2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis's inaugural SUV, was a fresh design that balanced innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh, complemented by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The SUV's design was both elegant and bold, with large wheel arches and aluminum-alloy wheels ranging from 19 to 22 inches. The rear design mirrored the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and spacious environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage had a more polarizing design with its tiger-nose grille, which some found less appealing. However, the rest of the Sportage's design was stylish, with a four-dot running light signature and a symmetrical rear fascia. The SX trim featured 19-inch alloy wheels, giving it a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and straightforward controls. The interior felt upscale, with easy-to-use buttons and knobs for the stereo and climate control, and a transmission shifter that conveyed quality.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The GV80's ride was enhanced by independent multi-link suspension and, in the 3.5T models, electronically controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T engine provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was rated at 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was 12.9 city and 10.4 highway.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the Sportage SX had a more robust 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base model. The Sportage SX offered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, and a Sport mode for a more dynamic driving experience. The suspension provided a smooth ride, with the SX benefiting from upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While the Sportage was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of some competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a centre console and stack that combined technology, design, and ergonomics. It featured a rotary gear selector, a multimedia controller with dual control capability, and capacitive touch buttons for the HVAC system. The second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. The 3.5T models included a third row, increasing passenger capacity to seven, with power-folding seats for added convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port, with heated rear seats on the SX. The Sportage's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen with split-screen displays, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates. The system supported NFC digital key functionality for Android users and offered five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims, along with a premium Lexicon audio system with 21 speakers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked some advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring. The UVO Intelligence system was considered less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 received top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It was equipped with 10 airbags, a vehicle stability management system, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also offered adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, particularly the EX and SX trims, included safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim also had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings, though only the SX trim earned an Acceptable headlight rating for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.