2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 Kia Sportage

The 2021 Kia Sportage presented a design that some might have described as frog-like, with its tiger-nose grille and bulbous headlights. However, Kia marketed the Sportage's styling as "Euro-focused." This two-row crossover SUV featured a short wheelbase and overhangs, making it a practical choice for city dwellers. The headlights were carried over from the previous year, and buyers could choose between 17-, 18-, or 19-inch wheels. Inside, the Sportage boasted an 8-inch touchscreen display as its centerpiece, flanked by air vents and accompanied by physical buttons and knobs for tuning and volume. The interior, while not the most tech-forward, remained a pleasant space with a now-old Kia logo on the steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent a redesign that was more evolutionary than revolutionary. The new model retained a similar broad, rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal, with a vertical accent strip under the mirrors as a distinguishing feature. The rear view saw the most significant change, with thin LED strips replacing the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and knobs, featuring a larger tablet-like touchscreen for a modern look. Premium leather and rich wood trim elements adorned the interior, exuding luxury and quality.

The 2021 Kia Sportage offered a choice of LX, EX, or SX Turbo trims, with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The LX and EX trims were powered by a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. The SX Turbo trim featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, delivering 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for the FWD Sportage with the 2.4-liter engine was 23 mpg city, 30 highway, and 26 combined, while AWD models saw a slight decrease. The Sportage's suspension provided a smooth ride, though the steering and tire grip left room for improvement.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid component, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD). The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Standard rear-wheel-steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability.

The 2021 Kia Sportage, while on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered good interior space for passengers. The SX Turbo trim featured a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, along with heated and ventilated seats. Rear legroom and headroom were adequate, but cargo space was limited, with 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seat folded.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, along with climate controls and USB-C charge ports. The optional third row, while limited in headroom for adults, provided adequate space for smaller passengers. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down. A split tailgate and adjustable air suspension height facilitated loading.

The 2021 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen interface with Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports as standard. Most trims included Kia's UVO Link connected services. The SX Turbo trim added wireless charging and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The technology was user-friendly, with logical menus and physical controls.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Kia Sportage excelled in safety, offering a comprehensive suite of standard advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and a driver-monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control. The Sportage received Top Safety Pick status from the IIHS and performed well in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable, the Range Rover's safety features performed reliably. However, some rivals offered additional safety technologies not present in the Range Rover.