2022 Kia Sportage vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its stylish stance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, metallic accents, and clear instrumentation. The interior offered a high-contrast look with available color options, and the controls were user-friendly, enhancing the upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained a classic design, having been in its second generation since 2008. Its exterior was a testament to timeless design, with a modest grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight body lines. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 77 inches, a width of 79.9 inches, and a length of 205.1 inches, riding on a 122-inch wheelbase. Despite its age, the Sequoia's interior was built to last, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition added a modern touch with darkened chrome and black-painted finishes, enhancing its appeal.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. Most models featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The SX Turbo variant, however, boasted a 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) engine with 260 lb-ft of torque, delivering a robust performance for a compact crossover. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The Sportage SX Turbo offered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The suspension provided a smooth ride, and the SUV felt athletic in turns, though it could benefit from sharper steering and better tires.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a single engine option: a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and independent double-wishbone suspension. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with ratings of 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway/15 mpg combined for RWD models.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though compact, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided comfort with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. The Sportage's interior storage was ample, but its maximum cargo volume of 60.1 cubic feet fell short compared to competitors. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort with spacious seating across all three rows. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and available heated and ventilated front seats. The Sequoia offered impressive interior storage, with a center console, glove compartment, and door pockets. Its cargo space was substantial, with 18.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 66.6 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 120.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. An auxiliary 12-volt outlet in the cargo area added to its practicality.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo featured wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the UVO Link system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a clunky operating system. However, it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, WiFi connectivity, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Sequoia Limited added navigation and a 12-speaker audio system, with an optional premium audio package. While the Sequoia's technology under the hood lagged behind competitors, Toyota updated its exterior lighting to LED and included standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The SX Turbo added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick laurel.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The Sequoia also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Toyota's STAR safety system, which included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. A full complement of airbags and other safety features were standard across all models.