2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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 a stylish 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 well-proportioned and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and metal pedal covers, offering a high-contrast look with available color options. The interior felt upscale, with user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design philosophy, focusing on clean and simple aesthetics. While it may not have catered to those seeking flashy luxury, it offered subtle elegance with options like Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Gray with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, combined with aluminum and shiny black trim, created a high-tech and luxurious ambiance. The Range Rover Sport featured premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED taillights, enhancing its aerodynamic profile. The interior showcased sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery, providing a smooth and fragrant experience.

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 yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, featured 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 the option of Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. The Sportage's suspension offered a smooth and compliant ride, with a hint of body roll and lateral rocking. While it felt athletic and sporty, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 variant delivered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid option, the P440e, provided 434 hp and 406 lb-ft, with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six accelerated to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. It boasted a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's adaptive damping air suspension and Dynamic driving mode enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with advanced suspension and technology, offering impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite its compact size, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated options. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, 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. Kia's smart liftgate technology added convenience but could be turned off if desired.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. Front seats featured Windsor leather, 20-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, with optional massage and air purification. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Range Rover Sport included a power liftgate, air suspension controls, and storage solutions for smaller items.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 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 lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system proved confusing and frustrating, with difficulties in accessing features and using the digital assistant. The Range Rover Sport boasted impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system. Higher trims added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The SX Turbo featured adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist allowed for autonomous parking via a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist had room for improvement, particularly in response time and handling freeway curves.