2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its attempts to stay modern with a 2018 facelift, still showed its age. The subtle updates to the headlights and grille were overshadowed by the vehicle's large silhouette. Inside, the Sequoia's design felt dated, with a massive, multi-tiered center dash reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The standard 7-inch touchscreen appeared small against the expansive dashboard. While the cabin offered ample space, the front seats were bulky, leaving tall drivers feeling cramped, especially with the optional sunroof. However, the second-row seats provided generous headroom and legroom, and all seats were comfortable and supportive.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sportage boasted a more contemporary design, though its tiger-nose grille was not universally praised. The SUV's styling was otherwise well-executed, with design elements reminiscent of luxury brands. Inside, the Sportage featured a Germanic design with polished metallic accents and a high-contrast color scheme. The SX Turbo trim added upscale touches like metal pedal covers and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo and climate settings, contributing to an overall upscale feel.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration despite the SUV's hefty weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were akin to a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. However, it exhibited some body roll in corners. The Sequoia's towing capacity was 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo trim, however, came with a more powerful 240 hp engine (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, providing quick acceleration. Both engines used a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The Sportage's ride was smooth and compliant, with a sophisticated driving character. The SX Turbo trim included upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels, enhancing its sporty feel.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia's standout feature was its spacious cabin, offering nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and an impressive 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Sequoia also featured a power-retractable rear window, adding convenience. While the front-row space could have been better utilized, the Sequoia provided ample storage options with deep door pockets and a massive center console.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though smaller, offered a roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery and power-adjustable front seats, with heated and ventilated options. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and a USB charging port. The Sportage's cargo space was less impressive, with 60.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. However, it included a smart liftgate for hands-free access.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model had a larger 9-inch screen, though it still felt small on the large dash. The system was user-friendly, with simple menu navigation and hard buttons for easy access.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SX Turbo trim added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was easy to use, the UVO Link system was somewhat outdated, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, it scored only four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.

The 2022 Kia Sportage included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating.