2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a rugged vehicle, it had become a status symbol with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless design, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, it exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage presented a more modern and stylish appearance, despite some criticism of its front grille design. The Sportage boasted a well-executed design with elements reminiscent of high-end brands like Porsche and Volkswagen. Inside, it featured Germanic design cues, with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and comfortable seating options. The Sportage's interior was both upscale and functional, with easy-to-use controls and a sense of quality in its transmission shifter.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, making it a capable off-roader. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that filtered road harshness. However, its steering was relatively slow, and its weight and tall center of gravity led to some side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, particularly in the SX Turbo trim, offered a robust 240 horsepower (237 with AWD) and 260 pound-feet of torque. It used a six-speed automatic transmission and had an optional all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential. The Sportage SX Turbo accelerated quickly, with maximum torque available at low RPMs, providing a lively driving experience. Its suspension offered a smooth and compliant ride, with a hint of body roll but nothing excessive. While it felt athletic and sporty, the steering could have been quicker, and the tires had a lower threshold before losing grip. The Sportage was fun to drive, though not as refined as some competitors.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. Luggage volume was also restricted, with a maximum cargo space of 59.8 cubic feet. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite its compact size, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. Interior storage was ample, but maximum cargo volume was limited to 60.1 cubic feet. The Sportage featured Kia's smart liftgate technology, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo system was not entirely intuitive, it was manageable for those familiar with smartphones and tablets. The system required setup to avoid distractions while driving, and the touch-sensing steering wheel controls were helpful. The Range Rover also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Link system lacked some advanced features, such as a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.