How to Decide Which Kia Sportage Trim is Right For You

When you head to our Kia Sportage dealer location, you’ll find a wide selection of trims. Which one is right for you? It depends on a few factors, including your budget and the level of luxury you’re seeking. This compact crossover is a fan favorite because of its versatility and affordable starting price, but it’s also a great choice for buyers looking for a premium cabin.

A common issue for new vehicle shoppers is discerning between different trims and equipment packages. It’s hard enough to decide on a specific model, but once you do, the next step is drilling down into the lineup to find a good match. Price is often the number one consideration, but buyers also want plenty of safety and convenience features.

Let’s face it: no matter what our budget is, we all want great value for the money spent. The Kia Sportage at any trim level is arguably one of the best deals in the popular compact crossover segment. Kia thoughtfully arranged the trim lineup with easy-to-understand equipment bundles that make choosing straightforward. Which Sportage trim – the LX, the EX, or the SX – is right for you?

The 2022 Sportage LX

Considered the entry trim, the Sportage LX is the lowest-priced offering. It includes a 2.4-liter 181 horsepower four-cylinder engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. 17-inch wheels are standard, along with LED daytime running lights. Buyers can choose to add all-wheel drive for an additional cost, but front-wheel drive is standard. Kia includes a generous 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a great feature for commuters looking to stream smartphone content. Remote keyless entry eliminates the need to fumble with traditional keys, and the innovative dual-level cargo area allows plenty of room for groceries or stashing luggage for a weekend road trip.

Safety is front-and-center on the Sportage LX, with several driver-assist systems included in the base price. Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection helps drivers avoid hazards, while Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist work together to keep you in your intended lane of travel. A Driver Attention Warning system offers a gentle nudge when your attention drifts away from the road, and the High Beam Assist feature automates the tedious task of switching from low to high-beam settings. The available Rear Cross Traffic Collision warning system monitors the area on either side of the vehicle as you’re backing up and alerts you of any oncoming cars.

The 2022 Sportage EX

The mid-range Sportage EX includes 18-inch wheels, roof rails, heated outside mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators, a power liftgate, and a panoramic moonroof on the exterior, as well as a push-button start, power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control in the cabin. Also included is a USB port in the back for rear seat passengers. Heated front seats and special SynTex seating surfaces create a more upscale cabin feel, distinguishing the EX as an upgrade. The standard LED interior lighting also contributes to the luxury feel. Buyers can also choose to upgrade to leather seating and add ventilation to the front seats. Small touches like the included windshield wiper de-icer and fog lamps also add a little extra utility.

Opting for the slightly more expensive Sportage EX also unlocks access to premium features that aren’t available on the entry LX. These include an upgraded touchscreen with navigation and SiriusXM satellite radio compatibility, as well as an 8-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Surround Sound System that pumps out 320 watts of sound. Safety gets a few enhancements, too, with an available Parking Assist system that works via sensors in the front and rear, helping drivers park more confidently and avoid “bumper kissing.” Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go monitors traffic patterns and automatically slows down or speeds up to maintain a consistent distance from the vehicle ahead.

The 2022 Sportage SX

If you want to maximize performance and luxury, turn to the top-of-the-line Sportage SX Turbo. It is the highest price, but what you get for the extra cost is a substantial upgrade under the hood – a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of producing up to 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The engine is exclusive to this trim, which substantially differentiates the SX Turbo from the rest of the lineup. As with all Sportage trims, the SX Turbo is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. This trim also receives protective front and rear skid plates, LED headlights, fog lights, and taillights, and a chrome dual exhaust, as well as upsized 19-inch wheels. Parking Assist is standard. The exterior changes combine to create a more aggressive stance.

Inside, the SX Turbo makes standard most of the premium equipment add-ons available on the EX. These include the upgraded Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, a wireless phone charger, leather seating with 8-way power front seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. In fact, the highest Sportage trim is nearly fully loaded, so you won’t have to mull over any additional equipment packages. The SX Turbo also features a unique D-shaped flat-bottomed sport steering wheel. Additional performance extras include sport pedals in an alloy finish, paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel, and metal scuff plates along the doors. These add-ons differentiate the SX Turbo from its siblings and put the focus on sportiness and performance.

The SX Turbo is right for you if you prefer a little extra spice. The turbocharged engine adds significant horsepower to the already peppy Sportage, and Kia’s attention to detail with the cabin enhancements round out the SX Turbo’s focus on performance. As with all Sportage trims, adding all-wheel drive may slightly decrease performance and fuel economy.

Choosing Your 2022 Sportage

One of the best things about the 2022 Sportage is its simplified trim lineup. While some other competing crossovers are offered in multiple trims and sub-trims, Kia keeps it straightforward, offering a value-priced entry trim, a mid-range option that unlocks plenty of luxury add-ons, and a speedier, more performance-oriented flagship trim for driving enthusiasts. Luckily, all three trims come with Kia’s industry-leading factory warranty, giving buyers 5 years/60,000 miles of limited bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, which includes major vehicle components like the engine and transmission. With this kind of coverage, buyers enjoy a low cost of ownership and added peace of mind.

The Sportage LX represents the best bargain for budget-conscious shoppers. Moving up to the EX is generally considered the best bang for your buck. Adding the available Technology Package outfits the EX with almost every feature found on the more expensive SX Turbo, so if the upgraded engine isn’t something you need or want, you can achieve the same level of luxury by sticking with the EX trim.

Remember, adding all-wheel drive is going to boost up the cost on all three trims, but it’s nice to know that Kia’s expansive suite of driver-assist systems is standard across the entire lineup. Connected services are also accessible within all three trims, so you can use your smartphone as a remote key or for access to enhanced subscription-based safety services. All-in-all, no matter which Kia Sportage trim you choose, you are getting an excellent model that you will love.