hamburger icon

2022 Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage OEM Exterior Primary Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
Photos Colors
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2022 LX 4dr Front-Wheel Drive
most popular
Price:   -  From $24,090
2022 LX 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $25,590
2022 Nightfall 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $28,090
2022 EX 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $28,390
2022 Nightfall 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $29,790
2022 EX 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $29,890
2022 SX Turbo 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $33,750
2022 SX Turbo 4dr All-Wheel Drive Price:   -  From $35,250

Overview

What's New

The 2022 Kia Sportage is largely unchanged for the new year. The S trim is dropped in favor of a more comprehensive LX Value Package that steps up to fill the price and feature gap for this popular small SUV. A redesign is likely for the 2023 model year.

Choosing Your Kia Sportage

There are four trim levels offered. The LX version of the crossover is priced from $25,265, the Nightfall Edition is $29,265, the EX is $29,565, and SX Turbo starts at $34,925.

Engine Choices

The LX, Nightfall, and EX trims are equipped with an atmospherically-aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque while the SX Turbo features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that achieves 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines route power through a six-speed automatic transmission and down to the front wheels. An all-wheel-drive system with a selectable locking center differential is offered on all trims for $1,500.

The base engine with front-wheel drive achieves an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 26 miles per gallon combined although AWD reduces that figure to 23 mpg which matches that of the FWD SX Turbo. Combine the turbo with the AWD system and the Sportage can only muster 21 mpg combined.

Passenger and Cargo Capacity

The Sportage will seat five passengers although it’s not as roomy as some of its competitors. Its length of 176.4 inches and wheelbase of 105.1 inches make way for 38.2 inches of rear legroom and 30.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row which expands to 60.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

Kia Sportage

Safety Features

Despite its aged design, the Sportage feels current with active safety technology. Even the base LX trim is equipped with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver attention warning system.

The LX Value Package further adds blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert which are standard on the other trims. The Nightfall Edition and EX trim can be equipped with adaptive cruise control and parking sensors with their respective optional packages selected. The top-rung SX Turbo trim is standard with these features.

The Sportage earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

Connectivity

The LX trim sets the stage with an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Audio compatibility, Bluetooth, a USB input/charging port, and six speakers while the EX trim adds a rear USB power port. Both the Nightfall Edition and the EX trim offer an upgraded Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system, satellite radio, and wireless phone charging through their respective optional packages. The SX Turbo trim is equipped with those features as standard.

Kia Sportage

LX - From $25,265

The base LX trim feels appropriately equipped for a base model by including standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, LED daytime running lights, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and tinted windows while also leaving room for upgrades with its single-zone manual climate control, cloth seats, and a manual tailgate.

The LX Value Edition Package replaces last years LX Popular Package and is slightly more expensive at $2,100 but it includes more enticing features such as 18-inch wheels, proximity entry, upgraded cloth upholstery, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver's seat, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a heated windshield wiper park area.

Nightfall Edition - From $29,265

The new Nightfall Edition builds upon the LX trim and, as the name implies, goes heavy on the gloss black accents. The 18-inch wheels, grille, front and rear bumper trim, front and rear skid plate garnishes, window trim, side sill garnish, and roof rails are all gloss black.

The significant price jump is further justified with added features such as a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, LED interior lighting, and projector beam fog lights. The Nightfall Premium Package is $2,000 and includes proximity entry, heated front seats, gloss black interior trim, and LED taillights, plus the aforementioned active safety and technology upgrades.

EX - From $29,565

The EX trim eschews the gloss black trim for a chrome grille, window surrounds, and bright 18-inch wheels while a power tailgate, proximity entry, heated seats, and dual-zone climate control are also newly standard. The $3,560 Technology Package includes active safety and technology upgrades as well as ventilated front seats, leather trim, and a heated steering wheel.

SX Turbo - From $34,925

The SX Turbo trim includes all of the standard and optional features of the EX trim plus several exclusive features. A unique grille, LED headlights, dual exhaust with chrome tips, an enhanced combi-meter display, and chrome door handles set the top trim apart from the rest of the lineup.

Compare Sportage Trims Side-By-Side

CarsDirect Tip

The LX trim with the Value Package adds key safety technology and a high level of creature comforts for a very reasonable price.

author image
Automotive Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Pros
  • Sporty looks
  • Plenty of base-level value
  • Advanced safety tech standard
  • Peppy turbocharged 2.0-liter
Cons
  • No fuel-saving tech
  • Base engine isn’t exciting
  • Iffy outward visibility
  • Tight cargo area
Expert Rating
3.4 (Good)

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Lots of show, but just a little go. Despite being one of the older models in the class – its last redesign was in 2017 – the Kia Sportage remains one of the sharper-looking compact crossovers. That said, its performance doesn’t match the looks – at least in the base model – and its cargo-hauling leaves a lot to be desired.

