2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a tiger-nose grille that, while successful on other Kia models, seemed out of place on the Sportage. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, resembled a fake mustache, detracting from the SUV's overall appearance. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, such as the four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the symmetrical rear fascia. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its stylish and planted stance.

Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and plain white markings on a black background. The SX Turbo trim included metal pedal covers and offered a choice of black, gray, and beige interiors, enhancing the upscale feel. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy adjustments, and the transmission shifter's solid operation added a sense of quality.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eliminated almost all chrome, giving it a sleek, monochromatic look. However, this aesthetic quickly became marred by dust, making the vehicle appear old and shabby. The GX's design, despite updates like the spindle grille and LED headlights, still looked dated, reminiscent of the first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin quality was impeccable, with smooth, refined materials and a quiet ride, save for the faint roar of the V8 engine.

The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the Premium trim, started at $60,535. Despite its age, the GX's interior featured high-quality craftsmanship and a comfortable, quiet ride, though the design themes remained similar to earlier models.

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 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a robust choice for a compact crossover, especially in high-altitude areas like Denver.

Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering power to the front wheels, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system that included a locking center differential. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, giving it a spirited driving experience. The suspension system, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though the steering could have been sharper.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, was equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, offered a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX's 0-60 mph time was a leisurely 7.8 seconds, but the torque made the drive feel more exciting.

The GX's fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined, requiring premium gas. However, the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo volume and 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

The Sportage featured Kia's smart liftgate technology, allowing hands-free access by standing near the back of the vehicle. This feature was convenient but could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seats, physical controls, and NuLuxe upholstery in the Black Line Special Edition. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated, with triple-zone automatic climate control. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult, and the third-row seat was cramped and challenging to access.

The GX's cargo space was limited, with 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The side-swinging tailgate added to the loading hassle, especially in tight spaces.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included UVO Link connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, but the UVO Link system lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system included a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition technology were highlights, and the GX offered Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims included a blind-spot warning system and rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo also had adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received good crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating and a Top Safety Pick award.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and active blind-spot intervention.