2022 Kia Sportage

2022 Kia Sportage Highlights

The 2022 Kia Sportage brings updates to its trim structure and feature content while maintaining its position in the competitive compact SUV segment.

Key Details

• Compact crossover SUV body style
• Two-row, five-passenger seating
• Available all-wheel drive across all trims
• Choice of naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines
• Nightfall Edition replaces the previous S trim
• EX trim adds panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting
• New Value Edition package available for LX trim
• Comprehensive safety and technology features

Benefits

• Two engine options, including a turbo performance variant
• Available all-wheel drive capability
• Generous standard feature content
• User-friendly technology interface
• Strong safety ratings
• Competitive warranty coverage

Related: Kia Sportage Pros and Cons: What To Know

2022 Kia Sportage Overview

Performance

The 2022 Kia Sportage offers two engine options:

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine:

• 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque
• Standard on LX, Nightfall, and EX trims
• Six-speed automatic transmission

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque
• Standard on SX Turbo trim
• Six-speed automatic transmission

Both engines can be paired with:

• Standard front-wheel drive
• Available all-wheel drive system

Key performance features include:

• Drive Mode Select system
• Independent front and rear suspension
• Available paddle shifters
• All-wheel drive with locking center differential

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the 2022 Kia Sportage a top five-star overall safety rating. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2022 Sportage a Top Safety Pick when equipped with specific headlights and front crash protection. This is IIHS’s second-highest designation.

Standard safety features include:

• Advanced airbag system
• Vehicle stability management
• Electronic stability control
• Hill start assist control
• Downhill brake control

Driver assistance features include:

• Forward collision avoidance assist
• Lane-keeping assist
• Blind-spot collision warning
• Rear cross-traffic collision warning
• Driver attention warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Parking sensors

Driving

The 2022 Kia Sportage delivers a driving experience that balances comfort with engagement. The base 2.4-liter engine provides adequate power for daily driving, while the turbocharged option in the SX model offers more spirited performance.

The six-speed automatic transmission operates smoothly in both configurations, with well-timed shifts and reasonable response to driver inputs. The Drive Mode Select system allows drivers to customize the vehicle's behavior:

• Normal mode for everyday driving
• Sport mode for enhanced response
• Eco mode for improved efficiency

The steering feel is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver. The suspension tuning balances ride comfort and handling stability, though models with larger wheels may transmit more road imperfections.

The available all-wheel drive system enhances traction in various weather conditions and includes a locking center differential for challenging situations. Ground clearance is adequate for light off-road duty and winter weather navigation.

Interior

The 2022 Kia Sportage interior combines functionality with comfort, offering good space utilization and practical features.

Key interior features include:

• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Available heated and ventilated front seats
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Available panoramic sunroof
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Available leather upholstery

Cargo capacity measurements:

• 30.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats
• 60.1 cubic feet with rear seats folded

The front seats provide good comfort and support, with ample adjustment range. The rear seats offer good legroom and can recline for additional comfort. The panoramic sunroof, now standard on EX trim, enhances the feeling of spaciousness.

Technology

The 2022 Kia Sportage comes equipped with a range of technology features:

Standard features:

• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB ports
• Six-speaker audio system

Available features include:

• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Navigation system
• Wireless phone charging
• Smart power tailgate

Fuel Economy

The 2022 Kia Sportage's fuel economy varies by engine and drivetrain configuration. According to the EPA, the Sportage achieves the following fuel economy estimates:

2.4-liter four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
• AWD (mpg): 22 city / 26 highway / 23 combined

2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• FWD (mpg): 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined
• AWD (mpg): 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined

2022 Kia Sportage Reviews

2022 Kia Sportage consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book are primarily positive, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The Sportage gets even better owner scores for quality, reliability, and styling.

Reasons to Buy It

• Choice of standard or turbocharged engines
• Available all-wheel drive on all trims
• User-friendly technology features
• Strong safety ratings
• Comfortable interior
• Competitive warranty coverage
• Value for money in the segment

Problems

• Fuel economy lower than some competitors
• Cargo space is slightly less than class leaders
• Base engine performance is modest
• Some advanced features are limited to higher trims
• The design may feel dated compared to newer rivals

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CoPilot's Take

The 2022 Kia Sportage represents a solid choice in the competitive compact SUV segment. While it's nearing the end of its current generation, the Sportage continues to offer a compelling blend of features, comfort, and value.

The Sportage's strengths lie in its fundamentals. The interior is comfortable and well-built, the technology is user-friendly, and the available turbocharged engine provides strong performance. Adding the panoramic sunroof to the EX trim and the new Value Edition package for the LX trim enhance its appeal.

However, potential buyers should consider a few factors. While reasonable, fuel economy falls short of some competitors, particularly hybrid offerings. The base engine provides adequate but not particularly spirited performance and cargo space is slightly below the class leaders.

2022 Kia Sportage FAQs

Is the 2022 Kia Sportage worth buying?

The 2022 Kia Sportage offers several compelling reasons for purchase:

Strengths:

Value:

• Competitive pricing
• Good standard features
• Strong warranty coverage

Performance:

• Available turbo engine
• Comfortable ride
• Available all-wheel drive

Features:

• User-friendly technology
• Good safety ratings
• Quality interior materials

Considerations:

• Newer competitors available
• Average fuel economy
• Modest base engine

What are the disadvantages of the Kia Sportage 2022?

Several potential drawbacks should be considered:

Efficiency:

• Lower fuel economy than competitors
• No hybrid option
• Premium fuel is recommended for the turbo model

Space:

• Less cargo room than some rivals
• Tighter rear headroom with sunroof
• Average passenger space

Performance:

• The base engine feels underpowered
• Handling isn’t as sporty as some competitors
• AWD impacts fuel economy significantly

Features:

• Some desirable features are restricted to higher trims
• Design showing its age
• Tech features aren’t as advanced as the newest rivals

Is a Kia Sportage a reliable car?

Long-term reliability data for the 2022 Sportage isn't yet fully established. While this generation of the Sportage uses proven mechanical components, actual reliability performance will become more apparent as more units accumulate mileage in real-world conditions.

The vehicle benefits from Kia's comprehensive warranty coverage, including 5-year/60,000-mile essential protection. This coverage can help offset potential repair costs during the initial ownership period.

However, buyer due diligence remains important. Anyone considering a used 2022 Sportage should:

• Have the specific vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic before purchase
• Review maintenance history carefully
• Research any existing recalls or technical service bulletins
• Consider service availability in their area
• Compare repair costs with similar vehicles in the segment

Remember that regular maintenance, according to Kia's recommended schedule, is essential for maximizing the reliability of any vehicle, regardless of make or model.

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