2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer was available in Canada in several trims, including LT, True North, Premier, and RS. The LT trim featured a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional. Other trims came with a standard V6 engine and all-wheel drive, with the RS trim boasting a sophisticated twin-clutch AWD system for better traction. The Blazer's design was inspired by the Camaro, with a sporty exterior and interior. However, some design elements, like the black trim on the rear bumper, gave it an unfinished look. Inside, the Blazer featured an 8-inch touchscreen with simple controls and innovative air vents, though it had a fair amount of hard plastic. The RS trim's red interior accents matched the exterior paint, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault and Citroen. Its styling was exciting and exotic, with standout features like boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage was offered in five trims in Canada, with the base LX trim featuring front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive available. Higher trims came standard with AWD. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which was durable but not as luxurious as real leather. The Sportage's interior was spacious, with a large front windshield and a low beltline for better visibility. However, the use of hard plastic and touch-sensitive HVAC controls was a drawback.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer LT was equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, with various driving modes available. Higher trims featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine generating 308 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque, with a dual-clutch AWD system exclusive to the RS trim. The V6 engine offered strong acceleration but was often loud and unrefined. The Blazer RS's handling was firm and sporty, though it struggled on winding roads. Fuel consumption was rated at 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres, but real-world testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km.

The 2023 Kia Sportage introduced hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but the gas-powered model featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive on the LX trim, with all-wheel drive optional. The new engine was slightly more powerful than the previous model's 2.4-litre engine, with improved fuel economy. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option was a disappointment for those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. The Sportage's off-road capabilities were adequate, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer offered a comfortable and practical interior, with black leather upholstery and red accents in the RS trim. The steering wheel was adjustable and heated, while the front seats featured power adjustments, heating, and optional ventilation. The rear seats were spacious and could slide forward and back for added flexibility. Storage options were plentiful, with a large glove compartment, centre armrest bin, and door panel shelves. The Blazer's cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded down, though these numbers were small for a midsize SUV.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a larger vehicle than its predecessor, offered impressive interior space. Rear-seat legroom was 1,050 mm, with 966 mm of headroom, and the trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The front seats featured ample storage, including a cubby, cupholders, and a centre console bin. However, the Sportage's technology was overcomplicated, with touch-sensitive HVAC controls that were difficult to use while driving. The panoramic sunroof was a notable feature, adding to the cabin's airy feel.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer featured a user-friendly infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen and simple controls. The RS trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents. Storage options were abundant, with a large glove compartment and centre armrest bin. The Blazer's power rear liftgate offered hands-free operation, though its success rate was inconsistent. The cargo area measured 864 litres, expanding to 1,818 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired on the top trims, while the base LX trim offered wireless connectivity. The Sportage's technology was advanced but had some drawbacks, such as similar-looking icons and touch-sensitive controls. Bluetooth, keyless entry, and wireless charging were standard on most trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system available on the X-Line Limited.

The 2022 Chevrolet Blazer came standard with the Chevy Safety Assist suite, including forward-collision alert, pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Additional safety features included a rear-seat reminder, Teen Driver technology, and an available Safety Alert Seat. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. However, the Blazer did not receive a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS due to its headlights' performance.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim featured advanced safety technologies like a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.