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