2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a distinctive 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 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-inspired design with a black dashboard accented by polished metallic elements. The instrumentation was straightforward, featuring white markings on a black background. The SX Turbo trim included metal pedal covers and offered interior color options like black, gray, and beige, enhancing the upscale feel. The user-friendly buttons and knobs made it easy to control the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, contributing to a sense of quality and sophistication.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5, at first glance, appeared largely unchanged from previous models. However, it introduced new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-tier Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort and support, addressing previous complaints about the front seats.

Mazda restructured the trim levels, offering the CX-5 2.5 S and 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S, with its naturally aspirated engine, came in various trims, while the 2.5 Turbo, with its turbocharged engine, offered base and Signature trims. The test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo, included optional features like Soul Red paint, a navigation system, and roof rails, bringing the total cost to $39,445. The CX-5's driving dynamics improved significantly, offering a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride, making it a legitimate alternative to entry-level luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 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, delivering 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine made the Sportage SX Turbo particularly suitable for high-altitude areas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system.

The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, creating a sudden surge of power. The Sport mode added a frenetic personality to the SUV, making it eager to accelerate. The Sportage's suspension system, featuring a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, provided a smooth and compliant ride. The SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels contributed to its athletic and sporty feel, though it lacked the refinement of the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S came with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive improved performance, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with its turbocharged engine, offered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The EPA rated this powertrain at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg.

The CX-5's driving dynamics were enhanced by increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension tuning, resulting in a quieter, smoother, and sportier ride. The Mazda Intelligent Drive Select (Mi-Drive) system offered Normal, Sport, and Off-Road modes, further improving the driving experience. The 2022 CX-5's ride and handling were significantly improved, reducing body roll and providing a blend of compliance and composure that instilled confidence in the driver.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite its smaller size, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the heated flat-bottom steering wheel added to the comfort. Rear seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port.

Interior storage space was generous, but the maximum cargo volume was limited. With the second-row seats folded down, the Sportage offered 60.1 cubic feet of cargo space, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat was sufficient for most needs. The Sportage's smart liftgate technology allowed for hands-free operation, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints about its ride and front seats with new furnishings. The new seats provided better comfort and support, and the driving position was sportier. The height-adjustable front passenger seat, available on all trims except the base, was a rare feature among competitors. The 2.5 Turbo test vehicle included leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.

The back seat remained snug, but heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents improved passenger comfort. The control layout, particularly the Mazda Connect infotainment system, was a source of frustration due to the lack of a touchscreen display and natural voice recognition. However, once acclimated, the center console controls were manageable. Storage space was adequate, with small bins and trays, and the cargo space was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs. The CX-5 offered 30.9 cubic feet of luggage volume behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the back seat folded down.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came 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 featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus.

However, the UVO Link system lagged in technological sophistication. The 8-inch screen was small compared to competitors, there was no WiFi hotspot, and the voice-recognition technology was inconsistent. The smartphone mirroring was wired instead of wireless, but the system remained simple and easy to use.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. Mazda believed touchscreens caused driver distraction, and the system lacked natural voice recognition. Instead, users had to rely on center console and steering wheel controls. Over time, users could acclimate to this approach, but it was less intuitive than touchscreens.

Mazda Connect included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. Starting with the 2.5 S Premium trim, the CX-5 included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system, which performed adequately. SiriusXM satellite radio was also standard from this trim level.

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 or the LX Value Edition Package added a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo also included 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 and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The Signature trim included Traffic Jam Assist for low-speed adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. The CX-5 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a distinction few rivals could match.