2022 Kia Sportage vs Ford Escape

The Escape is a well-known SUV from Ford, recognized for its family-friendly design, and the Sportage is a popular model from Kia that has contributed significantly to the brand's recent success. Although the 2022 Kia Sportage and 2022 Ford Escape share many similarities, there are also some noteworthy differences that may influence drivers' preferences. Ultimately, these distinctions may lead drivers to favor one model over the other.

 

The Powertrain

Nearly every trim level of the 2022 Sportage is powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that creates 184-horsepower. Those who desire more acceleration can choose the SX Turbo, which has a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 240-horsepower. Either engine is paired to a six-speaker automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard across the board, but each trim level is also available with an all-wheel drive.

The standard engine for the 2022 Escape is a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder, which allows for it to make 181-horsepower. Buyers who choose the Titanium trim level get a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5L engine. It creates 200-horsepower total. This engine is also available for the SE and the SEL. Optional for the SEL as well as the Titanium is a turbocharged four-cylinder that creates 250-horsepower for more exhilaration at the wheel.

The Ford Escape is available in various engine and transmission combinations - the turbo three-cylinder comes with an eight-speed automatic as standard, whilst hybrid variants feature a continuously variable option. You can also opt for all-wheel drive when selecting the four cylinder model, giving you even more power to escape anything life throws at you.

The fuel economy numbers for the 2022 Sportage are disappointing. Choosing the base engine and front-wheel drive will mean getting 23mpg in the city and 30mpg on the highway. Swapping to all-wheel drive will drop those numbers to 22mpg city and only 26mpg highway. Models with the turbocharged engine and front-wheel drive are estimated to get 20mpg city and 28mpg highway, while that engine with all-wheel drive can get 19mpg city and 24mpg highway.

With a multitude of engine and drivetrain options, the Escape is sure to suit everyone's needs when it comes to fuel-efficiency. From 28 mpg in city driving for its front wheel three-cylinder model - all the way up to 40 mpg combined with its hybrid powertrain - you can rest assured that this vehicle offers plenty of efficient choices! But if you're looking for maximum efficiency without sacrificing on horsepower? The turbo four cylinder will get your heart racing at 22/31mpg (city/highway).

When properly configured, the Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,000 pounds. If buyers need a bit more, the 2022 Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds when it has the right equipment.

Kia offers their famous warranty for the 2022 Sportage. It covers five years or 60,000 miles overall and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Ford gives the Escape a more standard warranty length, with the basic one covering three years or 36,000 miles and the powertrain getting covered for five years or 60,000 miles.

Drivability

When it comes to the ride and handling, the 2022 Sportage is perfectly acceptable. It will not be described as sporty by any means, but it absorbs the bumps over the road and provides nice steering feedback. The 2022 Escape can be described similarly, although it experiences more body roll than the Sportage.

The Kia Sportage may not be the ideal pick for drivers who need serious towing power, since its capacity is lacking compared to larger SUVs. Additionally, those expecting a significant amount of cargo area might feel let down by the limited interior space - 30.7 cubic feet behind Row 2 and less than 60 total when both rows are folded flat - paling in comparison against models from other automakers on the market.

The Escape delights with an impressively spacious interior, making it a more comfortable and accommodating choice for those who need the extra room. It offers 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats-- nearly 7 cubes greater than that offered by its competitor, the Sportage! And when you fold down all rear seating to maximize your storage potential, you'll get access up to 65.4 cubes of volume -- one of highest capacities in this vehicle class.

With the Kia Sportage, tech-minded drivers can enjoy an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a six-speaker sound system. Although it trails behind in cargo space compared to the Ford Escape S, owners of this SUV get access to features like Wi-Fi hotspot that are not available anywhere else.

Looking for an advanced infotainment system in your Ford Escape? The SE model boasts a 8-inch touchscreen and includes features like Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, satellite radio and two rear USB ports. For music lovers looking to take it up a notch, the Sportage can be upgraded with an eight-speaker sound system from Harman Kardon while those opting for the Escape have access to powerful audio experience of Bang & Olufsen's incredible 10 speaker setup! Both vehicles also offer convenient wireless charging pads as well.

When it comes to the quality of the cabins, the Sportage wins once again. It utilizes upscale materials, even in its base model. The 2022 Escape goes with quite a few hard plastics and feels less sophisticated overall. As far as interior space, both the Sportage and Escape have plenty of room in both rows of seating. Giving the Escape a slight edge is the ability of its backseat to slide.

