Kia Sportage

The 2022 Kia Sportage is a small SUV that slots between the smaller Seltos and the three-row Sorento in the South Korean automaker's lineup. The 2022 model closes out the fourth generation of Sportage, which was first introduced in 2017. That makes this Sportage one of the older models in its class, but a wide range of features at an affordable price and a smooth ride help it still be a viable pick.

However, the Sportage does suffer from underwhelming fuel economy and utility. As such, you might also want to check out class all-stars such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester. Waiting for the redesigned 2023 Sportage, which boasts many improvements and dramatic new styling, is worth considering too. Read our Expert Rating to find out more on how the 2022 Sportage measures up to the competition.

Which Sportage does MatoCar recommend?

Every Sportage model comes loaded with features, but we think the EX trim represents the best value of the bunch. Besides unique exterior styling touches such as 18-inch machine-finished alloy wheels and chrome accents, you also get useful extras including hands-free keyless entry with push-button start, a rear USB port, and a hands-free liftgate that opens automatically after you stand behind it for 3 seconds. The 2022 Kia Sportage is available in four trim levels: LX, Nightfall Edition, EX and SX Turbo. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine comes standard on LX, Nightfall and EX trims, while SX Turbo models receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. All models use a six-speed automatic transmission and are available with all-wheel drive as an option. Feature highlights include:

LX Standard equipment on the LX includes:

181-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
17-inch alloy wheels
8-inch touchscreen display
Six-speaker sound system
USB port
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functionality
Selectable driving modes
60/40-split folding and reclining back seat
Rear privacy glass

The Sportage also comes with a suite of safety features, such as:

Driver attention monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you may be fatigued)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if it detects drifting without a turn signal activated)
Lane keeping assist (steers the Sportage back into its lane if it drifts over the line)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)

Nightfall Edition Builds off the LX and adds:

18-inch alloy wheels in dark gray
Foglights
Black roof rails
Piano black exterior accents
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Simulated leather upholstery
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

EX Makes several optional packages from LX and Nightfall Edition standard:

18-inch alloy wheels with machined finish
Hands-free liftgate
Keyless entry and push-button ignition
Gloss black interior trim
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
Heated front seats
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear USB port

An optional EX Technology package for the EX adds:

Navigation system and satellite radio
Harman Kardon eight-speaker sound system
Wireless smartphone charging pad
Ventilated front seats
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated flat-bottom steering wheel
Leather seats
Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car ahead, even in heavy traffic)
Front and rear parking sensors

SX Turbo Tops the range with exclusive features including: