2022 BMW X3 vs 2022 Kia Sportage

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, boasting a stylish four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a symmetrical rear reminiscent of Volkswagen. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and metal pedal covers, offering a high-contrast look with available color options. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, exuding an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 offered a more aggressive exterior design with a slightly larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a black surround and pincer claw-shaped brake light LEDs, adding a modern touch. The X3 came in nine finishes, with new metallic colors like Brooklyn Grey and Tanzanite Blue II. The interior was well-appointed, featuring dark oak wood trim, an anthracite headliner, and eight-way power-adjustable front Sport seats. The X3's interior color choices varied by material and model, with options for SensaTec and genuine leather. Ambient lighting with 11 color combinations added to the cabin's ambiance, while the redesigned center console and larger infotainment system improved ergonomics and accessibility.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, boasted a more robust 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling choice for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. The Sportage's suspension offered a smooth and compliant ride, with the SX Turbo featuring upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While the Sportage was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 6 seconds. Fuel economy for the sDrive30i was 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while the xDrive30i offered 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The X3 M40i, with a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine and mild-hybrid system, produced 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The M40i's performance was enhanced by a flap-controlled sports exhaust system, sport brakes, and an adaptive suspension. Despite the mild-hybrid system, the M40i's fuel economy was 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with no significant improvement over the previous model year.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in size, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2022 BMW X3 excelled in comfort and practicality, accommodating five adults with reasonable legroom. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing ample cargo space for backpacks and equipment. The SensaTec faux-leather seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added softness. The X3's sport seats offered support, and the redesigned center console improved ergonomics. The standard infotainment system featured a 10.25-inch screen, with an optional 12.3-inch touchscreen available. The X3's interior layout resembled newer BMW models, with push-button and rocker-style controls for climate and audio functions.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning. However, the UVO Link system lacked technological sophistication, with a small screen, no WiFi hotspot, and wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 5.1-inch color display instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Standard features included navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa integration, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger 12.3-inch screens and cloud-based navigation. The X3's infotainment system was customizable, with multiple control options. A 12-speaker HiFi sound system was standard, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system available on M40i models. Additional tech options included a Convenience Package and a Premium Package, offering features like keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. While IIHS ratings for 2022 were not available, the 2018 X3 was a Top Safety Pick+. The X3 featured adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The available Parking Assistance Package and Driving Assistant Professional Package added advanced safety features like traffic jam assistance and active lane-keep assist.