2023 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since its last major overhaul in 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia maintained a classic aesthetic with a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. Its substantial dimensions, including a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm, contributed to its imposing presence. Inside, the Sequoia's interior felt dated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen that seemed out of place in a modern SUV. However, the high-quality materials and robust construction were typical of Toyota, ensuring durability and longevity.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage arrived with a completely redesigned exterior that exuded a French-inspired flair. Its bold styling, highlighted by boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, made it stand out in the compact crossover segment. The Sportage offered five trim levels in Canada, with AWD standard on most trims. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, providing durability and an animal-friendly alternative. The interior featured a large display setup, although some controls were overly complex. Despite these quirks, the Sportage's design and technology made it an attractive choice for those seeking a modern and stylish crossover.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck-based construction allowed for a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. However, its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms contributed to its less-than-stellar fuel consumption ratings of 18.5 L/100 km in the city and 13.9 on the highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities enhanced by its four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with FWD standard on the LX trim and AWD available on higher trims. While the Sportage's engine offered slightly better fuel economy than its predecessor, it lacked the punch of the previous turbocharged option. The Sportage's off-road capabilities were adequate for typical crossover use, with 21 centimetres of ground clearance on AWD models. However, the absence of a performance engine option limited its appeal for those seeking a more spirited driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows and ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats as standard. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 535 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both rear rows down. Storage compartments throughout the cabin added to its practicality, making it an ideal choice for families.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered a competitive interior space with increased dimensions compared to its predecessor. Rear-seat legroom measured 1,050 mm, and the trunk provided 1,121 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The Sportage's front seats featured practical storage solutions, including a spacious centre console bin and tandem cupholders. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls proved frustrating for some users. Despite this, the Sportage's interior was well-suited for daily use and offered a panoramic sunroof as an option.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's technology offerings were somewhat outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, the overall infotainment system felt clunky compared to modern competitors. The Sequoia Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system. Despite its technological shortcomings, the Sequoia featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage boasted an impressive technology suite, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on EX-and-up trims and a panoramic digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. However, the wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on higher trims were a notable drawback. The Sportage offered Bluetooth, keyless entry, and wireless charging on most trims, with a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited. Despite some interface quirks, the Sportage's technology package was advanced and user-friendly.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and the STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. While crash-test ratings were unavailable, the Sequoia's robust safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems as standard, 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. Although crash-test ratings were not yet available, the Sportage's safety features were impressive.