2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Lexus GX

The 2022 Lexus GX catered to those who had an affinity for the elegant yet demanding look of black-on-black vehicles. The Black Line Special Edition, an exclusive variant for the 2022 year, featured a Black Onyx paint job that eliminated almost all chrome elements from the exterior, transforming the SUV into a sleek, dark entity reminiscent of a rolling black hole. Despite its attractive surface, in less than 24 hours, the Lexus GX took on a layer of dust, diminishing its luster and making it appear older than it was.

Lexus’ second-generation GX closely mirrored the design of its 2002 predecessor. The iconic spindle grille, running lights, and triple-beam LED headlights distinguished it from older models, though it maintained a consistent design theme that seemed antiquated by 2022 standards. Inside, the cabin boasted Lexus' signature quality with smooth, refined materials and a serene atmosphere, apart from the V8's faint rumble. This luxury SUV was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, and the Black Line Special Edition starting at $60,535.

Similarly, the 2023 Kia Sportage underwent a radical transformation. The latest fifth-generation model exhibited a French-inspired design that resonated with fans of Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën. The redesign sought to invoke excitement and set itself apart from competitors. Kia's new design elements included distinctive boomerang-shaped daytime running lights, a unique grille, and textured metal trim on the D Pillar for added sophistication. The 2023 model introduced new trims, including the X-Line, X-Pro, and X-Pro Prestige, alongside the traditional LX, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims.

Inside, the 2023 Sportage introduced synthetic leather upholstery in place of traditional leather, creating a more durable and animal-friendly interior. The LX trim provided cloth seats, while the EX and above featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The driver's view was enhanced by a low beltline, aiding peripheral visibility. Higher trims housed an expansive, dual-screen display, comprising a driver information cluster and infotainment screen, giving the interior a premium feel. However, the reliance on touch-sensitive controls for basic functions like HVAC settings proved to be frustrating for some users.

The 2022 Lexus GX's performance was anchored by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This power setting facilitated a 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph. The GX also offered a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds, attributable in part to its torque. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, ensuring power distribution between the front and rear wheels (40/60 split) in normal driving scenarios.

With a tall and narrow profile reminiscent of a shoebox, the GX's aerodynamics were less than optimal, reflected in its high drag coefficient of 0.35. These factors culminated in a combined fuel economy of 16 mpg, achieved with premium gasoline. Despite its dated design, Lexus' Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) contributed significantly to driving stability by enhancing wheel articulation off-road while minimizing excessive body motion on pavement. However, the GX's steering was sluggish and heavy, and the brake pedal overly touch-sensitive.

The 2023 Kia Sportage saw the introduction of hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Yet, the conventional model featured a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine delivering 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and was available in both FWD and AWD configurations. Although this power output exceeded the preceding generation's engine, it paled compared to the previously available turbocharged option, which boasted 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the gas-powered Sportage demonstrated commendable figures: 25 mpg city, 32 highway, and 28 combined with FWD, and 23/28/25 with AWD. For rough terrains, the Sportage’s X-Pro trims brought all-terrain tires, specialized driving modes, and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, making it an off-road contender. However, the increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires made on-road driving less enjoyable due to increased noise and body lean in corners.

Inside the 2022 Lexus GX, occupants enjoyed an elevated driving position courtesy of a 10-way power-adjustable seat, providing a clear view of the road. Due to its global market design intention, the GX was tall, narrow, and relatively short, enhancing its maneuverability. The interior featured primarily physical controls, a boon for some but marred by confusingly positioned knobs. The Black Line Special Edition added simulated leather upholstery, black ash wood trim, and heated and ventilated seats.

However, ingress to the rear seat was hampered by narrow door openings, and the third-row seating was notably cramped, making it unsuitable for adults and potentially unsafe for children due to its proximity to the rear end. Cargo capacity was also limited: 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 46.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second row also folded, less than what smaller SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 offered. The side-swinging tailgate further complicated loading in tight spaces.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, by contrast, capitalized on its increased dimensions to boost interior appreciability. Its new length and wheelbase translated into exceptional rear-seat legroom of 41.3 inches and a spacious cargo area offering 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional storage in the front included a cubby ahead of the shifter, tandem cupholders, and a sizable center console.

While spacious, the Sportage’s reliance on tech could sometimes backfire. The HVAC system’s touch-sensitive controls and dual-function interface for climate and navigation/radio controls could be frustrating when trying to operate them while driving.

The 2022 Lexus GX was equipped with a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a crucial upgrade for tech-savvy consumers. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and a CD player. Lexus also provided a smartwatch-compatible app and Enform connected services, which included a WiFi hotspot. The interface offered a dual-screen view for simultaneous navigation and audio display and had commendable voice recognition technology. Notably, the stereo controls were difficult to manipulate due to their design, and the CD player seemed out of place in a 2022 vehicle.

Conversely, the 2023 Kia Sportage brought a robust suite of tech offerings. The EX trim and above hosted a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface, supplemented by a 12.3-inch driver display in the SX trim and higher. Although wired connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay was perplexing at higher trims, the technology package nonetheless impressed. Wireless charging, rear USB-C ports, navigation, Sirius XM, HD Radio, and a Harman Kardon stereo system (standard on high trims) rounded out the technologically rich package. Yet, the similar look of the on-screen icons could make operation a bit tricky when driving.

Safety was a mixed bag for the 2022 Lexus GX due to its aging structure and lack of crash-test ratings. It did offer Lexus Safety System+, encompassing adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and three years of complimentary Safety Connect services. However, it lacked modern safety technologies like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, or semi-autonomous highway driving aids found in newer luxury SUVs.

The 2023 Kia Sportage outshone in this aspect, standardizing a suite of collision-avoidance systems and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, lane-departure warning, and rear backup sensors. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, and adaptive cruise control. Top-tier trims featured innovative safety additions like the blind-view monitor and Highway Driving Assist, though these desirable features were exclusive to the most expensive trims. Like the Lexus GX, the 2023 Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.