2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 BMW X7

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 Volkswagen-like symmetry in the rear. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and grounded appearance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and metal pedal covers, offering a high-contrast look with available color options. The interior felt upscale, with user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant facelift, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The new front-end design, featuring LED accent lights and a recessed headlight arrangement, was polarizing, with the oversized kidney grille remaining a point of contention. While the bold design aimed to make a statement, it sacrificed some grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a refresh, with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen. The center console featured a new toggle switch-like gear selector, and the materials used were of premium quality, with options for leather upholstery and Sensafin synthetic substitutes. Despite some harsh reflections from glossy trim choices, the X7's interior was well-built, offering a modern and elegant appearance.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options. The standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produced 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, providing a competitive yet unremarkable performance. The Sportage SX Turbo, however, boasted a more robust 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque, making it a compelling choice for those living at higher elevations. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo's acceleration was quick, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, giving it a lively character. The suspension setup, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, provided a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were present. The Sportage felt athletic in turns, but the steering and tires could have been sharper.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup started with the xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, delivering 375 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 handled well, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the base engine. The ride was slightly firmer compared to other luxury SUVs, but it maintained BMW's engaging driving experience. The X7 offered a good balance of performance and comfort, with well-managed body roll and a composed demeanor on the road.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, though on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim provided front-seat occupants with perforated leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo capacity was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded, falling short of competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The smart liftgate technology was a convenient feature, allowing hands-free access to the cargo area.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in providing ample space, with the second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some patience, but it offered adequate head- and legroom for average-sized adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 12.8 cubic feet, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The split tailgate and adjustable suspension made loading and unloading easier. Front-seat passengers had ample storage options, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, 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 user-friendly, the UVO Link system lagged in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had its drawbacks. Many physical buttons were replaced by touchscreen controls, making simple tasks like adjusting seat settings more complicated. Voice commands offered a workaround, but they interrupted audio playback. The system's complexity detracted from its overall usability, highlighting the need for more physical buttons and intuitive menus.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a driver monitoring system. 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 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2023 BMW X7, while lacking crash-test ratings, offered a robust array of safety features. Standard equipment included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and a highway driving assist feature. The safety systems performed reliably, with no false alarms or unpredictable responses.