2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Lexus NX

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's fake mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a Volkswagen-like symmetry in the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The use of buttons and knobs made it user-friendly, and the solid transmission shifter added a touch of quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX underwent a redesign that emphasized simplicity and refinement. The NX's spindle grille was unmistakably Lexus, and the new block lettering on the tailgate signaled a fresh design direction. The NX was longer, wider, and taller, offering more space for passengers and cargo. The interior featured NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather and open-pore wood trim available in the Executive Package. The F Sport trim stood out with its unique mesh-pattern grille, body-colour fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the F Sport offered sport-bolstered seats and a new steering wheel. The minimalist interior design, however, came at the cost of some functionality, as many controls were integrated into the 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models came with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive but unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it suitable 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 between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm. The SUV's suspension provided a smooth and compliant ride, though it exhibited some body roll and lateral rocking. While the Sportage SX was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered a range of powertrains, including electrified options. The NX 350h hybrid delivered 239 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 302 hp and an estimated 61 km of pure electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. On winding roads, the F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the regular NX 350 offered a more relaxed driving experience. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. The NX was not designed for off-road use, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded and 868 litres behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Lexus NX claimed to offer more interior space, though it felt more intimate from the driver's seat. The NX provided comfort with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. Cargo capacity increased by 14%, with 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

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 features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system as an option. The NX offered cloud-based features, though connectivity was limited in remote areas. The Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect services. The new tech was impressive, though the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. 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 Lexus NX featured the comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had a standard blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety features were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.