2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Nissan Pathfinder

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 boasted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo and climate settings. The upscale feel was complemented by a solid transmission shifter, enhancing the overall quality impression.

In contrast, the 2023 Nissan Pathfinder carried forward its 2022 redesign with minimal changes, except for the new Rock Creek trim. The Pathfinder's design successfully blended futuristic elements, like its headlights, with traditional SUV features, resulting in a modern aesthetic that promised longevity. Inside, the cabin offered clean lines and a practical layout, making it both visually appealing and functional. The Pathfinder's trims in Canada ranged from S to Platinum, each offering a variety of features, from all-wheel drive and heated seats in the base S trim to advanced tech like ProPILOT Assist and a Bose audio system in higher trims. The Rock Creek trim added rugged styling and off-road capabilities, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

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 performance. The Sportage SX, however, came with a more powerful engine, delivering 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 offered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, and a sporty driving experience, although it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo. The suspension provided a smooth ride, with some body roll and lateral rocking, but overall, the Sportage was fun to drive.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The Rock Creek trim offered a slight power boost, with 295 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Pathfinder's nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided smooth and quiet performance, although the new shifter design was less intuitive. The Pathfinder featured a rotary drive mode dial with options like Eco, Sport, and All-Terrain, enhancing its versatility. The Rock Creek trim's off-road suspension and tires offered improved trail performance but resulted in a rougher ride on paved roads. The Pathfinder's towing capacity ranged from 1,587 kg to 2,720 kg, depending on the trim, making it a capable choice for towing needs.

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, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports, with heated rear seats on the SX trim. 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 offered hands-free convenience, although it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder provided ample cargo space, with up to 2,279 litres available with the second and third rows folded. With the second row in use, it offered 1,274 litres, and 470 litres with all seats upright. The first two rows provided generous headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for shorter trips. The Platinum trim's second-row captain's chairs added comfort and convenience. The Pathfinder featured numerous cupholders and storage compartments, and the Rock Creek trim's roof racks offered practical cargo solutions. However, the roof rack's proximity to the roof made snow removal challenging.

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, and logical onscreen menus. However, the UVO Intelligence system lagged behind in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with larger 9-inch screens on higher trims. The system was easy to use, with real buttons and dials, although some might find the graphics dated. The Pathfinder included Bluetooth, satellite radio, voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims added features like wireless device charging and additional USB ports. While not the most cutting-edge, the Pathfinder's tech offerings were practical and user-friendly.

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 trim earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick laurel.

The 2023 Nissan Pathfinder came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and ProPilot Assist. Higher trims added features like front parking sensors, a 360-degree parking monitor, and a head-up display. The Pathfinder received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, although the NHTSA had not completed a full suite of crash tests for the 2023 model.