2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage presented a design that some might have found quirky, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, which could be likened to a frog-like appearance. Kia described the styling as "Euro-focused," and the compact crossover SUV featured a short wheelbase and overhangs, making it suitable for urban environments. The headlights were carried over from the previous year, and the Sportage offered wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. Inside, an 8-inch touchscreen served as the focal point, complemented by physical buttons and knobs for easy control. The interior, while not the most advanced, provided a pleasant experience with its practical layout and comfortable seating.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and sophistication, a hallmark of the Land Rover brand. The Velar's design was a testament to elegance, with its sleek, sporty profile that echoed the larger Range Rover's iconic silhouette. The vehicle's long wheelbase, short overhangs, and distinctive trapezoidal roof contributed to its unmistakable presence. The Velar's exterior was further enhanced by features like flush door handles and unique taillight lenses, adding to its allure. Inside, the cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern design, with a polished black center stack and reconfigurable screens that offered a seamless blend of style and functionality.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered a range of trims, including LX, EX, and SX Turbo, with the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. All models were equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD 2.4-liter engine achieving 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, while the AWD version saw a slight decrease. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a driving experience distinct from previous Land Rovers. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing additional comfort. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, enhancing versatility. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered up to 395 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, offering impressive performance for luxury buyers.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, provided ample interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim featured power-adjustable seats and heated and ventilated options. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, though stylish, sacrificed interior space for its design. Headroom was limited, particularly for rear passengers, and visibility was compromised by thick pillars. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were criticized for being impractical and potentially unsafe.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a premium audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls, though not groundbreaking.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included voice activation, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. Standard features included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SX Turbo trim received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, and all trims performed well in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked U.S. crash-test ratings but performed well in European NCAP tests. Standard safety features included emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist were available, though the Velar's safety features were not as comprehensive as the Sportage's.