2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a design that some might have described as frog-like, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights. However, Kia marketed the Sportage's styling as "Euro-focused." This two-row crossover SUV had 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, surrounded by air vents and physical controls for tuning and volume. The interior, while not the most advanced, provided a comfortable experience for occupants.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series, showcased a more refined and simplified design. The NX was unmistakably a Lexus, with its prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The redesign resulted in a longer, wider, and taller vehicle, offering increased passenger and cargo space. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather, with real leather and open-pore wood trim available in the Luxury trim. The F Sport variant stood out with its unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and sport-bolstered seats. The NX's minimalist interior design marked a departure from its predecessor, with most functions integrated into a large touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered a choice between a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque for the LX and EX trims, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine delivering 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque for the SX Turbo trim. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) options. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD 2.4-liter engine achieving 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, while the AWD version saw a slight decrease. The turbocharged engine offered a more spirited drive, particularly in the SX Turbo trim, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement.

The 2022 Lexus NX, emphasizing electrification, offered two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added adaptive variable sports suspension and performance dampers, enhancing its sporty character. The NX 350's turbocharged powertrain provided a more engaging experience than the base NX 250, which had a 2.5-liter engine with 203 horsepower. The NX 350's handling impressed, though the engine's refinement fell short compared to German rivals.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats. 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 rear seats folded.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX offered comfortable seating, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel available. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with standard Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. Most trims included Kia's UVO Link connected services, while the SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls, though not groundbreaking.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and cloud-based features. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, enhancing usability. However, the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which could be inconvenient.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control and earned Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS, with all trims performing well in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring advanced ADAS technologies such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System was a notable addition, bringing the NX to a safe stop if the driver became unresponsive. The NX also offered blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist, with additional safety features available in higher trims.