Seltos

The Cadillac XT4 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional Surround Vision to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Seltos only offers a rear monitor.

The XT4 has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the Seltos S/EX/Nightfall/SX offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the XT4 has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the Seltos S/EX/Nightfall/SX has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the XT4 and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, height adjustable front shoulder belts, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive and lane departure warning systems.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Cadillac XT4 is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	XT4	Seltos
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	218 lbs.	237 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	181/231 lbs.	460/429 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	350	405
Neck Injury Risk	34%	41%
Neck Compression	77 lbs.	171 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Cadillac XT4 is safer than the Kia Seltos:

	XT4	Seltos
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.8 inches	1.2 inches
Hip Force	328 lbs.	428 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	169	234
Spine Acceleration	51 G’s	70 G’s
Hip Force	598 lbs.	754 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	13 inches
HIC	204	225

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The XT4’s corrosion warranty is 1 year and unlimited miles longer than the Seltos’ (6/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

The XT4’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 89 more horsepower (235 vs. 146) and 126 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 132) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder. The XT4’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 60 more horsepower (235 vs. 175) and 63 lbs.-ft. more torque (258 vs. 195) than the Seltos Nightfall/SX’s standard 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Cadillac XT4 is faster than the Kia Seltos 4 cyl.:

	XT4	Seltos
Zero to 30 MPH	3 sec	3.6 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.6 sec	9 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.6 sec	5.5 sec
Quarter Mile	15.9 sec	17.1 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91 MPH	84 MPH

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the XT4’s fuel efficiency. The Seltos doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The XT4 FWD’s standard fuel tank has 2.7 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (15.9 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The XT4 AWD’s standard fuel tank has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (16.3 vs. 13.2 gallons).

The XT4 has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The Seltos doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Cadillac XT4 higher (7 out of 10) than the Kia Seltos (5). This means the XT4 produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Seltos every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the XT4’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Seltos:

	XT4	Seltos	Seltos Nightfall/SX
Front Rotors	12.6 inches	11 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	10.3 inches	11.2 inches

The XT4’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Seltos are solid, not vented.

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The XT4 has a standard Intelligent Brake Assist to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

The XT4 stops shorter than the Seltos:

	XT4	Seltos
60 to 0 MPH	118 feet	122 feet	Motor Trend

For better traction, the XT4 has larger standard tires than the Seltos (235/60R18 vs. 215/55R17). The XT4’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Seltos (245/45R20 vs. 235/45R18).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the XT4 has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Seltos. The XT4’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the Seltos AWD Nightfall/SX.

The XT4 has a standard easy tire fill system. When inflating the tires, the vehicle’s integrated tire pressure sensors keep track of the pressure as the tires fill and tell the driver when the tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The Seltos doesn’t offer vehicle monitored tire inflation.

For superior ride and handling, the Cadillac XT4 has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Seltos 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The XT4 has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the XT4 flat and controlled during cornering. The Seltos 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The XT4 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Seltos’ suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the XT4’s wheelbase is 5.9 inches longer than on the Seltos (109.4 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the XT4 is 1.8 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Seltos.

The XT4 Sport AWD handles at .89 G’s, while the Seltos SX pulls only .84 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The XT4 Sport AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.5 seconds quicker than the Seltos S (26.3 seconds @ .66 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

The front grille of the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Seltos doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The XT4 uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Seltos doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the XT4 Sport AWD is quieter than the Seltos SX:

	XT4	Seltos
Full-Throttle	75 dB	83 dB
70 MPH Cruising	67 dB	71 dB

The XT4 has 2.3 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Seltos (101.3 vs. 99).

The XT4 has 2.7 inches more front legroom, 1 inch more front hip room, 1.5 inches more front shoulder room, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and .4 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

A standard locking glovebox (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the XT4. The Seltos doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the XT4 has a standard power liftgate, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or on the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport, by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The Seltos doesn’t offer a power liftgate.

The XT4 has a 2500 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Sway Control on the XT4 uses the StabiliTrak® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Seltos doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The XT4 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Seltos uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Cadillac service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Cadillac second in service department satisfaction. With a 46% lower rating, Kia is ranked 26th.

When two different drivers share the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, steering wheel position (with optional power wheel adjuster) and outside mirror angle. The Seltos doesn’t offer a memory system.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Seltos doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The XT4’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Seltos does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, tachometer and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Seltos doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The XT4’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Seltos has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The XT4’s front and rear power windows all open fully with one touch of the switches and its front windows also automatically close, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Seltos’ standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically.

On a hot day the XT4’s driver can lower all the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Seltos can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The XT4’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Seltos’ passenger power window and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The XT4 Luxury’s standard speed-sensitive wipers speed up when the vehicle does, so that the driver doesn’t have to continually adjust the speed of the wipers. The Seltos’ manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted. The XT4 Premium/Sport’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield.

The XT4’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Seltos’ standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the XT4 (except Luxury) offers optional cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The Seltos doesn’t offer cornering lights.

The XT4’s standard outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Kia only offers heated mirrors on the Seltos S/EX/Nightfall/SX.

When the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Seltos’ mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Seltos offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the XT4 and the Seltos offer available heated front seats. The XT4 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Seltos.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Seltos doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

On extremely cold winter days, the XT4’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Seltos doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Seltos.

The XT4’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Seltos doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Both the XT4 and the Seltos offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the XT4 has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The Seltos doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

The XT4 Premium Luxury/Sport’s optional Automatic Park Assist can parallel park by itself, starting and stopping automatically, with the driver only responsible for switching from reverse to drive. The Seltos doesn’t offer an automated parking system.