Overview:
In comparison to newer competitors, the 2022 Kia Sportage is starting to show its age, but the compact crossover retains an attractive design and engaging driving qualities. With its corporate cousin, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, having just undergone a major facelift, we expect the Sportage to follow suit in the near future. Until then, Kia hopes that buyers will be content with the SUV’s appealing and well-built interior, which compensates for the SUV’s tiny cargo capacity with ample passenger space.
While the car’s regular four-cylinder engine offers enough, if unremarkable, power, a more powerful turbocharged variant is available for faster acceleration. Unfortunately, it’s only available on the most expensive model and isn’t as fuel efficient as certain competitors, such as the top-of-the-line Mazda CX-5. Regardless, either engine makes the 2022 Sportage fun to drive, which adds to its appeal until the next version is announced.
What’s New for 2022?
Kia announces minor adjustments to the Sportage lineup for the 2022 model year, with the formerly optional Nightfall Edition package replacing the S trim level. The Value Edition package, which includes items that were previously reserved for finer trims, is now included in the base LX model. Dark 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, passive keyless entry and push-button start are among the options. Every Sportage EX now has a panoramic sunroof, while the EX Technology package and SX Turbo versions both get ten years of free map updates, as well as new software and capabilities for their navigation systems.
While we adore the turbocharged model’s speed, it’s difficult to explain its high price when the less powerful engine is still fun to drive. When you add all-wheel drive, the price rises by $1500–$1700, depending on the trim level you choose. The EX trim, in our opinion, offers the finest value for money. Dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, passive entry, and a power-operated liftgate are standard on every Sportage. We propose the EX Technology package for individuals who prefer a more luxurious experience, since it includes adaptive cruise control, leather surfaces, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, improved audio system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance:
What’s under the hood determines how the Sportage drives. Most variants have a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower, which is quiet but adequate for most people’s needs. The 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is only offered on the top-of-the-line SX Turbo grade, is a zestier alternative with quicker acceleration. While a front-wheel-drive version of the sportiest Sportage we tested few years ago was quick, an all-wheel-drive SX Turbo we tested recently was not. Nonetheless, we loved the responsiveness of the six-speed automatic transmission, which is standard on all models. Although the turbocharged engine can turn ordinary milk trips into raucous journeys, there isn’t a night-and-day difference in driving enjoyment between the two engines. The handling characteristics of all Sportage models are above average.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG:
The Sportage is near the bottom of the fuel-economy hierarchy in its segment, much behind the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V. According to the EPA, the front-drive, base-engine Sportage gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 on the interstate. When all-wheel drive is introduced, those statistics drop by 1 and 4 mpg, respectively. The front-drive turbo model gets 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but with all-wheel drive, those numbers decrease to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our thorough testing program, the all-wheel-drive SX Turbo returned a pitiful 23 mpg. The Kia’s real-world mileage is far lower than the 29 mpg we saw on a turbocharged CX-5 with all-wheel drive. Visit the EPA’s website for additional information on the Sportage’s fuel efficiency.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo:
Some reviewers have compared the inside of this Kia to that of Audi vehicles, implying that Kia is doing something right. The cabin of the Sportage is well-designed, with a nice blend of high-quality materials and practical features. It’s a large enough space for passengers, but not for freight. The rear-seat accommodations will accommodate adults, but some may object to the seat cushion’s low position. The class’s cargo space is restricted, and there isn’t much storage space for smaller stuff, but its seats-down carry-on luggage capacity and movable load floor make up for it.
Infotainment and Connectivity:
Every model comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. Physical knobs and buttons make the system simple to use, although the menus feature small icons and the design isn’t as sophisticated as the rest of the interior. Wireless device charging and built-in navigation are desirable features.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features:
The 2022 Sportage comes with a variety of standard driver-assistance features as well as a few optional features. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for more information on the Sportage’s crash-test results.
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking,
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are among the key safety features,
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are both available.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage:
Although Kia’s warranty coverage is superior to that of its competitors, rivals such as the Chevy Equinox and Toyota RAV4 provide complimentary scheduled maintenance, which this truck does not.
Read More: Toyota RAV4