The 2022 Kia Sportage looks great. It boasts one of the sportier and more unique looks in its class without taking it over the top. Its design is accented by a long wheelbase that pushes the wheels to the corners for a more aggressive stance.

While the design is sharp, it does limit outward visibility, which could be an issue for some buyers. Buyers affected by this may appreciate more traditional-looking small SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.

The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. This delivers adequate performance, but it’s nothing to write home about. The 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder better matches the Sportage’s sporty looks, but it’s only available in the pricey SX Turbo trim.

Buyers looking for more zip will appreciate the Ford Escape’s all-turbo lineup of engines. Though the Escape’s base three-cylinder engine is down 1 hp to the Sportage, its torquey nature makes it feel quicker in the seat.


Kia Sportage

Plenty of value, but limited space. The 2022 Sportage is surprisingly well-equipped, even in its base LX trim. This base tier comes standard with 17-inch wheels, an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more.

To put that into perspective, the base Escape comes with a 4.2-inch screen and no smartphone integration, and the base CR-V has a 5-inch screen and no smartphone integration.

The biggest downside to the Kia Sportage is its hauling capabilities – or lack thereof. It has only 30.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats up and 60.1 with them folded. The Escape’s cargo room ranges from 37.5 cubes to 65.4 cubes; the CR-V ranges from 39.2 to 75.8 cubes; the Nissan Rogue ranges from 36.3 to 72.9 cubes; and the RAV4 ranges from 37.6 to 69.8 cubes.

High-tech safety, but no fuel-saving tech. The 2022 Sportage comes standard with automatic emergency braking and active lane-keeping, giving it the basic safety gear any crossover should have. This beats the Escape and CR-V, which only come standard with automatic emergency braking.

The area in which the Sportage lags is fuel economy tech, as it has no thrifty hybrid option. Buyers seeking higher fuel economy numbers will have to look toward the Escape Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid, or RAV4 Hybrid. This could change with the Sportage's upcoming redesign, but this is not yet official.

Final thoughts. The Kia Sportage is still a great crossover, despite falling behind its more modern competitors in some areas. This is especially true for anyone looking for a unique and sporty design – the Sportage leads the class in this trait. That said, its lack of hauling room is a critical flaw that most crossover buyers may have a hard time looking past.

Check prices for the 2022 Kia Sportage »

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 181 HP / 175 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
23 / 30 / 26 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.4L I-4 / 181 HP / 175 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
23 / 30 / 26 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
16.4 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$63
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
60.1 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
99 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
176.4 "
Exterior Width
73.0 "
Exterior Height
64.4 "
Front Headroom
39.3 "
Rear Headroom
39.1 "
Front Legroom
41.5 "
Rear Legroom
38.2 "
Front Shoulder Room
57.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
55.1 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,305 Lbs.
Wheel Base
105 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 17.0 " Painted Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote / Dual Power Remote Heated
Bumpers
Front Body-colored With Black Insert
Grille Moldings
Black
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth / Yes Essentials Premium Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way / (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way / (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm, Seek-scan
Speakers
6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Deep / Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
3
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Forward Collision-avoidance Assist-ped (fca-ped) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Blind Spot Collision Warning Blind Spot
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keeping Assist (lka) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Forward Collision-avoidance Assist-ped Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention Warning (daw) Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Assist (hba) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Major Components Months
120 Months / 100,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / 100,000 Miles
Accessories Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles

Used 2022 Kia Sportage for Sale

6 vehicles found within 50 miles of your area
Kia
LX
Color: White
Price

$19,801

Mileage

32,892 mi

Map location icon

Browning Mazda (18 mi)

Phone: (562) 924-1414
Kia
S
Color: Blue
Price

$20,007

Mileage

11,971 mi

Map location icon

LA City Cars (4 mi)

Phone: (323) 522-9200
Kia
LX
Color: Gray
Price

$21,649

Mileage

17,549 mi

Map location icon

Car Pros Kia Huntington Beach (29 mi)

Phone: (714) 274-6180
Kia
EX
Color: Steel Gray
Price

$22,998

Mileage

19,058 mi

Map location icon

Harbor Chevrolet (14 mi)

Phone: (562) 326-5588
See All Used Car Listings

Insider Information

We have information you must know before you buy the Sportage. We want to send it to you, along with other pricing insights.

Sign Me Up

I agree to receive emails from CarsDirect. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time. We will not spam you, and will never sell your email. Privacy Policy.

Thank you. You are now subscribed to our Pricing Insider updates.