2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured a distinctive design with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights, which some described as frog-like. Despite this, Kia marketed the Sportage’s styling as “Euro-focused.” Its compact dimensions, including a short wheelbase and overhangs, made it well-suited for urban environments. The interior was centered around an 8-inch touchscreen, complemented by physical buttons and knobs, providing a user-friendly experience. Although not the most advanced cabin, it remained a comfortable space for occupants.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid showcased a sharp-edged, streamlined profile that was both familiar and unique. Despite its aggressive F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid retained the same basic platform as the older Toyota RAV4, making it less advanced than its sibling. The exterior featured a bold mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, while the interior offered a sporty feel with a stepped center console and minimal wood trim. The Black Line package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but material quality felt more mainstream than luxury.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered a choice between a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 240 horsepower. Available in LX, EX, and SX Turbo trims, it came with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, managed by a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy varied, with the FWD 2.4-liter engine achieving 23 mpg city and 30 highway, while the AWD turbo model managed 19/24/21 mpg. The Sportage delivered a smooth ride with its McPherson-strut front suspension, though steering and tire grip could be improved.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a total of 194 horsepower. Standard all-wheel drive provided stability, but the hybrid’s performance was more focused on efficiency than speed, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package enhanced handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance, emphasizing the NX Hybrid’s focus on comfort and fuel economy.

The Kia Sportage, while compact, offered good interior space with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and 8-way for the passenger in the SX Turbo trim. Heated and ventilated seats added comfort, but cargo space was limited to 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet total, falling short compared to rivals.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited headroom and rear legroom, making the rear seats feel cramped. However, the front seats provided excellent support with 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline affected rear visibility, but large mirrors helped. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet total. Features like a power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and a Harman Kardon audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls, though not groundbreaking.

The Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot, the system felt dated. The base audio system was underwhelming, making the optional Mark Levinson system a better choice for audiophiles.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering standard features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. It earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.

The Lexus NX Hybrid received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including adaptive cruise control and lane-tracing assist. While comprehensive, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which competitors offered.