2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's signature design elements, offering a sharp and sculpted exterior that was reminiscent of its siblings, the smaller UX and larger RX. The NX 300 and 300 F Sport gasoline models were available, with the latter focusing on a sportier appearance. The F Sport variant featured a distinctive honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its athletic look. Inside, the F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats and a choice of interior color schemes, including a bold Circuit Red. The interior was well-crafted, with excellent material fit and finish, though the design of the center stack and gauge cluster felt somewhat dated compared to competitors.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage presented a more modern and stylish design, despite some criticism of its tiger-nose grille. The SUV's exterior was well-executed, with design cues reminiscent of luxury brands like Porsche and Volkswagen. The SX Turbo trim added to its appeal with 19-inch wheels and a planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design approach, featuring a black dashboard with metallic accents and comfortable seating. The SX Turbo trim offered perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel, providing a premium feel. The interior was spacious, with generous legroom for rear passengers and thoughtful storage solutions.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While not designed for sporty driving, it offered a capable performance, with a 0-60 mph time of around seven seconds. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX's all-wheel-drive system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX also featured an adaptive suspension system for a comfortable ride, though steering feedback was minimal.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with the SX Turbo trim featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 240 horsepower (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission and optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential ensured power delivery to the wheels. The Sportage's ride was smooth and compliant, with a sophisticated driving character. While it felt athletic in turns, the steering could have been sharper. The SX Turbo trim included upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels for enhanced performance.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable interior with ample room for front and rear passengers. The front seats were spacious, and the second-row seats provided sufficient legroom for adults. However, cargo space was limited, with only 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The NX featured a power liftgate with kick sensor technology and optional power-folding rear seats.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, provided a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim offered luxurious features like perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. While interior storage was ample, the Sportage's cargo capacity was modest, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. However, the Lexus infotainment system was criticized for its complexity and reliance on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, though the UVO Link system lacked some advanced features like a WiFi hotspot. Despite its simplicity, the system was easy to navigate and adjust.

The 2021 Lexus NX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included features like lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, while park assist and a surround-view camera were optional. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall safety rating.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for a Top Safety Pick award.