Heated front seats are standard for the Escape starting with the SEL trim level. Buyers need to go a bit higher on the Sportage trim level to get this feature, which is added by the EX. A heated steering wheel is added by the upper trim levels of both the Escape and the Sportage. No model of the Escape offers ventilated front seats, while the Sportage has them available on the EX through an optional package.

Safety

The 2022 Kia Sportage and Ford Escape have both demonstrated exceptional safety protocols, earning a perfect five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. While they scored similarly in side crashes with each vehicle receiving top marks, their performance differed when it came to frontal collisions and rollover tests. In those categories, the Sportage achieved four stars while its rival managed full points; however this figure is considered average for SUVs of that size anyway.

Whether you're a cautious driver or someone who's always on the go, the 2022 Kia Sportage has got your back. Underneath its chic exterior lies an array of advanced safety features that provide added peace-of-mind – from essential components like forward collision warning and lane keeping assist to more niche amenities such as rear cross traffic alert and automatic high beams! So no matter where life takes you, this sleek ride will make sure every journey is handled with care.

Blind-spot monitoring becomes standard for the Sportage Nightfall Edition, which is just above the entry-level LX. The EX trim level can add adaptive cruise control and parking sensors by equipping the EX Technology package. Meanwhile, the Escape adds parking sensors on its SEL trim level. Select models can also have the Co-Pilot 360+ package, which includes evasive steering assist, navigation, and adaptive cruise control.

Which Has the Best Value?

When trying to decide between the 2022 Kia Sportage and Ford Escape, drivers need to consider a number of factors. While the Sportage starts at an affordable $24,090 for its base model - lower than most in this class - it is worth noting that upgrading both SUVs with all-wheel drive will cost you about $1,500 more on top of their average starting prices (the Escape beginning around $25,555; the highest trim running over 35K). Whoever takes home one of these vehicles needs only think deeply about what fits within their budget and aligns best with personal preferences.

The Sportage and the Escape are two competitively priced SUVs, each offering unique benefits depending on individual needs. The Sportage has advanced technology as well as an elegant interior for a lower cost; whereas the Escape presents superior safety features, towing ability, and spacious cargo room. Ultimately it is up to buyers to choose the vehicle that best accommodates their requirements while staying within their budget range.

When considering the true cost to own a vehicle, depreciation and fuel costs should be taken into account. The 2022 Sportage LX is expected to depreciate $9,600 by year five but will come with higher estimated fuel expenses than its rival - the three-cylinder Escape S - which has an anticipated loss in value of around $11,350 over that same time period at 15k miles annually but lower associated gas prices.

Repair estimates for the Sportage in five years come in at $525. During that same time, owners of the Escape will have to pay around $800. Maintenance costs go the other way, however. The Sportage will cost around $5,150, while the Escape will cost around $4,050.

When opting for the more luxurious versions of these two SUVs, like the Sportage SX Turbo with AWD and Escape Titanium also with AWD, keep in mind that the value will not remain equal. The estimated depreciation shows us that after five years, you'd be looking at a $16K loss on your Kia Sportage versus an $18.25K drop when settling for Ford's Escape Titanium model - giving you extra money to put towards other fun activities.

In terms of fuel costs, there appears to be very less difference when comparing the more powerful versions of these SUVs. The Sportage SX Turbo will cost around $14,000, while the Escape will cost around $13,500 for the same distance covered. Once again, the Sportage will cost a bit more in maintenance but a bit less in repairs when compared to the Escape.

 

Which is Better?

Both the 2022 Kia Sportage and the 2022 Ford Escape are considered attractive options in the small SUV world. They both are spacious and have multiple advanced driver assistance features. Buyers can also choose from various powertrains when considering either of these options.

With its impressive starting price and wide range of sophisticated technologies, the Sportage offers an unbeatable value for money. Its low depreciation rate ensures that this vehicle will retain a high resale value over long periods, no matter how far your adventures take you. Designed with comfort in mind; enjoy every journey even more from within the ultra-modern cabin.

Whether you're an adventurous traveler with a passion for road trips or someone who simply needs to haul and tow, the Ford Escape offers something special. With its spacious cargo capacity, impressive towing figures, and standard driver aids like blind-spot monitoring—not to mention hybrid/three-cylinder engine options that can save on fuel costs - the Escape is ready for any adventure.

Deciding between the 2022 Kia Sportage and Ford Escape can be a tough call. The Escape offers an unbeatable combination of fuel efficiency, ample cargo space, and wallet-friendly cost. On the other hand, those looking for a vehicle with longer warranty coverage or luxurious cabin features will find that the Sportage is their perfect fit.