2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the front grille, but the overall look felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured unique 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which, while visually interesting, attracted dirt and stains easily. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and genuine leather was only available in higher trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was notably uncomfortable due to excessive plastic use.

The 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned look, reminiscent of French automakers like Renault or Citroen. Its exciting and exotic appearance garnered attention, with standout features like boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar. The Sportage offered five trim levels in Canada, with AWD standard on most. Inside, Kia replaced leather seating with durable synthetic leather, though it didn't match the feel of real leather. The driver’s seat provided excellent visibility, and higher trims featured over two feet of display space on the dash. However, the use of hard plastics and touch-sensitive HVAC controls, which doubled as navigation controls, proved frustrating. Despite these quirks, the Sportage's interior was spacious, with impressive rear-seat legroom and cargo capacity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 km/h in just over eight seconds, slightly slower than gasoline-only SUVs. The electric motors provided initial acceleration, followed by the gasoline engine, which produced a subtle hum under light pressure but became droning under heavy acceleration. The braking system transitioned seamlessly from regenerative to physical brakes, and the ride quality was soft yet confident in corners. The cabin remained quiet on highways, except when the engine was pushed hard.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and was available with FWD or AWD. The engine was slightly larger and more powerful than the previous model, with improved fuel economy. However, the lack of a turbocharged engine option, previously available, diminished the premium experience of higher trims. The Sportage's X-Line trim added rugged visual cues but no off-road enhancements. Despite this, the Sportage handled off-road conditions well, directing power to necessary wheels. It offered 21 cm of ground clearance on AWD models, matching or exceeding most competitors.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays, a centre armrest bin, and large door pockets. The second-row seats provided generous head- and legroom, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs for added comfort. A second-row bench was available, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,370 litres with seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Higher trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased interior space compared to its predecessor. It featured impressive rear-seat legroom and headroom, with 1,121 litres of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 2,098 litres with seats folded. Front-seat storage included a cubby, cupholders, and a spacious centre console bin. A panoramic sunroof was available. However, the Sportage's use of touch-sensitive HVAC controls, which doubled as navigation controls, proved frustrating. Despite this, the Sportage provided ample space and storage for a compact crossover.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Navigation and a JBL premium audio system were available on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on EX-and up trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. However, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired on higher trims, despite a wireless charger. The base LX trim had an 8-inch screen with wireless connectivity. The Sportage included Bluetooth, keyless entry, and a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited. Despite some icon design issues, the Sportage offered impressive tech features.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Platinum trim offered a surround view camera and head-up display. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist required fine-tuning.

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