2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Subaru Ascent

The 2022 Subaru Ascent, particularly in its new Onyx Edition trim, embraced the trend of blacking out shiny exterior trim, giving it a sporty appearance that was previously absent. This edition featured blacked-out exterior trim and badges, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, a unique grille design, and special interior trim. The interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a gray two-tone scheme with light gray stitching. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though they were only available on the Premier trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, drawing comparisons to French automakers like Renault or Citroen. The standout styling features included bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, adding a touch of class. The Sportage's interior moved away from leather seating upholstery in favour of more durable synthetic leather, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob available on higher trims. The view from the driver's seat was excellent, thanks to a large front windshield and a relatively low beltline, although the use of touch-sensitive buttons for HVAC controls proved frustrating.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The flat-four engine layout contributed to a lower centre of gravity, enhancing handling. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, providing brisk acceleration and commendable passing power. The Ascent's towing capacity reached up to 2,270 kilograms (5,000 pounds), and its X-Mode off-road traction control system, along with 22 centimetres of ground clearance, ensured off-roading capability.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering slightly better fuel economy than its predecessor. The Sportage's fuel consumption was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving, 7.4 on the highway, and 8.4 combined with FWD, and 10.4 L/100 km city, 8.5 highway, and 9.5 combined with AWD. While the Sportage was more powerful than the 2022 model, it lacked the turbocharged engine option, which had been a highlight of the previous generation. The X-Line treatment added rugged visual cues but did not enhance off-road capabilities. However, the Sportage's AWD models offered 21 centimetres of ground clearance, making it capable for typical off-pavement trials.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped for winter weather with features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easily accessible, and captain's chairs were available on most trims. The Ascent provided ample storage, including a useful dashboard shelf and large cupholders. Cargo space behind the third row measured 458 litres, expanding to 1,193 litres with the second row folded, and 2,061 litres with both rows down.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a larger vehicle than its predecessor, offered impressive interior space. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,050 mm, with 966 mm of rear headroom. The trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,098 litres with the back seat folded down. The Sportage's front seats featured typical storage options, including a cubby ahead of the shifter and a spacious centre console bin. However, the use of touch-sensitive buttons for HVAC controls proved frustrating, as they could be difficult to locate while driving.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent came with a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and satellite radio. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with available Starlink connected services. While the system was user-friendly, the voice recognition technology needed improvement. The Onyx Edition used standard stereo speakers, lacking the optional Harman Kardon premium sound system. Additional technology features, such as a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera, were reserved for the Premier trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on EX-and up trims, paired with a panoramic, curved, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were still wired on the top-of-the-line interface, and the icons on the screen were difficult to distinguish. The Sportage offered Bluetooth, keyless entry, wireless charging, and rear USB-C charging ports as standard features. A Harman Kardon audio system was included on the X-Line Limited trim.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. It came standard with EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. However, EyeSight's performance was affected by low, direct sunlight, and the adaptive cruise control lacked refinement. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and blind-spot monitoring on higher trims.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems as standard equipment, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a backup camera. Higher trims added features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The X-Line Limited trim included advanced safety features such as a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist. However, the Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS.