2022 Kia Sportage

History/Overview

The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle that packs a lot of style into its tidy footprint. Last redesigned in 2017, the Sportage has aged well thanks especially to front-end styling that resembles some more-expensive European designs.

With a new Sportage on its way for the 2023 model year, the 2022 model sees only minor changes – namely a new LX Nightsky trim level that replaces last year’s LX S.

Available Trims

Kia offers the Sportage in LX, LX Nightsky, EX S, EX Premium S, and SX trim levels. Most use a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, but SX gets a 2.0L turbocharged motor that brings a big power bonus. Both engines come standard with a six-speed automatic transmission. LX starts with FWD, but all other trims are AWD.

Standard Features

LX’s exterior features include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic on/off projection headlights, fog lights, keyless entry, and heated/power-adjustable side mirrors.

Inside, LX comes with heated front seats, power windows/door locks, A/C, an 8.0-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and cruise control.

LX Nightsky adds 18-inch wheels, gloss black exterior trim, and blind spot warning with rear cross traffic alert.

EX S adds LED daytime running and positioning lights, a panoramic sunroof, chrome and silver exterior trim, a power driver’s seat, a heated/leather steering wheel, leather shifter trim, wireless smartphone charging, an electric parking brake, passive keyless entry, push-button engine start, lane keep assist, and forward collision alert/avoidance.

EX Premium S gains LED headlights and taillights, artificial leather seating, dual-zone A/C, a hands-free power tailgate, and rear parking sensors.

Finally, SX trim adds 19-inch wheels; LED fog lights; dual exhaust tips; real leather upholstery; a power front passenger seat; heated rear seats and ventilated front seats; sport pedals and steering wheel; gloss black, chrome and stainless steel interior trim; navigation, an upgraded stereo, satellite radio, a USB charging port, radar cruise control, connected car services, advanced forward collision avoidance assist, and front parking sensors.

Fuel Economy

Sportage fuel consumption starts at 10.1/7.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.4L engine and FWD, and rises to 10.8/9.1 L/100 km with AWD. The 2.0L turbo/AWD combination is rated for 12.1/9.6 L/100 km (city/highway).

Competition

The Sportage is among the oldest designs in the very popular compact crossover class, where it competes with its super-fresh Hyundai Tucson sibling, along with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape. There’s also the Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Jeep Cherokee, the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.