2022 Kia Sportage Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

Kia knows a thing or two about vehicle design. In fact, this brand has been developing and re-designing the Sportage since this vehicle's introduction to the market space in 1993. Currently in its fifth generation, which started in 2021, the 2022 Kia Sportage is the most modern and futuristic model yet for this distinctive SUV. Worth a second look, the Kia Sportage is a great choice for those in search of a good-looking and reliable SUV. In fact, these are just a few of its best facets. Look below to see what else the 2022 Kia Sportage has to offer.

What's New for 2022?

Most of the changes for 2022 in the Kia Sportage revolve around the inclusions of varying features within this SUV's model options. The Nightfall Edition package quietly replaces the entry-level S trim, while the LX model gains a new addition in its introduction of a Value Edition package. The Value Edition package shows off a few enhancements that used to be reserve for more upscale trims. Que the introduction of heated front seats, keyless entry, and a push-button start. The Kia Sportage EX trim also gained a few modern amenities, such as a panoramic sunroof and map upgrades in its EX Technology package.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2022 Kia Sportage – The Pros

1. Nice Cabin Materials and Accents Better Than Most Competitors.

The 2022 Kia Sportage is not necessarily known as being a luxury SUV, but it has some niceties in its interior that you can appreciate. Wireless device charging, an enhanced audio system, and a panoramic sunroof are all features you can expect to see available throughout many trims of this SUV. A sleek cabin design is met with LED lighting, inconspicuous storage compartments, and heated and ventilated seats in the front.

2. Exciting Turbocharged Engine Option.

A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard for the 2022 Kia Sportage, but most buyers prefer to upgrade to the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 237 horsepower with ease. Quick acceleration and peppy steering are highlights of this powertrain setup.

3. Above-Average Handling That Stands Out.

The implementation of a spunky turbocharged engine paired with a standard six-speed automatic transmission helps the 2022 Kia Sportage stand out among rivals. This SUV boasts a satisfy ride and responsive handling that buyers can enjoy on tight city streets or out on the open road.

4. All-Wheel Drive Comes Standard.

The Kia Sportage used to leave much to be desire with its standard front-wheel drive. However, in its newest 2022 rendition, the Sportage is keeping up with the times in a new Dynamax all-wheel drive format. Bettering its handling and responsiveness on varying road types, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a pleasure to drive.

5. Drive Select Mode That Allows You to be in Control.

Made to optimize performance by perfectly timing transmission shifting, Drive Select Mode allows drivers to modify their journey based on the conditions of the road ahead. Creating a more stable and intuitive drive, Drive Select Modes consist of Normal, Sport and Eco Selections.

6. Premium Harman Kardon Sound System Integration for Entertainment.

Listening to music on your drive can make long road trips seem more bearable and short commutes enjoyable. With a Harman Kardon premium sound system, you too can feel the beat in the cabin any time you get into the 2022 Kia Sportage. Rising above other sound systems, this setup consists of 320 watts and is supported with Clari-Fi tech.

7. View Your Mobile Phone Screen on the Sportage's Touchscreen.

Wireless technology has come a long way, and we can see its culmination in the cabin of the 2022 Kia Sportage. Not only does this SUV seamlessly integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it also displays your phone's screen on the touchscreen within its cabin. This helps drivers keep their attention on the road ahead and easily control features, such as music, navigation, and phone answering, while on the road.

8. Available UVO Link Technology Allows Remote Control.

Many modern autos offer keyless entry and remote access, but few take their connectivity to realms beyond these standard layouts. The UVO Link technology of the 2022 Kia Sportage provides an interface for direct control of your Sportage right from your smartphone. You can start your vehicle or lock and unlock it remotely with this app, as well as find your vehicle or utilize voice assistant functions.

9. Specialized Structuring to Resist Collision Damage.

Taking safety seriously, the 2022 Kia Sportage is built upon a frame that is resistant to pressure and rigid against direct force. With a frame that is made of height-strength alloy steel, the Sportage relies on Iso-Structure Construction to mitigate losses and prevent serious injury or death to passengers within.

10. Down Hill Brake Control for Continued Guidance.

As one of the only models to offer this specific feature, the 2022 Kia Sportage uses Down Hill Brake Control to maintain braking consistency when traveling on an incline and maintain traction on slippery or wet surfaces. This feature is usually activated by drivers traveling in off-road conditions, where the road ahead may be questionable.

Reasons Not to Buy a 2022 Kia Sportage – The Cons

1. Tight Cargo Space.

Categorized as a compact crossover, the 2022 Kia Sportage suffers in rivaling cargo space offered by competitors. Sacrificing cargo area for passenger space in the rear, the Kia Sportage is not renowned for its ample storage space which can be disheartening for those requiring this feature.

2. Worse Fuel Economy Than Rivals.

Despite its small size, the 2022 Kia Sportage is not considered fuel efficient. In fact, its all-wheel drive pairing with the turbocharged engine only averages 19 city mpg and 24 highway mpg.

3. Turbocharged Engine That is Only Offered on the Highest Trim.

Buyers love the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine the 2022 Kia Sportage offers, but it is unfortunately only available on the higher trims. For those who do not want to pay extra for this upgrade, a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is the only other option. This can be the main downfall of the 2022 Kia Sportage for those desiring turbo power in a mid-level or base crossover model.

 

How It Stacks Up to the Competition:

In a highly saturated segment of the personal auto market, the 2022 Kia Sportage faces some stiff competition. While it manages to outperform some models, it employs more safety features than others. Still yet, sometimes the Kia Sportage's cabin design excels over some. A few of the main rivals of the 2022 Kia Sportage include the 2022 Hyundai Tucson and the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Hyundai Tucson

To kick things off, the 2022 Kia Sportage is priced far lower than the 2022 Hyundai Tucson. However, this is not always a good thing if the features and amenities it includes are not comparable. Yet, as we further explore the comparison of the 2022 Kia Sportage and the 2022 Hyundai Tucson, we find that the Sportage boasts a better warranty, safety features and great value than the comparable Tucson. In fact, many buyers even say the 2022 Hyundai Tucson is noisy on the road and does not offer Apple CarPlay integration with its upgraded touchscreen. These are serious downfalls that allow the 2022 Kia Sportage to reign supreme over the 2022 Hyundai Tucson.

2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 is still the most recent version of this crossover, but that does not mean it will not give the 2022 version of the Kia Sportage a run for its money. Considered to be rivals by many consumers, the 2022 Kia Sportage and 2021 Mazda CX-5 are often both evaluated when making a compact crossover purchase. Featuring many similar elements, both crossovers are futuristic and well-equipped. Priced competitively, the Sportage and the CX-5 are intense rivals. Where one vehicle fails, the other succeeds. For example, the Sportage is less fuel efficient than the CX-5, but the CX-5 has a less desirable warranty than the Sportage. The 2022 Kia Sportage also handles better in tight spaces and offers comparable passenger space. For the price and features included, most agree that the 2022 Kia Sportage is a better deal than the 2021 Mazda CX-5.

Conclusion

The 2022 Kia Sportage lays it all out on the line in its fifth generation of production. Knowing what it is capable of, the Kia Sportage does not work too hard to impress potential buyers. It is refined approach and laidback nature are, perhaps, what draws most shoppers to this compact crossover in the first place. Making up for its small interior with quality materials and comfortable seating, the 2022 Kia Sportage puts passenger convenience and comfort first and foremost. This crossover is an optimal choice for those with short commutes or those looking for a fun ride. The ability the navigate on any type of terrain is a high point for the 2022 Kia Sportage.