2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a subtle evolution rather than a complete redesign, maintaining its iconic broad, rounded face and expansive sheet metal. The most noticeable change was at the rear, where the old square taillights were replaced with sleek LED strips integrated into a darker trim. The interior was simplified with fewer buttons, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements enhanced the luxurious feel, while the solid build quality ensured a quiet and refined ride. The Range Rover's interior quality surpassed that of competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7, rivaling even more expensive options like the Maybach or Bentley.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform, was larger than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom. Its bold styling featured angular LED headlights and distinctive "boomerang" LED daytime running lights. The interior boasted a minimalist design centered around a large optional infotainment display, with SynTex artificial leather upholstery. While the material felt somewhat cheap, the cabin was otherwise well-appointed with gloss black and silver metallic finishes. The Sportage Hybrid's design was more elegant than the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and contrasted sharply with the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid's rugged aesthetic.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: a base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and an upgraded P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, impressive for its nearly 6,000-pound weight. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile, with well-managed body roll and standard rear-wheel steering for easy maneuverability. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Terrain Response system, while ride quality remained smooth and quiet.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid featured a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor, producing a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The base LX trim offered front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The powertrain delivered smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid's ride was comfortable and quiet, aided by a well-tuned transmission and thick tire sidewalls. While not a driver's car, it offered a pleasant driving experience, though its steering felt artificially heavy in Sport mode. The Sportage Hybrid's towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2022 Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C ports. The optional third row was accessible via a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 93 cubic feet with seats folded. A split tailgate and adjustable air suspension aided loading.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid had slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid model but remained competitive. It offered more front-seat headroom than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 hybrids, with best-in-class rear-seat legroom. The dual-level cargo floor provided flexibility, with 39.5 cubic feet of space with seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The Sportage Hybrid's interior featured a rotary shift knob, a large bin for phones, and clever cupholders. USB ports and optional wireless charging were also available.

The 2022 Range Rover featured a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharp graphics and quick responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered excellent sound quality, with a 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The EX model offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the SX-Prestige featured a panoramic display with a digital instrument cluster. The panoramic display was visually impressive and user-friendly, though Android Auto didn't utilize the entire screen. Touch controls and analog knobs provided a clean dashboard look. Hybrid models included USB-C ports, wireless charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2022 Range Rover lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it came standard with features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed well, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid also lacked crash-test ratings. The base LX trim included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and automatic high beams. The EX trim added blind-spot monitoring, while the SX-Prestige offered adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, a 360-degree camera system, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Sportage Hybrid's safety features were competitive, though some rivals offered adaptive cruise control as standard.