2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, showcased a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, giving it a unique yet familiar appearance. Despite its sporty F Sport Black Line enhancements, including a larger mesh grille and dark-finish 18-inch wheels, the NX's design had not evolved significantly over the years. The Grecian Water blue paint added a vibrant contrast to the otherwise subdued color palette, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the NX's radical design from its debut had become commonplace, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials like wood trim. The F Sport package added sporty touches such as a heated steering wheel and aluminum pedals, but the overall material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage featured a design that was both stylish and functional, despite some criticism of its tiger-nose grille. The SUV's proportions and stance were well-executed, with design elements reminiscent of higher-end brands. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues, with a black dashboard accented by polished metallics and straightforward instrumentation. The SX Turbo trim offered upscale features like metal pedal covers and a high-contrast interior color scheme. The layout was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy access to controls, contributing to an upscale feel every time the vehicle was driven.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The drivetrain struggled with seamless power delivery, especially under heavy acceleration, and the steering lacked responsiveness. The sport-tuned suspension in the F Sport package improved handling without sacrificing ride comfort, but the overall driving experience felt less refined compared to newer models.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with the SX Turbo trim delivering a robust 240 horsepower (237 with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain provided quick acceleration, especially beneficial at higher elevations. The six-speed automatic transmission and optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential enhanced its capability. The Sportage's ride was smooth and compliant, with a sophisticated driving character. However, the steering could have been sharper, and the tires offered limited grip in aggressive maneuvers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Sportage was fun to drive and offered a spirited performance.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats due to thick rear pillars. Front seats were comfortable with excellent support, and options like heated and ventilated seats were available. The dashboard design was sporty, with controls easily accessible, but rear visibility was compromised. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. Features like a power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though compact, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery with power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated options, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and amenities like air vents and a USB port. Cargo space was decent, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with them folded. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access, adding convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, the system felt dated with text-heavy menus and poor graphics. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a worthwhile upgrade.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with logical menus and easy-to-use controls. However, the UVO Link system lacked advanced features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. It received favorable crash-test ratings, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.