2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 GMC Terrain

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, with its four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and grounded appearance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and clear instrumentation. The SX Turbo trim featured metal pedal covers and offered a choice of black, gray, or beige interiors, enhancing its upscale feel. The interior controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy access to various functions, contributing to a sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain underwent updates to its front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level introduced a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle featured Ebony Twilight metallic paint and a black leather interior, which proved challenging to keep clean. The Terrain AT4 was equipped with a range of packages, including the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, and GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, raising its MSRP to $41,810. While the Terrain offered more affordable SLE and SLT trims, the Denali trim added luxury. However, the Terrain's entry-level status was evident in its material quality and execution. The head-up display projected data onto a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield, and the pushbutton transmission controls were not intuitive. Despite these drawbacks, the Terrain's interior was spacious and comfortable, with thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with 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, featured a more powerful 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) engine and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it well-suited for high-altitude locations like Denver. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, creating a sudden surge of power. The Sportage's suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll was noticeable. The SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels enhanced its sporty feel, though it wasn't as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 GMC Terrain was powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. The previously available 2.0-liter engine, which offered better acceleration and towing capacity, was no longer an option. The 1.5-liter engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds and required careful management of its torque band for optimal performance. The nine-speed automatic transmission helped maintain the engine's power delivery. The Terrain's competitors were not significantly more powerful, and the turbocharging aided performance at higher elevations. The Terrain AT4 offered FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. Torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, but switching to AWD resolved it. The Terrain's suspension provided a smooth ride on various surfaces, though it struggled off-road due to limited ground clearance. The AT4's sport-terrain tires lacked grip in corners, and the overall driving experience was dull, with numb steering and brakes.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in the compact crossover segment, offered a spacious passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and power-adjustable front seats. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated steering wheel was standard. 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 available with the rear seats folded and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy and featured comfort-enhancing amenities. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control. The eight-way power driver's seat and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel ensured a comfortable driving position. The AT4's perforated leather upholstery with caramel-color stitching added an upscale touch. The rear seat offered ample legroom and support, with a USB charging port for passengers. The Terrain's interior featured numerous storage solutions, though the storage tray was narrow. Cargo space measured 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came 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 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 sophistication, with a small screen, no WiFi hotspot, and wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems. The SLE trim had a 7-inch touchscreen, while the SLT, AT4, and Denali featured an 8-inch display. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services. The larger screen offered connected navigation and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, accurately responding to various prompts. The Terrain's Tech Package added a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera. The Tire Fill Alert system and remote engine start were practical features.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim included adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating for a Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2022 GMC Terrain featured the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and rear parking sensors. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the Terrain's crashworthiness.