2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 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 plastered on the SUV's front. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, from the Porsche Macan-like running lights to the Volkswagen-style symmetry of the rear. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with polished metallic accents, plain white-on-black instrumentation, and metal pedal covers. The interior, available in black, gray, and beige, exuded a high-contrast, upscale look. Buttons and knobs made it easy to control the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, enhancing the overall sense of quality.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and 74.2-inch height, commanded visual presence. The front end, framed by large headlights, looked ready to conquer the road. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units in three paint colors, including the exclusive Nori Green Pearl. Despite its imposing front, the GX's 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs suggested a design geared for off-road capability. Flared fenders added to its chunky motif, yet the overall aesthetic leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The hood's design improved visibility, making technical driving easier. Inside, the GX's use of plastic materials was disappointing for a luxury SUV, but features like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery added luxury touches.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models had a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, forming a competitive but unremarkable powertrain. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, featured a robust 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for high-elevation areas. Both engines used a six-speed automatic transmission, 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 frenetic personality in Sport mode. The suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were present. The SX Turbo's upgraded brakes and 19-inch wheels added to its athletic feel, though it wasn't as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Lexus GX's defining feature was its V8 engine. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8's linear power delivery and satisfying sound set it apart. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was impressive but fell behind some competitors. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to predictable but controllable body roll. Despite its age, Lexus improved the GX's driving dynamics, with communicative road feel and strong, predictable brakes. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system, along with features like downhill assist and hill-start assist, enhanced its off-road capability.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller on the compact crossover scale, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver, and eight-way for the front passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel added to the comfort. Rear seat legroom was generous, with air conditioning vents and a USB charging port for passengers. However, the back doors' wide top frame required caution. Interior storage was ample, but maximum cargo volume was limited to 60.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered plenty of cubby space, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The decision to use hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces was a practical choice, though the abundance of buttons required some getting used to. The center console lid's sliding mechanism allowed for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row, however, was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open and offered only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row folded, the GX provided 46.7 cubic feet, and 64.7 cubic feet with both rows down, less than a Toyota RAV4.

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 added 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, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired instead of wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment technology, revamped in 2022, already seemed dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was a significant improvement, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. Three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo were included. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as those in newer Lexus models. The GX's off-road capability was more impressive, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Off-Road Package added to its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came 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 with rear cross-traffic warning. The SX Turbo also had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage earned high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo achieving an Acceptable headlight rating, making it an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety technology was significantly newer than its body.