2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Subaru Outback

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 to the SUV's front. 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 design with a black dashboard accented by polished metallic elements. The instrumentation was straightforward, with 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 cabin featured user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, climate, and infotainment system, contributing to a sense of quality.

For 2023, Subaru gave the Outback a facelift, featuring redesigned LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray cladding. The new front end, with its simulated skid plate and fog lights in oversized housings, gave the Outback a more aggressive look. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, complemented the bold design changes, making it more appealing, especially in darker paint colors.

The Onyx Edition became more accessible in 2023, available with both the base and turbocharged powertrains. The standard 2.5-liter engine was offered in various trims, while the turbocharged XT models provided better acceleration. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown Nappa leather, showcased an upscale interior with contrasting stitching and premium materials. Despite some hard plastic elements, the cabin felt high-quality, and the flat door sills added practicality for roof rack use.

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 SX Turbo trim, however, featured a more robust 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine made the Sportage feel quick, especially beneficial 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, which included a locking center differential. The SX Turbo's acceleration was impressive, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The suspension setup, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride. The SX Turbo also had upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels, contributing to its athletic and sporty feel.

The 2023 Subaru Outback used horizontally opposed engines, known for their flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-liter engine produced 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, but our 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated 28 mpg combined, but we achieved only 25.6 mpg. For better performance, the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the XT models offered 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, though at the cost of fuel efficiency.

Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic. The Outback's standard AWD system varied power distribution as needed, and the X-Mode traction system optimized performance on challenging terrain. The Outback excelled off-road and in snowy conditions, thanks to its ground clearance and drivetrain capabilities. In urban settings, its visibility and size made parking and navigating tight spaces easy. However, the standard engine's lack of power was noticeable, especially at higher elevations.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in the compact crossover segment, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded and 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a robust roof rack and flat door sills. The Touring trim offered a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. Rear passengers also had heated seats and ample legroom. The Outback's cargo space measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The flat door sills served as steps for accessing the roof rack, adding to the vehicle's practicality. However, more interior storage space would have been beneficial.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included UVO Link connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. However, the UVO Link system lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The base model had a 7-inch screen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity, Starlink connected services, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was improved but still had confusing graphics and icons. The voice-recognition system was unreliable, making wireless smartphone connectivity essential. Additional tech included a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

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 also featured adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight technology, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering. The Outback Limited and Touring included a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The Outback received top safety ratings from IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems felt artificial, and the rear automatic braking system was incompatible with some driveways.