2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2022 Kia Sportage had a dynamic and eye-catching design, albeit with some contentious elements. Its tiger-nose grille, though successful on models like the Stinger and Sorento, appeared mismatched on the Sportage, resembling a false mustache stuck at a Halloween gathering. This design choice was unfortunate, especially as the rest of the SUV flaunted impeccable style with the four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the symmetrical layout echoing Volkswagen's design sophistication. The accentuating 19-inch wheels on the SX Turbo trim gave the vehicle a planted and well-proportioned stance.

Inside, the Sportage showcased a Germanic inspiration with a black dashboard adorned with polished metallic accents and plain white-marked instrumentation. The SX Turbo model added a premium touch with metal pedal covers and various seat color options, enriching the high-contrast look of the interior. A range of tactile buttons and knobs facilitated easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, contributing to a sense of quality whenever the vehicle was operated.

The 2023 Subaru Forester retained a more functional and utilitarian aesthetic, typical of Subaru's design philosophy over the last two decades. With a boxy silhouette emphasized by flared fenders, a narrow waist, and pincer-shaped lighting, the Forester prioritized substance over style. Even though its exterior echoed a shrunken Subaru Ascent, the Forester’s look wasn’t particularly appealing. The Touring trim, however, did stand out with 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, adding a touch of sophistication.

Inside, the Forester was less about glamor and more about practicality. Exclusive Saddle Brown leather, exposed stitching, and metallic accents decorated an interior aligned with Subaru's conventional design. It featured analog gauges and multiple display screens, while hard plastic surfaces made it easy to maintain. Despite the significant retro touch, the control layout with buttons and knobs made operations straightforward and user-friendly. The abundance of functional touches contributed to a busy appearance, though it worked well in a practical sense.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was versatile in its performance capabilities, primarily driven by two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, making it competitive yet unremarkable. Meanwhile, the Sportage SX Turbo ramped up the dynamics with a robust 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This higher power output was particularly advantageous at elevations. The engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to channel power to the front wheels, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system enhancing traction.

With its quick acceleration and Sport mode, the SX Turbo variant adopted an eager and spirited personality, bolstered by suspension tuning that offered an unexpectedly smooth and compliant ride. Despite hinting at body roll and minor lateral rocking, the Sportage maintained a sophisticated drive, though it could benefit from sharper steering and higher threshold tires.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, in contrast, featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, powering all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT with eight programmed ratios ensured a smoother experience and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) offered a Sport mode for enhanced response. Most trims added the X-Mode off-road traction management system, crucial for tackling challenging terrains.

During testing amidst challenging weather conditions, the Forester demonstrated confidence in traversing flooded routes, muddy trails, and rain-drenched freeways, attributed to its agile driving dynamics. Despite its competent handling, the Forester's engine was merely adequate, and the driving dynamics infused a balance of light steering, effective brakes, and firm suspension, creating a communicative ride devoid of any sloppy mannerisms. Its inherent stability on undulating roads reinforced the confidence, though an additional turbocharged engine could have elevated its performance, particularly in elevated terrains.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller on the compact SUV scale, boasted a spacious interior that promoted comfort, particularly in the SX Turbo trim. Front-seat occupants enjoyed premium perforated leather upholstery, with advanced power adjustment options adding to the convenience. Heated and ventilated seats, along with a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, enhanced the overall comfort. Rear passengers benefited from generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port.

However, the Sportage’s cargo volume was a letdown. The maximum cargo capacity stood at 60.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded, significantly less than segment leaders like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The hands-free smart liftgate technology, although convenient, carried the downside of activating even when not desired.

In comparison, the 2023 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality throughout its interior. It offered a variety of trim options catering to different needs, from basic comfort features in the Premium trim to luxurious genuine leather and dual-zone climate control in the Limited and Touring trims. The Forester's elevated seating position and high glass area provided exceptional outward visibility, making driving and parking easier. However, the insufficiently tinted panoramic sunroof caused solar heating in warmer conditions, and the back seats lacked sufficient comfort for adult passengers over extended periods.

The Forester excelled in interior storage solutions, with multiple pockets and storage spaces for convenience. The cargo capacity was notably higher than the Sportage, offering 26.9 cubic feet behind the back seat and up to 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This capacity better suited larger loads and everyday utility needs compared to the Sportage.

In terms of infotainment, the 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, offering essential connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added wireless smartphone charging, satellite radio, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. Despite the user-friendly interface and easy-to-use controls, the system lagged behind in technological advancements, lacking a Wi-Fi hotspot and featuring hit-and-miss voice recognition.

The 2023 Subaru Forester came with varied infotainment options across trims. Base models featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with standard connectivity options, while higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch display with satellite and HD radio, Starlink connected services, and a CD player. The Touring trim featured the Harman Kardon premium audio system but lacked wireless smartphone charging. The older Subaru Starlink system, although appearing outdated, provided a straightforward user experience, with separate climate control and user-friendly knobs and buttons. The voice recognition system, however, was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto essential for hands-free assistance.