2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Genesis GV80

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 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-style 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 interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, exuding an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, nearly 5 metres long, featured 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim, enhancing its stately appearance. The quad lamp design continued in the rear, complemented by a hands-free liftgate. The matte Brunswick Green paint added elegance to the exterior. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats, split dash with horizontal air vents, and metal and matte wood trim created a luxurious atmosphere. The centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

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 powertrain. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, ideal 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 entry-level LX FWD. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, creating a surprising surge of power. The MacPherson strut front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. While the Sportage SX was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable highway commute. However, the GV80's acceleration to 100 km/h in about five and a half seconds was slower than some competitors, and its handling felt less precise compared to German rivals.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover SUV scale, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, and heated rear seats were standard on the SX. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. Interior storage was ample, but maximum cargo volume fell short of segment leaders, with 1,703 litres of cargo space when the second-row seats were folded down. The Sportage featured Kia's smart liftgate technology, allowing hands-free access by standing near the back of the vehicle.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of features and luxury touches. Standard features in Canada included heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester model featured ventilated front and rear seats with adjustable settings and an Ergo driver's seat to reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous interior. While a third row was available, legroom was limited to 76 centimetres, making it suitable for children. The GV80 offered Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for convenience. The tri-zone climate control system and 21-speaker Lexicon sound system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 boasted one of the largest cargo spaces in its class, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded down. Towing capacity was a healthy 2,720 kilograms.

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. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the 3D effects seemed gimmicky, the standard head-up display projected information into the driver's field of view. The infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, and the dial, though "clicky," required cycling through icons. Handwriting detection on the dial was useful for navigation and radio searches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were present but not wireless. The GV80 offered wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside, a standout feature.

The 2022 Kia Sportage 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. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also available. 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 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system displayed a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, enhancing safety. The GV80 also featured Highway Drive Assist, which used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving assistance. The system performed well, except when facing into the sun. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with Superior front crash prevention ratings.