2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a bold and distinctive look, albeit with some polarizing elements. Kia's tiger-nose grille styling was a hallmark across their lineup, including models like the Stinger and the Sorento. However, the grille's application on the Sportage front-end, flanked by oversized headlights and a stretching chrome trim, gave it an almost whimsical appearance, akin to a fake Halloween mustache.

Despite this, Kia nailed other design details with finesse. The four-dot running light signature evoked a sense of sportiness reminiscent of the Porsche Macan. Germanic design cues were evident in the black dashboard with its polished metallic accents. The interior featured plain white markings on a black background, and the SX Turbo variant included metal pedal covers. The availability of black, gray, and beige interior colors created a high-contrast, sophisticated look. Buttons and knobs dominated the controls, making it user-friendly, and the solid feel of the transmission shifter exuded quality.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, launched initially in North America in 1996, evolved significantly through its generations. By 2022, this well-established SUV reflected the current trend in crossover design, standing out upon closer inspection. Angular flourishes and crisp lines adorned the wheel arches and body sides, complemented by expressive headlights, a snub-nosed grille, and a lower fascia that gave the RAV4 a playful yet aggressive visage.

Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dash with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by an uncomplicated center stack. The touchscreen interface was conveniently positioned for minimal driver distraction. A close examination revealed intricate details, such as circuit-board-inspired geometric patterns that tied various cabin elements together, from seat inserts to dash components, enhancing visual appeal and cohesiveness.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the more potent SX Turbo variant housed a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system featuring a locking center differential.

The SX Turbo variant impressed with quick acceleration, thanks to its low-end torque peaking at 1,450 rpm and tapering off by 3,500 rpm. The Sport mode injected a burst of enthusiasm into the driving experience. The vehicle's MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension with high-performance dampers contributed to a smooth and compliant ride. However, the steering could have been more responsive, and the tires didn't provide the highest threshold before showing signs of strain.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrains. The gasoline-only variant tested featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available AWD. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, producing a total of 217 hp, achieving an EPA fuel economy rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime, the plug-in hybrid model, offered a substantial 302 hp and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an impressive 94 MPGe combined.

Our test model, the gasoline Adventure AWD, demonstrated smooth power delivery and no turbo lag. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided a familiar driving feel with quick responses during acceleration. The RAV4’s suspension, comprising MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear setup with stabilizer bars, ensured balanced handling. AWD models featured Multi-Terrain Select for dynamic torque vectoring and improved handling in diverse conditions.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller end of the compact crossover spectrum, provided a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim evoked luxury with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel. Rear seat space was generous with good legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. Cargo capacity was more modest, offering 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with seats folded, which trailed behind competitors like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 boasted ample cargo space, providing 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The RAV4 had a higher payload capacity of 1,050-1,230 pounds depending on configuration. Towing capacity varied, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models capable of hauling up to 3,500 pounds, while other models could tow between 1,500 to 2,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 offered comfortable seating for four with generous legroom and headroom in the front rows and decent space in the rear.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims also included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio. The SX Turbo trim added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Despite these features, the 8-inch screen size felt small, and the system lacked a WiFi hotspot and advanced voice recognition capabilities.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 started with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and comprehensive connectivity options, including Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims featured a 9-inch touchscreen, and the advanced JBL audio system with navigation was available on top trims. The RAV4 Prime stood out with five USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and an available 120-volt AC power outlet, enhancing its modernity and convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with several standard safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Sportage received high marks from NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo variant earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick award due to its headlight performance.

Every 2022 Toyota RAV4 model featured Toyota’s Star Safety System, comprising vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 added advanced driver-assist features like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Higher trims featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking assist with automatic braking. The 2022 RAV4 scored top ratings from both NHTSA and IIHS, with the RAV4 Prime earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation.