2022 Kia Sportage vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2022 Kia Sportage presented a mixed bag in terms of design. While Kia's signature tiger-nose grille was a hit on models like the Stinger and Sorento, it seemed out of place on the Sportage, resembling a Halloween party mustache. Despite this, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with its four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a rear design echoing Volkswagen's symmetry. The SX Turbo's 19-inch wheels added to its well-proportioned and grounded appearance. Inside, the Sportage adopted a Germanic design with a black dashboard, polished metallic accents, and plain white-on-black instrumentation. The SX Turbo trim featured metal pedal covers and offered a choice of black, gray, or beige interiors, creating a high-contrast, upscale look. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system, enhancing the overall sense of quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, boasted a stately presence. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant appearance. The quad-lamp design extended to the rear, with four-part taillamps above dual exhausts. The hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design, but the matte Brunswick Green paint job added a touch of elegance. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats continued the theme, complemented by a dash split by thin horizontal air vents and adorned with metal and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor annoyance in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque, and the more robust SX Turbo with 240 hp (237 hp with AWD) and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with the option of Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system. The SX Turbo delivered quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm, providing a surprising surge of power. The Sportage's suspension, featuring a MacPherson strut front and independent multi-link rear, offered a smooth and compliant ride, though some body roll and lateral rocking were noticeable. While the Sportage felt athletic and sporty, it lacked the refinement of competitors like the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 came exclusively with all-wheel drive and offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, or a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80 prioritized highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts, and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. While not particularly quick, the GV80 excelled in providing a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to active noise cancellation and advanced suspension technology.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover SUV scale, offered a surprisingly roomy passenger compartment. The SX Turbo trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching, ten-way power adjustment for the driver's seat, and eight-way power adjustment for the front passenger seat. Heated and ventilated front seats, along with a heated flat-bottom steering wheel, added to the comfort. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, air conditioning vents, and a USB charging port. However, the Sportage's cargo space was limited, with 60.1 cubic feet available with the second-row seats folded down and 30.7 cubic feet behind the back seat. The smart liftgate technology provided hands-free access, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of sporty driving dynamics with a wealth of luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats offering extensive adjustability. The Ergo Motion driver's seat, with its seven inflatable pockets, helped reduce fatigue. Nappa leather seats added a touch of luxury, while the option for a third row provided additional seating, albeit with limited legroom. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for added convenience. Tri-zone climate control and an optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. The GV80 offered ample cargo space, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded down, along with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sportage came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Most trims included UVO Link connected services and satellite radio, while the SX Turbo added wireless smartphone charging and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for stereo volume and radio tuning, and intuitive onscreen menus. However, the UVO Link system lagged behind in terms of technological sophistication, lacking a WiFi hotspot and offering wired smartphone mirroring.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach for touch use, the dial provided a tactile experience, though navigating through icons could be cumbersome. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly. The GV80 included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a 110-volt outlet. The remote smart parking assist allowed for maneuvering in and out of tight spaces without the driver being in the car, adding a cool factor to the technology suite.

The 2022 Kia Sportage was equipped with a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The SX Turbo trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favorable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX Turbo earning an Acceptable headlight rating, qualifying it for an IIHS Top Safety Pick.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted an array of standard advanced driver aids, such as forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The GV80 featured a video feed of the car's blind spot in the digital gauge cluster, providing a clear view for the driver. Highway Drive Assist utilized various systems to offer a hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled in certain lighting conditions. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high marks from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system were rated as Acceptable.