2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While the tiger-nose grille was a signature element for Kia, it seemed somewhat out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween costume accessory rather than a cohesive design feature. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running lights reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design that echoed Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design approach, featuring a black dashboard with polished metallic accents and straightforward instrumentation. The use of buttons and knobs for controls made the interior user-friendly and imparted a sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX offered a more modern and sophisticated exterior design. Built in Canada, the RX was shorter in height but broader and longer in wheelbase than its predecessor, giving it a more compact appearance. The spindle-style grille was seamlessly integrated, complemented by a light-blade taillight design and sporty rear bumper. The RX's interior was thoroughly modern, with fewer buttons and a focus on digital instrumentation. The available 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display was central to the cabin, and the use of high-quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood trim elevated the luxury feel. The RX's design was both familiar and fresh, ensuring it stood out without being overly aggressive.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with most models featuring a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage SX, however, boasted a more powerful 237 hp engine with 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 model. The Sportage SX delivered quick acceleration, with torque peaking between 1,450 and 3,500 rpm, providing a lively driving experience. The suspension setup offered a smooth ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. Overall, the Sportage SX was fun to drive, though not as refined as some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, generating 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered more torque than the previous V6, improving performance at higher altitudes and delivering better fuel economy. During testing, the RX 350 Executive trim displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more composed, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, and fuel economy was estimated at 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX's performance was satisfying, though the engine's sound was less refined than the V6.

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 front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, ten-way power adjustment for the driver, and eight-way for the passenger. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added to the comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. However, cargo space was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded and 868 litres behind the back seat. The Sportage's smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable and luxurious interior, with the Executive trim featuring semi-aniline premium leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport 3 trim provided a sportier cabin with NuLuxe simulated leather seats and Dark Graphite trim. Both trims offered heated and ventilated front seats, though the F Sport's bolsters might be too snug for some. The rear seat was roomy and supportive, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. Cargo space improved over the previous generation, with 838 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,308 litres with them folded, though still not class-leading.

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. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for volume and tuning, though the UVO system was starting to show its age with limited screen size and wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Lexus RX introduced the new Lexus Interface multimedia system, available with a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and streaming services like Apple Music were available. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system delivered excellent audio quality, though it required some adjustment. The RX also offered a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key technology, though the HUD could be difficult to see with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Kia Sportage EX and SX trims featured forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were also included. The SX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings, though only the SX earned an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Lexus RX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. While LSS+ 3.0 was impressive, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were less intuitive. The HUD could be difficult to read with polarized sunglasses, and the driver monitoring system was sensitive to obstructions.