2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic-inspired design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and user-friendly buttons and knobs, creating an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Terrain underwent a styling refresh, featuring updated front styling, wheel designs, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level added a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels, and AT4 badges, along with a steel skid plate for off-road protection. The test vehicle's Ebony Twilight metallic paint and black leather interior, though stylish, proved challenging to keep clean. The Terrain's interior, while roomy, fell short of luxury expectations, with materials and execution not quite matching its price tag. The pushbutton transmission controls, though freeing up console space, were not intuitive, and the head-up display's clear plastic panel felt like a shortcut.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models featured a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling choice for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all but the base LX FWD model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, and a smooth, compliant ride thanks to its MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension.

The 2022 GMC Terrain, on the other hand, was equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine generating 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. While the previous 2.0-litre engine was missed for its acceleration and towing capacity, the 1.5-litre engine offered adequate performance, with torque available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band, but the SUV lacked the power for rapid acceleration. The Terrain AT4 featured a four-wheel independent suspension and 17-inch wheels, providing a smooth ride on highways and city streets. However, its off-road capabilities were limited, with the front end scraping on uneven terrain.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in size, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with 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's cargo space, however, was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded down. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 GMC Terrain excelled in interior space and comfort. The AT4 trim featured power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat offered ample legroom and support, with a rear USB charging port. The Terrain's cargo space was impressive, with 838 litres behind the second row and 1,792 litres with the rear seats folded down. The front passenger seat could also be folded for longer items. Despite some storage tray disappointments, the Terrain provided numerous storage solutions throughout the cabin.

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, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking a Wi-Fi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems, with the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims featuring an 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and GMC Connected Services. The Infotainment Package II upgrade added connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was highly praised for its accuracy and responsiveness. The Terrain also featured a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Kia Sportage's EX and SX trims included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim also featured adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Pro Safety Plus Package, available on higher trims, added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Terrain received mostly "Good" crash-test scores from the IIHS, though it earned a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain at the time of review.