2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Lincoln Navigator

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 at the rear. The SX trim's 19-inch alloy wheels added to its stylish and planted stance. Inside, the Sportage boasted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and straightforward instrumentation. The use of buttons and knobs for controls made it user-friendly, and the transmission shifter's solid operation added a sense of quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its imposing presence without significant updates since its 2018 redesign. The Navigator Reserve model, tested in a triple-black finish, featured the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, exuded luxury. However, the chrome plastic on some switchgear fell short of conveying true opulence. The ambient lighting added character at night, enhancing the upscale feel. Despite its size, the Navigator's cabin was spacious and comfortable, though the chrome accents occasionally detracted from the overall luxury experience.

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 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 from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The ride was smooth and compliant, with a hint of body roll, and the suspension tuning provided a sophisticated driving character. However, the steering could have been sharper, and the tires offered limited grip in aggressive turns.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD drivetrain, the Navigator offered five driving modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions. The adaptive damping suspension with Road Preview aimed to enhance ride quality, but the Navigator's ride was inconsistent, feeling truck-like over smaller bumps and floating over larger undulations. In Excite mode, the suspension stiffened, improving the ride but negatively impacting fuel efficiency. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, and its weight affected braking performance on mountain roads.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller in size, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, providing comfort for front-seat occupants. The driver's seat had ten-way power adjustment, while the front passenger enjoyed eight-way power adjustment. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel, added to the comfort. Rear passengers benefited from generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 1,703 litres available with the rear seats folded down, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating in all three rows. The test vehicle featured Lincoln's 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. While the front seats offered numerous adjustments, finding the perfect position proved challenging. Storage space was generous throughout the cabin, and the Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

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 premium 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator, on the other hand, featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system for rear passengers. The Sync 4 infotainment system included Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition. The digital assistant performed exceptionally well, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System delivered impressive sound quality. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused the phone to overheat, and the rear-seat entertainment system went unused by teenagers.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, 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 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. Unique features included Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system. However, BlueCruise struggled with curves, mixed pavement surfaces, and construction zones, requiring driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.