2023 Kia Sportage vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2023 Kia Sportage emerged with a completely redesigned look that was both exciting and exotic, reminiscent of French automotive styling. Its distinctive features, such as the bright boomerang-shaped daytime running lights and textured metal trim on the D Pillar, added a touch of class to this compact crossover. The Sportage was available in five trim levels in Canada, starting with the LX trim, which offered front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option. Inside, Kia opted for synthetic leather upholstery, which, while durable, didn't quite match the feel of genuine leather. The interior boasted a large display dominating the dash, although some areas featured hard-wearing plastic and piano-black finishes that attracted fingerprints.

In contrast, the 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. Its styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who found previous designs too bold. The TX 350 Executive package included impressive 22-inch wheels that enhanced its upscale appearance. Inside, the TX offered premium semi-aniline leather upholstery and a Peppercorn interior, although the dark colour scheme made the cabin feel somewhat sombre. The TX's interior was luxurious, with standard heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating than previous Lexus models, providing a comfortable space for adults.

The 2023 Kia Sportage featured a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered front-wheel drive on the LX trim, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. While the engine provided slightly more power than its predecessor, it lacked the punch of the previous turbocharged option, which was no longer available. The Sportage's fuel economy was commendable, with figures of 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 7.4 on the highway for front-wheel drive models. The X-Line trim added rugged visual cues but didn't enhance off-road capabilities, although the Sportage performed well in typical off-pavement scenarios.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to its torque delivery. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, slightly better than the previous RX L model. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing a comfortable ride and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle. Overall, the TX 350 offered adequate performance for a luxury SUV.

The 2023 Kia Sportage, as a compact crossover, offered increased dimensions compared to its predecessor, providing more interior space. Rear-seat legroom measured an impressive 1,050 mm, with 966 mm of rear headroom. The trunk offered 1,121 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,098 litres with the rear seats folded. The Sportage's interior featured decent storage options, including a spacious centre console bin and tandem cupholders. However, the touch-sensitive HVAC controls were frustrating to use, as they required switching between climate and navigation functions.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable and spacious interior, with standard heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row seat, while not as welcoming as the front, featured triple-zone climate control and USB charging ports for all rows. The third-row seat was notably more accommodating, providing leg support and a good view. The TX offered 572 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 1,625 litres with the third row folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. However, the second-row legroom was limited, affecting comfort when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2023 Kia Sportage boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system on EX and higher trims, paired with a digital instrument cluster on the X-Line Limited. While the system was impressive, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were wired on higher trims, despite the presence of a wireless charger. The base LX trim featured an 8-inch screen with wireless connectivity. The Sportage included Bluetooth, keyless entry, and rear USB-C charging ports as standard, with a Harman Kardon audio system on the X-Line Limited.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription providing cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also included a digital rearview mirror, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2023 Kia Sportage offered a comprehensive suite of collision-avoidance tech and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) 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 a blind-view monitor and highway driving assist, although these features were not widely available. The Sportage had not yet been crash-tested by major safety organizations.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist provided additional braking and steering assistance, although it was not entirely transparent in operation. The TX also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system. Optional features included front and rear parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The LSS+ 3.0 system was generally smooth and effective, although it could be overly cautious in certain situations.