Kia Sportage 2022 Review

Currently, the compact SUV market is in a stage of fierce competition, and consumers are demanding higher standards for vehicle design, configuration, and practicality. As a new contender in this segment, the 2022 Kia Sportage public attracts considerable attention from potential buyers with its highly distinctive exterior design and rich array of smart features. The main purpose of this test drive is to evaluate the car's overall performance in everyday scenarios, including whether the space meets family needs, whether the power is sufficient, whether the features are practical, and whether the fuel efficiency meets expectations.

In terms of appearance, the 2022 Kia Sportage public adopts the latest design language of the brand, with an overall style that leans towards rugged and sporty. At the front, the tiger nose grille has been further enlarged, with black honeycomb-shaped decoration inside, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, creating a strong visual impact. The car's side profile features smooth lines, with a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, enhancing the vehicle's muscular feel, while the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels add to the overall refinement. At the rear, the through-type LED taillight cluster echoes the front design, with the Kia logo embedded in the center of the taillights, providing high recognition when illuminated. In addition, the silver skid plate at the rear and the dual exhaust layout on each side add a touch of off-road flair to the vehicle.

Inside the car, the interior design of the 2022 Kia Sportage public is simple and elegant, with an asymmetrical layout of the central control panel angled towards the driver for convenient operation. Regarding materials, the upper part of the dashboard and the inner side of the door panels are covered with soft materials, offering a comfortable touch. Paired with silver accents and piano black panels, it creates a good sense of luxury. The central control area is equipped with a 12.3-inch floating touch screen with high resolution and smooth operation. It supports CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The instrument cluster is also a 12.3-inch fully digital display, capable of showing abundant vehicle information, including speed, RPM, fuel consumption, navigation, and more. The seats are wrapped in leather, with ample padding for good support and wrap-around comfort. The driver’s seat supports electric adjustment and lumbar support, making long journeys less tiring.

In terms of space, the 2022 Kia Sportage public has body dimensions of 4660mm in length, 1865mm in width, and 1660mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2755mm, ranking above average among models in the same class. The front row offers spacious room, with about a fist of headroom left for a driver around 180cm tall. The rear row also provides ample space, with legroom exceeding two fists and headroom of about one fist, accommodating three adults without feeling cramped. As for storage, compartments are designed inside the door panels, beneath the central control panel, in the central armrest box, and other locations, allowing placement of items such as phones, cups, and wallets. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 543L. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split, expanding the capacity to 1780L, meeting the needs of family outings and transporting large items.

Powertrain-wise, the 2022 Kia Sportage public tested this time is equipped with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum power of 152 horsepower and a maximum torque of 191 Nm. The transmission system is paired with a 6-speed automatic/manual transmission. The power output is relatively smooth, with no significant jolting during start-up. The acceleration process is linear, and its mid-to-high speed acceleration capability is decent. It is adequate for daily urban commuting and highway cruising. There are three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Eco mode, throttle response is relatively slow, making it suitable for daily commuting. In Normal mode, the power output is moderate and suitable for most road conditions. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes more enthusiastic, gear shifting speeds up, and it offers a certain level of driving pleasure.

In terms of handling, the 2022 Kia Sportage public offers a precise steering feel with minimal dead zones, and the steering is light, making it suitable for female drivers. The suspension system adopts a combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned for comfort. It effectively filters road vibrations, ensuring passengers inside the car do not feel noticeable shaking, even on bumpy roads. When cornering, the suspension provides sufficient support, and the body roll is well restrained, offering overall stable handling performance.

In terms of fuel consumption, actual tests indicate that the 2022 Kia Sportage public consumes approximately 8.5L/100km on city roads, 6.8L/100km on highways, and has a combined fuel consumption of about 7.6L/100km, showing decent fuel economy performance.

For ride comfort, the vehicle boasts good noise control. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are not overly noticeable, maintaining a relatively quiet cabin environment. The seats are highly comfortable, ensuring that long journeys are not tiring. The air conditioning system provides effective cooling and supports zone control. Rear-seat passengers also benefit from air vents and USB charging ports for added convenience.

In summary, the 2022 Kia Sportage public performs well in terms of exterior design, interior configuration, space, and fuel economy, making it highly competitive among its class. Its strengths lie in its spacious interior, rich features, and high cost-effectiveness, making it suitable for consumers who prioritize family practicality and fuel efficiency. If you are looking for a compact SUV, the 2022 Kia Sportage public is worth considering.