2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Kia Telluride

The 2021 Kia Telluride was available in four trim levels in Canada, all featuring standard all-wheel drive: EX, SX, SX Limited, and SX Limited Nightsky Edition. The base pricing ranged from $46,195 to $55,695, excluding destination charges of $1,895. The Telluride EX was noted for its value, but many opted for the SX Limited trim, which offered a luxurious feel with premium stitched Nappa leather, a simulated suede headliner, a head-up display, and heated and ventilated front- and second-row seats. The SX Limited Nightsky Edition introduced a blacked-out aesthetic with gloss black 20-inch aluminum wheels and a unique grille insert. The Telluride's design was praised for its impeccable styling, both inside and out, with only minor criticisms regarding the interior's glossy hard plastic and limited colour options.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage's design was a mix of hits and misses. While the tiger-nose grille was a signature Kia element, it didn't quite suit the Sportage, appearing awkward beneath oversized headlights. However, other design aspects were well-executed, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the Volkswagen-style symmetry of the rear. The Sportage's interior featured Germanic design cues with a black dashboard and polished metallic accents. The controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy adjustments. The transmission shifter's operation was solid and fluid, contributing to an upscale feel.

The 2021 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It featured Kia’s Drive Mode Select technology, offering Snow, Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The Telluride's AWD system included a low-speed Lock function for maximum traction, complemented by 20.3 centimetres of ground clearance. The Telluride excelled in challenging conditions, such as snow and mud, and its suspension tuning minimized head-toss, providing a smooth ride. The self-leveling rear suspension on higher trims ensured proper handling when loaded. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with test results averaging 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, while the Sportage SX featured a more powerful engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines used a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on most trims. The Sportage SX provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, with the SX receiving upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. The ride was smooth and compliant, with some body roll and lateral rocking. The Sportage felt athletic in turns but lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2021 Kia Telluride excelled in comfort and utility, with a driver’s seat offering 12-way power adjustment and a heated tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with distinctive leather upholstery. The second-row captain’s chairs were sliding, heated, and ventilated, with sunshades and separate climate control. The third-row seat was usable for adults, with easy access via a button or pass-through. Storage solutions were abundant, with smartphone-friendly bins and trays. The smart hands-free power liftgate provided convenience, revealing 601 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,455 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery, with ten-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the passenger. The front seats were heated and ventilated, with a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB port. The Sportage's cargo space was less impressive, with 1,703 litres available with seats folded and 868 litres behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology was convenient but could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Kia Telluride came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with menu shortcut buttons and intuitive operation. The SX trim included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, though sound quality was only satisfactory. The Limited grades added a head-up display with comprehensive information, including blind-spot notifications.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was easy to use, with logical menus and steering wheel controls. However, the UVO Intelligence system was less advanced, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2021 Kia Telluride included eight standard safety features, such as blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and forward-collision avoidance. Additional systems included adaptive cruise control, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Assist. The SX trim offered front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Telluride earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, despite four-star frontal-impact results.

The 2022 Kia Sportage's EX and SX grades featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for a Top Safety Pick.