10 Reasons Why the 2022 Kia Sportage LX Is Still A Solid Choice

If you're in the market for an affordable, compact SUV that delivers a surprising mix of performance, comfort, and tech features, the 2022 Kia Sportage LX deserves your attention. For years, Kia has been upping its game and, let's be honest, the Sportage has been one of the brand's real underdogs in the crowded compact SUV world. Let’s dive into what makes the 2022 Sportage LX a smart choice, a few areas it could improve, and why you might just want to make this model your next car.

Why the 2022 Kia Sportage LX Caught Our Eye

A Smart Exterior Design

Kia's design team deserves a high-five for the 2022 Sportage LX's exterior. It strikes a delicate balance between looking modern and standing out without trying too hard. The front-end features Kia's "tiger nose" grille that gives it a sleek, almost futuristic vibe. Plus, the LED headlights wrap around the edges of the grille like they’re giving it a warm hug—functional and fashionable. It also looks a bit more muscular than past models, giving it a more assertive road presence.

• Sleek tiger-nose grille
• Muscular design
• LED headlights with a wide field of vision

Now, while it looks cool, the exterior design isn’t completely perfect. For example, the rear window is a bit small, making visibility out the back not as great as you’d hope. More on that later though.

Interior: Comfort Where It Counts

The 2022 Kia Sportage LX punches above its weight when it comes to interior quality. The materials used inside don’t scream "budget" even though this is one of Kia’s entry-level trims. The cabin feels spacious, and while the LX is the base model, you still get a ton of creature comforts.

Standard Features in the LX Model:

• 8-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Spacious backseat with ample legroom
• Rear air vents (because, hey, your passengers matter too)
• Cloth upholstery that doesn't feel like it was made out of old potato sacks

Yes, it’s a cloth interior, but honestly, it’s comfortable. And, let’s face it, leather seats get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter anyway. Plus, Alex Collantes, a recent Sportage LX owner, pointed out, “I didn’t think I’d care about rear air vents until I realized how much my kids loved them. Small things like that make a big difference.”

Tech Savvy, But Not Overdone

With so many cars these days trying to overload you with screens, buttons, and distractions, the 2022 Sportage LX keeps things simple. The 8-inch touchscreen is responsive and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You won’t need an advanced computer science degree just to figure out how to change the radio station.

Key Tech Features:

• 8-inch touchscreen with sharp resolution
• Seamless smartphone integration (No more cables flying everywhere)
• Bluetooth audio for hands-free calls

It’s refreshing to see Kia stick to what works without trying to reinvent the wheel here. Though, while the touchscreen is great, the audio system could use a bit more punch. Don’t expect to throw a car dance party with the factory speakers unless your definition of loud is just... not that loud.

Performance: A Well-Rounded Package

Engine and Drivability

Kia has equipped the 2022 Sportage LX with a 2.4-liter inline-4 engine, giving it a respectable 181 horsepower. Look, it’s not going to make your heart race or your palms sweaty when you hit the gas, but it gets the job done for a daily driver. The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, so you won’t feel like you’re driving a clunky washing machine down the highway.

• 181-horsepower 2.4-liter engine
• 6-speed automatic transmission
• 0-60 mph in around 8.5 seconds (so you won't be winning drag races, but who cares?)

On the highway, it feels composed and steady. But if you’re hoping to feel a thrilling burst of speed when merging, well, maybe grab a coffee beforehand for that extra boost. This isn’t a Ferrari—though with 24 mpg combined, it sure doesn’t guzzle gas like one either.

Fuel Economy:

• 21 mpg city
• 25 mpg highway
• Combined: 24 mpg

Ride Comfort and Handling

Here’s where the 2022 Sportage LX really shines—handling. The suspension is firm but not overly so, meaning it doesn’t feel like you’re riding in a boat but you also won’t need to brace for impact when you hit a pothole. The steering is responsive, giving you a sense of control even on curvier roads.

