Kia Sportage 2022: The Ultimate Carwow Review

Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the new Kia Sportage 2022, a crossover that's been making some serious waves in the market. You guys know how much we love a good SUV, and the Sportage has always been a strong contender. But with this latest iteration, Kia has really upped their game, bringing us a vehicle that's not just practical but also seriously stylish and packed with tech. So, buckle up, because we're going to break down everything you need to know about the 2022 Sportage, from its looks to its driving dynamics, and whether it's the right choice for your next set of wheels. We'll cover what makes it stand out, what might be a bit of a letdown, and give you the full lowdown like only Carwow can!

Exterior Design: A Bold New Face

Let's kick things off with the Kia Sportage 2022 exterior. Honestly, Kia has taken a massive leap forward here. If you thought the previous Sportage looked good, just wait till you see this one. The designers have gone for a really bold and futuristic look, with a prominent, wide grille that integrates seamlessly into those striking, distinctive LED headlights. They’re often called 'boomerang' or 'sabretooth' lights, and they give the Sportage a really aggressive and modern stance on the road. Down the side, you'll notice sharp, crisp lines that give it a dynamic profile, leading to a rear end that’s just as eye-catching. The taillights are connected by a sleek black strip, creating a wide, stable impression. It's a design that's sure to turn heads, moving away from the more conventional SUV shapes and embracing something a bit more adventurous. You also get a choice of different wheel designs, ranging from smart 17-inchers up to seriously impressive 19-inch alloys on higher trims, all of which complement the overall aggressive styling. The proportions feel right too – it’s got that presence you want in an SUV without being overly bulky. Kia has also been generous with the color palette, offering a range of vibrant and sophisticated options that really let you personalize your Sportage. This new design language isn't just for show; it’s about making a statement and positioning the Sportage as a serious player in the competitive compact SUV segment. It feels grown-up, sophisticated, and ready to take on rivals with confidence. The build quality also feels solid, with tight panel gaps and a premium finish that hints at the quality you'll find inside.

Interior Comfort and Tech: A Tech Lover's Dream

Now, let's talk about the inside, because the Kia Sportage 2022 interior is where things get really exciting. Kia has absolutely nailed the cabin design, making it feel premium, spacious, and loaded with the latest tech. The dashboard is dominated by a stunning, integrated display that houses both the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen. On higher-spec models, this can be a massive, curved 12.3-inch unit for each screen, creating a truly immersive experience. It looks fantastic and is super intuitive to use. The infotainment system itself is responsive, crisp, and offers all the connectivity you’d expect – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and built-in navigation. But it's not just about the big screens; the overall quality of the materials is top-notch. You'll find soft-touch plastics, elegant trim pieces (like piano black or brushed metal effects), and comfortable, supportive seats that are perfect for long journeys. Kia has also paid attention to ergonomics; all the controls are logically placed and easy to reach, including those sleek, touch-sensitive climate controls that look super modern. Space is another huge win for the Sportage. Both front and rear passengers will find ample legroom and headroom. The rear seats are particularly generous, making it a great option if you frequently carry adults or older kids. And the boot? It's cavernous! With a capacity that rivals some larger SUVs, you'll have no problem fitting in luggage, shopping, or sports equipment. Plus, many models come with a flat-loading floor and a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload bulky items. Kia has also thrown in plenty of clever storage solutions throughout the cabin, like deep door bins, a spacious center console, and handy cupholders. It's clear that practicality and passenger comfort were high on the agenda during the design process. The ambient lighting options add a touch of sophistication at night, further enhancing the premium feel. You also get a decent range of USB ports and charging options to keep everyone’s devices topped up on the go. It really feels like a car designed for modern living, blending cutting-edge technology with genuine comfort and usability for everyone on board.

Performance and Driving Experience: Smooth and Capable

When it comes to driving the Kia Sportage 2022, you've got a pretty diverse range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Under the hood, Kia offers a variety of powertrains, including efficient petrol engines, a punchy diesel, and crucially, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. This focus on electrification is a big deal, offering lower running costs and reduced emissions for eco-conscious buyers. The standard petrol engines are generally refined and offer good performance for everyday driving, whether you're nipping around town or cruising on the motorway. The hybrid options really shine, offering a smooth blend of electric and petrol power that’s particularly effective in stop-start traffic, delivering impressive fuel economy. The PHEV version, with its larger battery, allows for a significant all-electric range, meaning you could potentially do most of your daily commuting without using a drop of petrol, provided you can charge it regularly. On the road, the Sportage feels composed and comfortable. The suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps and imperfections, providing a refined ride that won't leave you feeling battered after a long drive. It’s not trying to be a sports car, and that’s perfectly fine; its strengths lie in its smooth cruising ability and relaxed demeanor. Steering is generally light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park. While the body roll is present, as you’d expect in an SUV, it’s well-controlled and doesn’t feel excessive. For those who venture off the beaten path occasionally, many Sportage models come with all-wheel-drive options and even some selectable terrain modes, giving you added confidence and capability in slippery conditions or light off-roading scenarios. The brakes are effective and provide a reassuring pedal feel, important for safety and confidence. Overall, the driving experience is one of competence and comfort, making the Sportage a very pleasant car to live with on a daily basis. It strikes a great balance between a smooth ride, capable performance across its various powertrains, and the practicality expected from an SUV.

Practicality and Space: More Room Than You Think!

