2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Lincoln Navigator

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a tiger-nose grille that, while successful on other Kia models, seemed out of place on this SUV. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, resembled a fake mustache, detracting from the vehicle's overall aesthetic. 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-on-black instrumentation. The SX Turbo trim included metal pedal covers and offered interior color options like black, gray, and beige, enhancing the upscale feel. The cabin featured user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, climate, and infotainment system, contributing to a sense of quality and sophistication.

Lincoln made subtle yet impactful styling changes to the 2022 Navigator, including new headlights, taillights, and wheel designs, with a 20-inch design becoming standard. The front end received a restyle, featuring an Audi-esque grille with Lincoln's star and chrome detailing, which some felt reduced the vehicle's elegance. However, this was a minor misstep in an otherwise successful update.

Inside, the Navigator continued to impress with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern design. The new Constellation instrumentation and infotainment display theme evoked a twilight sky, adding a unique touch. The updated Sync 4 infotainment system featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, enhancing the vehicle's tech appeal. The Navigator also offered a range of trims and configurations, with the Black Label trim providing luxurious features like heated, ventilated, and massaging second-row captain's chairs.

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 SX Turbo trim, however, featured a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided quick acceleration, especially beneficial for those living at higher elevations.

Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo's suspension and upgraded brakes contributed to a smooth and compliant ride, though the steering and tire performance could be improved. Overall, the Sportage SX Turbo offered a fun driving experience, though it wasn't as refined as some competitors.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator retained its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing a robust 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Navigator offered rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. The SUV's towing capacity ranged from 8,100 to 8,700 pounds, depending on the configuration, and the Trailer Reverse Guidance technology made towing easier.

Lincoln updated the Navigator's adaptive-damping suspension with Road Preview, which prepared the suspension for upcoming road imperfections. The new electronic brake booster improved brake pedal feel and response. During testing, the Navigator handled various driving conditions, including snow and mud, with ease, thanks to its four-wheel drive and 9.7 inches of ground clearance. The SUV's fuel economy was rated at 18 mpg combined, with the test vehicle averaging 18.6 mpg.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in size, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the heated flat-bottom steering wheel added a touch of luxury.

Rear seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, comfortable seating, and amenities like 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 rear seats. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access to the cargo area, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator continued to offer exceptional comfort with its 30-way power-adjustable front seats, which were heated, ventilated, and massaging. The second-row captain's chairs also featured heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, making long trips enjoyable. The third-row seats provided ample space and comfort, thanks to the independent rear suspension design.

Storage and cargo space were generous, with the Navigator offering 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row (34.3 cubic feet for the long-wheelbase Navigator L). Folding down the third row increased the cargo volume to 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 cubic feet in Navigator L), and the maximum cargo volume with the second-row seats collapsed was 103.3 cubic feet (120.2 cubic feet in Navigator L).

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trim levels included UVO Link connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning and logical onscreen menus.

However, the UVO Link system lagged behind in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring. Despite these shortcomings, the system was simple and easy to use.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator received a significant tech upgrade with the new Sync 4 infotainment system and a 13.2-inch touchscreen display. The system supported Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and featured user-friendly menus and settings. The voice recognition system was improved, though not perfect, and the over-the-air update capability promised future enhancements.

The upgraded Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system included Amazon Fire TV, providing access to popular streaming services. The test vehicle also featured a 28-speaker Revel 3D audio system, delivering an exceptional audio experience.

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. Higher trims included a blind-spot warning system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 Lincoln Navigator introduced several new driver assistance systems, including Intersection Assist, Road Edge Detection, Active Park Assist 2.0, and ActiveGlide. The surround-view camera system became standard. ActiveGlide, Lincoln's semi-autonomous driving technology, allowed for hands-free driving on approved highways, though driver attention was still required. The Navigator's safety features performed well during testing, providing a sense of security and confidence.