• Firm suspension but still smooth
• Responsive steering (You actually feel connected to the road)
• Good handling for a compact SUV

Alex Collantes, when asked about handling, chuckled and said, “I used to drive a minivan, so when I say this thing handles like a sports car compared to that, it’s probably not saying much. But hey, for an SUV, it’s pretty nimble.”

The Drawbacks (In a Fun Way)

Visibility: Might Need a Backup Camera (And Good Eyes)

One of the quirks of the 2022 Sportage LX is its rear visibility. With a somewhat small rear window, you might feel like you’re peering through a mail slot when backing up. Luckily, the rearview camera is standard on this model because, honestly, parallel parking would be a nightmare otherwise.

Humorously, it feels like Kia designed the rear window with optimism that you’d never actually need to look back. So, don’t forget to rely on that backup camera unless you want to be that person at the grocery store parking lot who spends 15 minutes trying to back into a spot.

Cargo Space: Not Winning Any Prizes

For a compact SUV, the 2022 Kia Sportage LX offers decent cargo space—about 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row. That’s enough room for a couple of suitcases, a stroller, and maybe your dog’s favorite bed. But if you’re planning on taking the family on a cross-country road trip and packing the entire house, let’s just say you might need to reconsider your luggage priorities.

Cargo Space Stats:

• 30.7 cubic feet behind the second row
• Fold the rear seats down, and you get 60.1 cubic feet

To put it into perspective, you could probably fit a small IKEA shelf back there, but a whole bookshelf? Probably not unless you play some serious Tetris.

Safety: What You Should Know

The 2022 Kia Sportage LX comes standard with a pretty solid list of safety features. Kia is known for taking safety seriously, and it’s no different here. You get forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking. These are features you used to only find on more expensive trims, so it’s nice to see them as standard on the LX.

Standard Safety Features:

• Forward collision warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Automated emergency braking
• Rearview camera

Crash Test Ratings

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2022 Sportage earned a respectable 5-star rating overall. This makes it a top contender in terms of safety in its class.
That being said, it could use a bit more driver assistance technology, like adaptive cruise control—but hey, at this price point, we’re not complaining.

Pricing: It Won’t Break the Bank

Value for Your Money

One of the best things about the 2022 Kia Sportage LX is its price. Starting at around $25,000, this SUV gives you a lot of bang for your buck. When you factor in Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, it’s hard not to appreciate the value.

• Starting price: ~$25,000
• 10-year/100,000-mile warranty

In the world of SUVs, it’s tough to find a better deal that offers the same combination of features, comfort, and safety at this price point. Sure, you could pay more for a fancier trim or a premium brand, but you’d be missing out on the sweet spot of value the LX offers.

What Sets the 2022 Kia Sportage LX Apart?

The 2022 Kia Sportage LX manages to tick all the right boxes for a compact SUV: affordability, comfort, practicality, and safety. It’s a no-nonsense SUV that’s perfect for families, first-time SUV buyers, or anyone who needs something reliable without all the bells and whistles of higher trims. Plus, with Kia’s industry-leading warranty, you’ll be covered for years to come.

Alex Collantes sums it up well: “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m impressed. For the price, I don’t think you’ll find a better mix of features and comfort. Sure, it’s not the biggest or fastest SUV out there, but it gets the job done—and looks good doing it.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a solid compact SUV that won’t disappoint, the 2022 Kia Sportage LX is worth a serious look. It may not be perfect (those rear windows, am I right?), but it’s a dependable and practical choice for drivers who want something that can handle everyday life with ease.

Pros

• Excellent value for the price
• Good handling and comfortable ride
• Standard safety features

Cons

• Rear visibility isn’t great
• Audio system could use a boost
• Cargo space is adequate but not impressive

Still, with all its quirks, the 2022 Kia Sportage LX proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to drive a quality compact SUV that feels like more than just a base model. So if you’re after affordability with some extra flair, it’s time to test drive this Kia underdog!