Kia introduced their cars to the US in the early 90s, and of the two debut models, only the Sportage remains. This compact crossover SUV’s longevity is no fluke. It sports a diverse array of models with highly customizable features, all topped off with a stylish body that can turn heads while meeting the practical needs of drivers.
The 2022 edition of the Sportage is the final entry in the fourth generation of Sportage, which debuted in 2017. While this means it will get an overhaul next year, it doesn’t mean that the SUV in its current form is underwhelming. Despite it being this generation’s finale, Kia didn’t cut corners or phone this edition in.
The Used 2022 Sportage debuts a number of new aspects compared to the previous 2021 edition. Kia has replaced the S trim with the new Nightfall trim option, which gives drivers a dark and mysterious aura while they go about their business in an all-black vehicle with dark gray wheels. The EX trim adds a panoramic sunroof and LED cabin lighting for more customizable light options. There’s also a new LX Value Edition package, which adds gray 18-inch wheels, push-button start keyless entry, and heated front seats. These new additions are attractive, but a model with such impressive longevity has a lot more features to boast. Let’s dig in.
Features and Specs
Kia’s Sportage seats a maximum of five, but you’ll be more comfortable if you stick to four. It isn’t the most spacious compact SUV in its category, but it isn’t far behind rivals like the Honda CR-V. Back passengers get a solid 38.2 inches of legroom, and there is between 30 and 60 cubic feet of cargo space available depending on your configuration. If you keep all the seats in place, you’ll get 30 cubic feet, while folding down the seats will double that. The seats themselves are both stylish and comfortable, but if you upgrade to the SX Turbo model, the leather interior is beautiful enough to rival luxury brands like Audi. This is saying a lot of a vehicle at this price point.
The Used KIA Sportage is curvier and less boxy overall than some other Kia models like the Carnival or Telluride, but it still has a nice sense of style. It looks more classic, which makes sense considering it pre-dates every other model. For those who want something sleeker and more mysterious, Kia’s Nightfall trim is the perfect upgrade. Kia has made this trim available for plenty of their models, but it balances out the curvy exterior of the Sportage nicely. While this black paint and wheel finish was previously an upgrade package, it now replaces the S trim level entirely.
As usual, Kia has one of the best warranties in the automotive industry. They offer a limited warranty which covers five years or 60,000 miles and a powertrain warranty which covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. The only downside to Kia’s warranty is that it does not include any complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, the car is built so well that chances are you won’t need them.
Kia never holds out on top-of-the-line safety features, and the 2022 Sportage is no exception. Key safety technology includes automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assistance, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it five stars overall, with its best safety ratings for side crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded it a slew of ‘good’ ratings (the highest tier), offering the accolade to every subcategory of crashworthiness.
Entertainment Specs
Every trim level of the used 2022 KIA Sportage comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment center, and as usual for Kia, these centers are compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is simple and functional, but nitpickers might find the design to clash a little with the luxurious feel of the car’s interior.
Only one USB port is standard in the front row for the base level trim, but the upgrades feature an extra port in the second row. If you go for the SX Turbo, you’ll add a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display with built-in navigations. It also includes a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system that will satisfy true audiophiles.
Mechanical Specs
Depending on which trim you choose, there will be one of two engines under the hood. Most models feature a 181-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. While it isn’t incredibly zippy or high performing, it meets the needs of the vast majority of drivers. Should you decide you want a little more get-up-and-go, however, the SX Turbo trim features a more powerful engine. The 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter upgrade noticeably operates at a higher capacity. Regardless of your choice, the engine will feature a six-speed automatic transmission. All models use front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is an available upgrade at every trim level. The Sportage can also haul around 2,000 pounds.
Unfortunately, the Sportage does not excel at fuel efficiency, and its stats are inferior to some rivals. The basic engine with front-wheel drive gets 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive will drop those numbers to 22 mpg and 26 mpg. If you go for the SX Turbo, you’ll earn about 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway for the front-wheel drive version, with the all-wheel drive numbers trailing at 19 mpg and 24 mpg respectively.
Pricing
There are four different trim levels for the 2022 Kia Sportage, and they vary in price from $25,265 for the LX all the way to $34,295 for the SX Turbo. In between those, you’ll find the Nightfall edition at $29,265 and the EX just a hair more expensive at $29,565.
Which trim is right for you is highly dependent on your budget, needs and desire for bonus features. The base model is a solid, no-frills choice that will likely feature everything most drivers need. However, considering that the SX Turbo is under $35,000, it isn’t impractical for those wanting a little more speed and power, not to mention the other upgrades like the Harman Kardon sound system.
Regardless, our choice for best value is the EX model. The adaptive cruise control works like a charm, and the leather interior, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and more make it feel like way more than a $4,000 upgrade.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the four trim levels with some key features:
2022 Kia Sportage LX (base level) – $25,265
- Rear camera display
- Keyless entry
- Power rearview mirrors
- Six-speaker sound system
- Single USB port
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
2022 Kia Sportage Nightfall Edition – $29,265
- 18-inch dark gray allow wheels
- Sleek black paint finish
- Multi-adjustable driver’s seat
- Leather steering wheel
- Tachometer
- Foglights
2022 Kia Sportage EX – $29,565
- Leather steering wheel and shifter
- Second row USB port
- Glossy black interior trim
- Dual-zone climate control
- Push-button ignition with keyless entry
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless charging
- Windshield de-icer
2022 Kia Sportage SX Turbo – 34,295
- 237-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine
- Leather seats
- LED headlights
- 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with satellite radio
- Multi-adjustable driver and passenger seat
- Heated exterior mirrors
- Wireless charging pad for smartphones
- 19-inch alloy wheels
Top Reasons to buy a 2022 Kia Sportage
The 2022 Kia Sportage is a great all-around vehicle, but its greatest asset is likely the sense of style it exudes. The exterior is sleek and curvy, and the Nightfall trim only furthers its mysterious charm. Even the basic interior has an air of luxury to it, but the upgrades in the higher trims make you feel like a celebrity while you drive. The leather seats and steering wheel featured in the SX Turbo version feel like they belong in a much more expensive car.
The Sportage is assuredly not a vehicle prioritizing style over substance, however. The glowing safety ratings given by the NHTSA and the IIHS are both extremely impressive. Combined with the many safety features that prevent accidents entirely, you and your family can feel secure while you drive.
The Sportage also drives nicely. Its smooth handling and effortless consistency make it an ideal choice for long road trips, especially with the impressive infotainment features to keep yourself and the kids entertained.
Unfortunately, fuel economy is the one big area where the Sportage falls short. While there are far less efficient vehicles out there, Kia clearly wasn’t prioritizing your gas costs when designing this car. Even so, if you don’t mind forking over a little extra money for gas, you’ll likely find the difference to be negligible when compared to the many positive aspects of the Sportage.
If you’re interested in checking out our inventory of 2022 Kia Sportage models, you can do so at ALM KIA South. We also have many other Kia models in stock so you can be sure that the Sportage is the right vehicle for you.
