2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated almost all chrome from its exterior. This gave the SUV a bold, monochromatic appearance that was both modern and aggressive. However, the GX's design was reminiscent of its predecessors, with a look that seemed dated despite the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the cabin was crafted with the high-quality materials and refinement for which Lexus was known, offering a quiet and luxurious environment. The GX's interior, though similar in theme to earlier models, provided a sense of timeless elegance and comfort.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid embraced a more contemporary and daring design. Built on the N3 platform, it was larger than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom and a more spacious cabin. The Sportage Hybrid featured a radically styled front end with angular LED headlights and distinctive "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, setting it apart from other vehicles. Inside, the Sportage Hybrid boasted a clean, minimalist design centered around a large optional infotainment display. The interior was elegant, with thoughtful touches like the shape of the air vents echoed in the door handles, and a focus on practicality with features like a dual-level cargo floor and clever cupholder designs.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, aided by its torque-rich engine. The SUV featured a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock, providing a 40/60 power split between the front and rear wheels. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) improved stability and off-road capability, but the steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, on the other hand, utilized a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain provided smooth and predictable acceleration, with seamless transitions between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid's six-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, offering smooth shifts and quick responses. While not designed as a driver's car, the Sportage Hybrid offered a comfortable ride and a quiet cabin. Its maximum towing capacity was 2,000 pounds, slightly less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position and clear visibility, with comfortable seats and well-padded interior surfaces. However, the interior featured some outdated switchgear, and the placement of controls was occasionally confusing. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone automatic climate control. The GX's third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, and its presence reduced cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading, with limited cargo capacity of 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom and cargo space than the non-hybrid version. It featured a dual-level cargo floor, providing 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid's interior was thoughtfully designed, with a rotary shift knob, large storage bins, and clever cupholder designs. The cabin was practical and user-friendly, with ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation. The system was easy to use, with a dual-screen view for navigation and radio display. However, the placement of stereo controls was awkward, and the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad remained, taking up valuable space. The GX also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system as an option, along with standard Intuitive Parking Assist and available surround-view cameras.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic display with a digital instrument cluster. The system was visually impressive and user-friendly, with touch controls and analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. The Sportage Hybrid also included multiple USB-C ports, wireless phone charging, and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age, but it came with Lexus Safety System+, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist and semi-autonomous driving systems.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, with its recent redesign, did not have crash-test ratings available at the time of testing. The base LX trim included forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sportage Hybrid offered advanced safety technologies not found in some competitors, such as Remote Smart Parking Assist.