2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Despite its age, the GX's styling remained coherent, with a massive grille that was distinctive yet aggressive, appealing to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not match the modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a standard feature, but the overall interior feel was not up to par with contemporary luxury SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage showcased a more modern design, although the tiger-nose grille was not as well-received. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with a stylish 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, polished metallic accents, and user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy access to various functions. The interior exuded an upscale feel, with a solid transmission shifter enhancing the sense of quality.

The 2021 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's hefty weight of 2,349 kilograms made high-speed maneuvers challenging. The SUV's body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capabilities, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road modes. It also boasted a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with the SX trim featuring a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided quick acceleration, especially beneficial at higher elevations. The Sportage's six-speed automatic transmission and Dynamax all-wheel-drive system ensured a smooth and compliant ride. The SX trim included upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty character. While the Sportage handled well in turns, the steering could have been sharper, and the tires offered limited grip. Overall, the Sportage delivered a fun driving experience, though not as refined as some competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position contributed to a bus-like driving feel. Despite these drawbacks, the GX offered excellent outward visibility, thanks to its boxy profile. The interior storage was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, provided a surprisingly 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 USB charging ports. The Sportage offered 1,703 litres of cargo space with the second-row seats folded, though it fell short of segment leaders. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces. The GX featured a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the overall tech offering was minimal for a luxury SUV.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim added UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, and a Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, with a small screen and wired smartphone mirroring. Despite these limitations, the system was easy to use and offered a logical user experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX did not have crash-test ratings from NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 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 NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.