Overview
The 2022 Kia Sportage is starting to show its age versus newer competition, but the compact crossover still possesses an upscale appearance and charming driving dynamics. With its corporate cousin–the 2022 Hyundai Tucson–fresh off a major makeover, we expect the Sportage to get a similar treatment in the near future. Until then, Kia hopes to keep shoppers satisfied with the SUV’s attractive and well-built interior, which offsets its small cargo area with roomy passenger space. While its standard four-cylinder engine provides sufficient, albeit unremarkable, motivation, a more powerful turbocharged version is available for zippier movement. Too bad it’s only offered on the most expensive model and isn’t as fuel efficient as some rivals, such as the top-spec Mazda CX-5. Still, the 2022 Sportage is entertaining to drive with either engine—and that improves its appeal until the next generation is revealed.
What’s New for 2022?
For the 2022 model year, Kia makes modest changes to the Sportage lineup, with the previously optional Nightfall Edition package replacing the S trim level. The base LX model also adds the newly named Value Edition package, which includes features that used to be reserved for fancier trims. The list includes dark 18-inch wheels, heated front seats, passive keyless entry and push-button start, and more. Every Sportage EX now comes with a panoramic sunroof, and the EX Technology package and SX Turbo models both add 10 years of complimentary map updates as well as new software and features for their navigation systems.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
While we love the speedy turbocharged model, it’s hard to justify its price given that the less powerful engine is still enjoyable to drive. Depending on what trim level you choose, the bottom line will increase by $1500–$1700 when you add all-wheel drive. We think the EX trim combines the best features at a reasonable price. Every Sportage includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, passive entry, and a power-operated liftgate. For those who want a more luxurious experience, we’d recommend adding the EX Technology package for its adaptive cruise control, leather surfaces, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, upgraded audio system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sportage’s driving behavior depends on what’s under the hood. Most models have a 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder that’s sedate but will satisfy most people’s needs. Those looking for a zestier option with quicker acceleration will want the 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four, which is only available on the top-of-the-line SX Turbo trim. While a front-wheel-drive version of the spiciest Sportage that we tested several years ago was speedy, our more recent test of an all-wheel-drive SX Turbo was less impressive in that department. Still, we appreciated the prompt responses from its six-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard on every model. There’s also not a night-and-day difference in driving enjoyment between the two engines, although the turbocharged engine can turn mundane milk runs into rollicking rides. All Sportage models have above-average handling characteristics.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
In its segment, the Sportage lives near the bottom of the fuel-sipping hierarchy, well below what the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V achieve. The front-drive, base-engine Sportage earns 23 mpg city and 30 highway, according to the EPA. Those numbers drop by 1 and 4 mpg, respectively, when all-wheel drive is added. The front-drive turbo model has EPA estimates of 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, but those figures drop to 19 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive SX Turbo returned a measly 23 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. The Kia’s real-world result is substantially lower than the 29 mpg we saw on an all-wheel-drive, turbocharged CX-5. For more information about the Sportage’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Some editors have compared this Kia’s interior to those of Audi products, which means that Kia is doing something right. The Sportage’s cabin is well executed and filled with a pleasing mix of quality materials and nifty, functional features. It’s a spacious enough environment for passengers but not cargo. The rear-seat accommodations will fit adults, but you might hear some complaining about the low placement of the seat cushion. Cargo space is limited for the class and storage room for smaller items is lacking, but its seats-down carry-on-luggage capacity and adjustable load floor make up for some of that.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every model is fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The system is easy to use thanks to physical knobs and buttons, but its menus have small icons, and the design doesn’t look as sophisticated as the rest of the interior. Desirable options are wireless device charging and built-in navigation.ÂÂ
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2022 Sportage offers an assortment of standard driver-assistance technology as well as a couple of options. For more information about the Sportage’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Kia offers a significantly better warranty plan than its competitors, but rivals such as the Chevy Equinox and the Toyota RAV4 include complimentary scheduled maintenance whereas this ute doesn’t.
- Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
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