One of the key selling points for any SUV is practicality, and guys, the 2022 Kia Sportage is a champion in this department. Let’s talk space, because Kia has really maximized every inch of this vehicle. Starting with the boot, it's enormous. Depending on the specific model and powertrain (hybrids can sometimes eat into boot space slightly), you're looking at figures that often compete with, and sometimes beat, cars in the class above. We’re talking about plenty of room for luggage, prams, golf clubs, you name it. The load lip is relatively low, and the boot floor is nice and flat, especially when the rear seats are folded down, creating a massive, continuous space. This makes loading up bulky items a total breeze. But it’s not just the boot; the cabin itself is incredibly spacious for passengers. In the front, you’ll find generous amounts of legroom and headroom, with seats that are comfortable and supportive, even on longer journeys. You’ll also appreciate the sheer number of storage cubbies scattered around – deep door pockets, a large glovebox, a good-sized center armrest storage, and handy places to put your phone and keys. The real surprise often comes in the rear. Kia has done a fantastic job here, offering impressive legroom that means even taller adults can sit comfortably behind a front occupant without their knees hitting the seat in front. Headroom is also excellent, so you won’t feel cramped. The rear bench is well-shaped for three people, although the middle seat is always a bit firmer in most cars. Plus, you get rear air vents and USB ports, keeping everyone comfortable and charged up. The doors open wide, making it easy to get in and out, which is a huge plus if you’re often wrestling with child seats or helping out older relatives. Visibility out of the car is also generally good, contributing to that sense of space and openness. Whether you're a family needing space for kids and all their gear, or someone who just appreciates a roomy cabin for comfort on commutes, the Sportage delivers in spades. It’s this blend of a huge boot and a genuinely spacious passenger cabin that makes the Sportage such a practical and versatile choice for a wide range of buyers.

Safety Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

When you're looking at a new car, especially an SUV that might be carrying your family, safety is paramount. Thankfully, the Kia Sportage 2022 comes packed with an impressive array of safety features, both active and passive, designed to protect you and your passengers. Kia has a strong reputation for safety, and this latest model is no exception, often achieving top marks in crash tests, such as those conducted by Euro NCAP. You can expect a robust body structure designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively. Inside, there are multiple airbags strategically placed throughout the cabin – front, side, and curtain airbags are standard, providing comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. But where the Sportage really shines is with its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These aren't just afterthoughts; they're integrated seamlessly to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Depending on the trim level, you can get features like: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists; Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA), which help keep the car centered in its lane, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys; Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), which warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot when you intend to change lanes; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), incredibly useful when reversing out of parking spaces; and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) or even more advanced Highway Driving Assist (HDA) on higher trims, which maintains a set speed and distance from the car in front, and can even help steer. You'll also typically find parking sensors all around and a rearview camera, making low-speed maneuvers much safer and less stressful. Some models even offer a 360-degree camera system for a bird's-eye view. The inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchor points on the rear outer seats is a given, making it easy and secure to fit child seats. All these features combine to give you and your passengers a real sense of security and peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel of the Kia Sportage.

Trims and Value: Getting the Best Bang for Your Buck

Kia has always been great at offering value for money, and the 2022 Sportage range is no different. They provide a well-structured lineup of trim levels, ensuring there's a Sportage to suit different budgets and needs, without forcing you to opt for the absolute top-spec model to get desirable features. Typically, you'll find a progression from a base model right up to sportier or more luxurious variants. Even the entry-level trims usually come surprisingly well-equipped. You can expect essentials like air conditioning, electric windows, Bluetooth connectivity, and a decent touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). Moving up through the trims, you'll start to see additions like larger alloy wheels, more advanced LED lighting, upgraded upholstery (sometimes faux leather or even real leather on the top trims), heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium sound system. The higher-spec models often get the most advanced technology, including the larger dual screens for the infotainment and digital cockpit, a 360-degree camera, advanced parking assistance, and perhaps a panoramic sunroof. One of the smartest moves Kia makes is offering those electrified powertrains – the hybrid and plug-in hybrid – across several trim levels. This means you don't necessarily have to go for the most expensive trim to benefit from the fuel efficiency and lower emissions of a hybrid. When comparing the Kia Sportage 2022 price against its rivals, it consistently offers a compelling package. You often get more standard equipment, a longer warranty (Kia's 7-year warranty is a huge plus!), and a more modern, stylish design for your money. The interior quality also punches above its weight, making the Sportage feel more premium than its price tag might suggest. Resale values have also been strengthening for Kia models, meaning you're likely to get a good return when it comes time to sell. Overall, the Sportage strikes an excellent balance between upfront cost, the features you receive, long-term running costs (especially with the hybrid options), and its overall desirability. It's a car that feels like a genuine bargain, offering a premium experience without the premium price tag.

Conclusion: A Top Contender You Can't Ignore

So, what's the verdict on the new Kia Sportage 2022? In a word: impressive. Kia has delivered a knockout punch with this latest generation. It’s a vehicle that manages to blend stunning, futuristic styling with a deeply practical and high-tech interior. The range of engines, particularly the inclusion of highly efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, makes it a forward-thinking choice for many buyers looking to reduce their running costs and environmental impact. The driving experience is refined and comfortable, making it a pleasure to live with day in and day out, and the practicality is second to none, with a massive boot and spacious cabin ensuring no one is left wanting for space. Add to that a comprehensive suite of safety features and Kia's industry-leading warranty, and you’ve got a package that is incredibly hard to beat. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that offers style, substance, and serious value, the Kia Sportage 2022 absolutely needs to be on your shortlist. It’s a true contender that’s not just competing; it’s leading the pack in several key areas. Go check one out – you won't be disappointed!