2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of exterior design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille worked well on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed less fitting on the Sportage. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, resembled a fake mustache, detracting from the SUV's overall aesthetic. Despite this, Kia nailed other design elements, such as the four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and the Volkswagen-style symmetry of the rear. The Sportage's 19-inch alloy wheels, pushed to the corners, gave it a well-proportioned and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage exuded a Germanic design ethos with a black dashboard accented by polished metallic elements. The instrumentation was straightforward, featuring plain white markings on a black background. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system. The transmission shifter's solid operation added to the upscale feel of the Sportage.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that lent it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna. This flourish added unnecessary visual weight, making the Highlander appear bloated in the hips. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high on the dash, reducing driver distraction. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed more suited to a paper towel than a car. The Softex synthetic leather substitute felt more like vinyl, disappointing compared to more convincing alternatives. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row suffered from even more plastic, making it uncomfortable for extended use.

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, forming a competitive but unremarkable powertrain. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for a compact crossover, especially beneficial for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Dynamax all-wheel-drive system was standard on all grades except the entry-level LX FWD, featuring a locking centre differential for equal power distribution at low speeds. The Sportage SX offered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, creating a surprising surge of power. In Sport mode, the SUV adopted a frenetic personality, eager to accelerate. The Sportage's suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, with a hint of body roll. The SX's upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels enhanced its sporty feel, though it wasn't as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, utilizing a supplemental electric motor for the rear axle. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs in its class. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The engine hum was subtle under light pressure but became a drone when more power was needed, especially on hills. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, allowing the Highlander to corner with adequate confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, making it one of the quieter midsize SUVs, provided the engine wasn't pushed too hard.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover scale, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and piping. The driver's seat had ten-way power adjustment, while the front passenger enjoyed an eight-way power adjustment, rare for the class. The SX's front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated flat-bottom steering wheel was standard. Rear seat legroom was generous, with comfortable seating and air conditioning vents and a USB charging port for passengers. The SX grade also featured heated rear seats. Interior storage was generous, but maximum cargo volume was limited. With the second-row seats folded, the Sportage offered 1,703 litres of cargo space, falling short of segment leaders. The 868 litres behind the back seat was acceptable, accommodating four full-sized suitcases. The Sportage's smart liftgate technology was a hands-free feature, opening when standing near the back for a few seconds, but it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. However, the driver's door armrest was just out of reach, creating an awkward lean. Storage was ample, with a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating six-footers with ease, and featured sliding and reclining captain's chairs for versatility. A second-row bench was a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. From XLE, a power moonroof was included, along with built-in window shades, two USB charge ports, and a household power outlet. The third-row seat was less accommodating, intended for occasional use by children, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, small for the class, but expanded to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded. At maximum, with the second row stowed, it offered 2,387 litres, about average for three-row SUVs. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with a standard 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 premium audio system with Clari-Fi digital music restoration technology. USB data and charging ports were also included. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system was falling behind in technological sophistication, with an 8-inch screen considered small, no WiFi hotspot, and hit-and-miss voice-recognition technology. Smartphone mirroring was wired instead of wireless, but the system remained simple and easy to use.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's technology features met expectations but didn't exceed them. A standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen was available, with a 12.3-inch option for the top trim. The larger display had a glossy surface that reflected the front passenger seat, obscuring the screen in harsh lighting. The infotainment system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons for commonly used features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Satellite radio and remote vehicle monitoring and control were included with limited trial periods. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were standard on the Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2022 Kia Sportage's EX and SX grades included safety features such as forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. A blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert was also equipped on these trims and the LX Nightsky trim. The SX test vehicle had adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The technology was effective, though the lane-keeping assistance could be irritating when not needed. 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 laurel.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved an overall five out of five score in NHTSA crash tests, with four stars for frontal collision and rollover protection. The IIHS named the standard Highlander a Top Safety Pick+, its highest honour, with "Good" scores across the board. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. A surround view camera system and head-up display were only offered in the top Platinum trim. Rain-sensing wipers were included on Platinum and the Bronze Edition. The systems generally worked as advertised but could use fine-tuning, with adaptive cruise control resulting in abrupt stops and lane-keep assist creating resistance in the steering wheel.