2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned and available in four model series, offered a range of trim levels from base to Luxury, with prices starting at $37,950. The NX 350, particularly in F Sport and Luxury trims, was noted for its distinctive Lexus design, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, providing more passenger and cargo space. The interior was minimalist, with a focus on decluttering, though some controls integrated into the touchscreen were not immediately intuitive. The NX 350 F Sport stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a new F Sport steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, built on the N3 platform, was larger than its predecessor, offering increased rear-seat legroom. Its bold styling featured angular LED headlights and "boomerang" LED daytime running lights, giving it a distinctive appearance. The interior was designed around a large optional infotainment display, with a clean, minimalist look. While base models had cloth seats, higher trims featured SynTex artificial leather, which felt somewhat cheap. The SX-Prestige trim included gloss black plastic trim, which quickly showed fingerprints and glare.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered two electrified versions, with the NX 350h delivering 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ offering 302 horsepower. The NX 350, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, produced 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport featured additional driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, providing a dynamic driving experience. However, the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and the NX was not suited for off-road use due to limited ground clearance.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid used a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor, producing 227 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain was smooth and responsive, with a seamless transition between electric and gasoline power. The Sportage Hybrid offered a comfortable ride, though it wasn't as composed in corners as some competitors. It had a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, less than the non-hybrid version.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. Cargo space increased to 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid offered competitive interior space, with a dual-level cargo floor for flexibility. It had 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 73.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Sportage Hybrid featured a rotary shift knob, large storage bins, and clever cupholders, enhancing practicality.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and cloud-based features. The system offered a range of connected services, though the large touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a panoramic display. The system was user-friendly, with touch controls and analog knobs for audio and climate adjustments. Hybrid models included multiple USB-C ports and optional wireless charging.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. It also offered blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trims added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting.

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid's safety features varied by trim. The base LX included forward collision warning and lane keep assist, while the EX added blind-spot monitoring. The SX-Prestige offered advanced features like adaptive cruise control, a blind-spot view camera, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.