2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Toyota Sequoia

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 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-like 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 straightforward instrumentation. The controls were user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy access to the stereo and climate settings, contributing to an upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia made a bold statement with its redesigned exterior, blending the rugged look of the Toyota Tundra with a more refined SUV body. The Sequoia's traditional grille and front bumper gave it a distinct presence, free from the "manta ray on wheels" appearance of the Tundra. Inside, the Sequoia shared an industrial theme with the Tundra, featuring leather, wood, and metallic finishes in the upscale Capstone trim. The 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system dominated the dashboard, while the cream white-over-black two-tone colour scheme added a touch of luxury. However, some interior materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. The Sequoia's lineup included various trims, each offering unique features and capabilities, catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a choice between two engines. Most models came with 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, featured a more robust engine with 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it 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 trims except 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 SUV's suspension, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and an independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. The Sportage SX felt sporty and athletic, though not as refined as competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, was equipped with a powerful hybrid powertrain. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission, a 36-kilowatt electric motor/generator, and a 1.87 kilowatt-hour nickel-metal hydride battery pack. This setup delivered an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. While it lacked the satisfying rumble of the previous V8, the new V6 offered increased towing capacity, with a maximum tow rating of 4,137 kilograms in Canada. The Sequoia also boasted improved fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 11.7 L/100 km in 4WD mode. The SUV offered various driving modes, including Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. However, the Sequoia's steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive at times, affecting overall driving dynamics.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover SUV scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and USB charging ports. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with a maximum of 1,703 litres when the second-row seats were folded down. The smart liftgate technology added convenience, though it could be turned off if not needed.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on open roads, offering a comfortable cabin with soft leather upholstery, a JBL premium audio system, and a triple-zone climate control system. The Sequoia's second-row captain's chairs provided comfort, though they lacked the ability to slide forward and back. The third-row seat, mounted above the battery pack, offered limited comfort and legroom. Cargo space was a compromise, with only 325 litres available with the third-row seat in its rearmost position. The Sequoia's adjustable cargo shelf helped maximize space, but the overall utility was reduced compared to the previous generation.

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. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked some modern features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen in most trims. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with connected services and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the display suffered from glare, and some features, like Bluetooth pairing, had occasional glitches. The Capstone trim included a 10-inch head-up display and a surround-view camera system, enhancing the overall technology package.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, 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.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services. While crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review, the Sequoia's Tundra-based platform received high ratings from the IIHS.