Our Deep Drive series explores all the details and costs of popular vehicles so that Flexcar members and non-members can have an all-access look at certain vehicles we think are worth checking out. Be more informed about the vehicles you’re choosing between, and remember that only with Flexcar can you swap into a different vehicle any time you want.
Overview of the 2022 Kia Sportage
With a range of performance options, fuel economy features, and advanced safety features, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a stylish and reliable car that provides a comfortable and safe driving experience. Learn about all that this vehicle has to offer.
The 2022 Kia Sportage is a five-passenger, four-door wagon available in four trims: LX, Nightfall, EX, and SX Turbo. All trims come with a 2.4L four-cylinder engine except for the top-of-the-line SX Turbo, which features a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Features across trims include a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, and various safety features such as forward collision avoidance assist and lane departure warning.
Design
Each trim of the 2022 Kia Sportage has its own unique design features, capabilities, comfort, and convenience offerings.
Exterior design and features
The LX trim offers a sleek and stylish look with a matte black and bright chrome front grille, door handles in body color, and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels. It also has a range of convenient features including smart welcome, solar control glass, and power-folding outside mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators. The Nightfall Edition takes the style up a notch with a piano black front grille, special badging, and black satin window trim. It also includes a panoramic sunroof, LED rear tail lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels with an optional dark gray finish.
The EX trim adds a gloss black and bright chrome front grille, half chrome door handles, and a smart power liftgate for added convenience. For those who want a sportier look, the SX Turbo comes with a gloss black front grille with hot stamping and dark chrome, LED headlights and front fog lights, and 19-inch alloy wheels. It also features metal finish skid plates and a chrome dual-outlet exhaust finish.
Interior design and features
The base model LX has practical amenities like interior lighting and under-rear-cargo-floor storage, while the Nightfall Edition includes SynTex seating materials and LED interior lighting. The EX has a more luxurious interior with leather seat trim, ventilated front seats, and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The SX Turbo has the most advanced interior features, including a flat-bottomed sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, alloy sport pedals, and metal door scuff plates. All trims have heated front seats, height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat with a 17-step recline.
Technology and connectivity
The LX, EX, and Nightfall models come standard with a six-speaker audio system, an 8-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, and manual control air conditioning. The upgraded SX Turbo model features an eight-speaker audio system. All trims except the LX feature a wireless phone charger, and all trims have heated front seats. They also offer Kia Connect with voice-command navigation, Harman Kardon premium surround sound and parking assist with front and rear sensors.
Performance and handling
The 2022 Kia Sportage offers a range of performance and handling features across its four trims, providing drivers with a versatile and enjoyable driving experience.
Engine options
The 2022 Kia Sportage offers a range of engine features to suit different driving needs and preferences. The LX, Nightfall Edition, and EX trims are all equipped with a regular unleaded I-4 engine with a displacement of 2.4 liters per 144, offering a maximum horsepower of 181 at 6000 RPM and a maximum torque of 175 at 4000 RPM. However, the SX Turbo offers an inter-cooled turbo regular unleaded I-4 engine with a displacement of 2.0 liters per 122, providing a more powerful performance with a maximum horsepower of 237 at 6000 RPM and a maximum torque of 260 at 1450 RPM.
Transmission options
The 2022 Kia Sportage offers an automatic transmission with six speeds and overdrive for all trims. The SX Turbo also has an automatic transmission with six speeds and overdrive, but with slightly different gear ratios and a higher final drive axle ratio.
Fuel economy
The 2022 Kia Sportage offers a range of fuel economy features across its four trims, with the LX, Nightfall Edition, and EX all delivering an EPA-rated 23 mpg combined fuel economy, while the SX Turbo delivers a slightly lower 21 mpg. All trims feature a fuel system of gasoline direct injection and the fuel tank size for all trims is 16.4 gallons. The CO2 emissions range from 7.6 to 8.4 tons per 15,000 miles, depending on the trim.
Driving experience
All trims provide a smooth and comfortable ride, with the suspension absorbing most road imperfections. The steering is precise and well-weighted, allowing for easy maneuvering and a confident feel on the road. Additionally, the Sportage’s noise insulation keeps the cabin quiet, providing a serene environment for passengers.
Safety
The 2022 Kia Sportage comes equipped with a variety of advanced safety features to help ensure the safety of both passengers and pedestrians.
Advanced safety features
The 2022 Kia Sportage is not just a stylish and powerful car, but also one that prioritizes your safety. It comes standard with impressive standard safety features, such as electronic stability control, tire-specific low tire pressure warnings, and rear child safety locks.
Available advanced safety features
In addition to the standard safety features, the 2022 Kia Sportage also offers advanced safety features, such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning to help drivers stay centered in their lane, Collision Mitigation-Front to detect and help avoid potential frontal collisions, Driver Monitoring-Alert to warn drivers when they appear to be fatigued or distracted, Blind-Spot Collision Warning to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spot, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Ped (FCA-Ped) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW) to help drivers avoid collisions while driving in traffic or reversing. The vehicle also comes equipped with a parking distance warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a backup camera to assist drivers in parking and maneuvering the vehicle.
Safety ratings
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 Kia Sportage received an overall safety rating of five out of five stars. It received four stars for rollover safety and five stars for side safety ratings, including front and rear seat protection, and side barrier ratings for both the driver and rear passenger. The front driver’s side also received a four-star rating, while the front passenger side received a five-star rating. The vehicle did not tip during dynamic tests, and the rollover risk was calculated to be 14.70%. In all, the 2022 Kia Sportage has been rated as a safe vehicle by the NHTSA.
Trim levels and pricing
The 2022 Kia Sportage is available in three standard trim levels and one turbo trim level, each with its own unique set of features and pricing options.
