2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

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 light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-like symmetry in the rear. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and plain white-on-black instrumentation. The interior offered a high-contrast look with color options like black, gray, and beige, and the controls were user-friendly, enhancing the upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary. The front and sides retained the broad, rounded face and unadorned sheet metal of its predecessor, with a new vertical accent strip under the mirrors. The rear saw the most significant change, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, adding eight inches in length. Inside, the Range Rover simplified its design with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, giving it a modern look. The materials were top-notch, with premium leather and rich wood trim, and the cabin exuded a luxurious feel, rivaling high-end competitors like the Maybach or Bentley.

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, boasted a more robust 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal 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 delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, giving it a lively character. The suspension provided a smooth ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were present. While fun to drive, the Sportage SX Turbo wasn't as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains. The base P400 featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The P530 upgrade came with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 provided effortless acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its nearly 6,000-pound weight. The Range Rover handled well for its size, with body roll well-managed, though it wasn't sporty. Rear-wheel steering improved maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The ride was smooth and quiet, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver, and eight-way for the passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, 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 Sportage featured a smart liftgate for hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row provided power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls, sunshades, and USB-C ports. An optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with it folded, and 93 cubic feet at maximum. The split tailgate and adjustable air suspension height aided loading and unloading.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with a standard 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 lagged in sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover featured a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The screen's placement could have been higher, but some climate controls were designed to minimize distraction. The base Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound, with a 35-speaker upgrade available. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a smartphone app for remote control and monitoring.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were available with the LX Value Edition Package or higher trims. The SX Turbo 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 for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, which is common for luxury SUVs. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The cameras were particularly useful off-road. While adequately equipped, the Range Rover lacked some advanced features found in rivals, such as advanced high beams and emergency stop functions.