Available trims and features
Whether you’re looking for a reliable daily driver or a fun-to-drive SUV with luxury features, there’s a Sportage trim for you.
The standard trim, the LX, features:
- A rearview camera, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
- An efficient engine and a smooth ride.
- Great value for those who want a reliable compact SUV without breaking the bank.
The Nightfall Edition builds upon LX’s features with:
- Blacked-out exterior elements such as a gloss black grille, black window trim, and black roof rails.
- Unique badging, 18-inch black wheels, and piano black skid plates.
- Bold styling for those who want a more aggressive look for their Sportage.
Next, you can experience the EX trim, which:
- Adds premium features to the Sportage, including leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
- Comes with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Includes a balance of features and affordability making it a popular choice among shoppers.
Then, for a true performance experience, the SX Turbo includes:
- A turbocharged engine that delivers a thrilling performance.
- Features like heated and ventilated leather seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation.
- A sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels that make it a fun-to-drive option for those who want a bit of luxury and excitement in their SUV.
Price points for each trim (MSRP)
The MSRP price for each of the trims is as follows:
- LX: $24,090.
- Nightfall Edition: $28,090.
- EX: $28,390.
- SX Turbo: $33,750.
Reviews and comparisons
See how the 2022 Kia Sportage stacks up against other SUV models in terms of expert reviews and comparisons.
Expert and consumer reviews
The 2022 Kia Sportage has received positive reviews from experts in the automotive industry. Edmunds rated the SUV a 7.2 out of 10, praising its appearance and value for money, but noting that the base engine lacks power. US News & World Report gave the Sportage an 8.2 out of 10, highlighting its spacious and comfortable interior, available turbocharged engine, and impressive safety features. Kelley Blue Book gave the SUV a 4.5 out of 5, commending its stylish design, solid build quality, and impressive warranty coverage. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sportage has been well-received by experts and consumers, making it a solid choice for those in the market for a compact SUV.
Comparison with other similar cars
The 2022 Kia Sportage is a popular choice in the competitive compact SUV market, where it competes against well-known models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. While all of these SUVs offer practicality, comfort, and technology, there are some notable differences to consider when making a decision. The Honda CR-V offers a larger cargo area and a hybrid powertrain option, but the Sportage has a more stylish design and a lower starting price. The Toyota RAV4 is known for its reliability and hybrid powertrain option, while the Sportage has a more upscale interior and a smoother ride. The Mazda CX-5 is a fun-to-drive SUV with attractive styling, but it has a higher starting price and a slightly smaller cargo area than the Sportage.
Comparison with previous or future generations of the same model
Looking back at previous years, the 2021 and 2020 Kia Sportage models offered similar features to the 2022 model, with the LX, S, and EX trim levels available. The 2021 model offered a standard 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 2020 model offered a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission option. The 2023 Kia Sportage is a completely redesigned model with a longer wheelbase, wider stance, and bolder design. It also offers more advanced technology features, such as a 12.2-inch instrument display and available rear occupant alert. In terms of capabilities, the 2023 Sportage offers a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as available all-wheel drive.
Buying options
Depending on your credit score, you can finance, lease, or Flexcar the 2022 Kia Sportage.
Typical finance cost
According to U.S. News’s payment calculator, the typical finance cost for this vehicle is as follows:
- Vehicle price: $24,090.
- Down payment: $2,409.
- Trade-in value: $0.
- Estimated sales tax: 5%.
- Estimated interest rate: 9.89%.
- Loan length: 60 months.
- Total loan amount: $22,886.
- Monthly payments: $485.
- Total interest paid over the life of the loan: $6,215.
Typical lease cost
You can calculate the typical cost to lease this car using the Edmunds’ lease calculator:
- Vehicle price: $26,185.
- Annual miles: 12,000.
- Residual value: 49%.
- Acquisition fee: $650
- Lease term: 36 months.
- Credit tier: Excellent.
- Estimated money factor: 0.00282.
- Taxes and fees: 2334.81.
- Total of lease payments: $18,483.
- Monthly lease payment: $482.
- Taxes and fees: $68.
- Total monthly lease payment: $550.
Typical Flexcar cost
The third option is to order from Flexcar. When you subscribe to drive a 2022 Kia Sportage from Flexcar, you can use the car whenever you want. This is a great alternative to car ownership as you can enjoy all of the 2022 Kia Sportage’s benefits without any responsibility, such as insurance and maintenance. You can order on Flexcar today in the following cities:
- Boston: 2022 Kia Sportage.
- Atlanta: 2022 Kia Sportage.
- Charlotte: 2022 Kia Sportage.
- Nashville: 2022 Kia Sportage.
Recap of key features
The Sportage has unique design features, capabilities, and convenience features across all four trims, including a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various safety features like forward collision avoidance assist and lane departure warning. The Sportage also offers advanced safety features, such as Lane Keep Assist and automatic emergency braking.
Overall assessment of the vehicle
The 2022 Kia Sportage is a well-designed and feature-packed vehicle. The interior is comfortable and well-appointed, with advanced technology and safety features available across all trims. Additionally, the performance and handling of the vehicle seem to be capable and enjoyable, with engine options that suit different driving needs. Overall, the 2022 Kia Sportage appears to be a good choice for anyone in the market for a versatile and stylish SUV.
Final thoughts and recommendations
If you’re looking for a reliable and practical vehicle that offers plenty of space and comfort, the 2022 Kia Sportage may be for you. Ordering it through Flexcar is a great way to experience the convenience of our car subscription service while also enjoying the benefits of driving a dependable car. For more information, contact Flexcar Support.
