We know, we’re surprised too. We thought the 2021 Kia Telluride was the most popular Kia SUV, but it’s time for it to step aside. The 2022 Kia Sportage is the new king in town. Check out why the Kia Sportage outsells the Kia Telluride. 

The Kia Sportage outsells the Telluride 

According to Cars.com, the Kia Sportage is the most popular Kia SUV. The 2021 Kia Telluride failed to outsell the Sportage after making its debut in 2020.

The popular phrase, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ can apple to the 2017 model, because this was the last time it was redesigned. However, the 2023 Kia Sportage is expected to mark the new generation.

But what’s new with the 2022 Kia Sportage? 

• A new LX Value Edition Package adds 18-inch dark-gray wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, and heated seats to the base model. 
• The 2022 Nightfall trim replaced the mid-level option known as the S trim. 
• The EX trim includes a standard panoramic moonroof. 
• The EX Tech Package and SX turbo will offer complimentary map updates that include new points of interest and advanced driver assistance systems reports. 

Is the Sportage a good SUV? 

Yes, the 2022 Kia Sportage is an excellent SUV option. It’s expected to begin with an MSRP of about $25,265. The highest trim level may start at around $36,425 and include all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive comes standard. 

No new powertrain options have been announced for 2022. The 2021 Sportage comes with a standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. 

The 2021 Kia Sportage doesn’t have the best fuel economy. It gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and up to 30 mpg on the highway. Equipping your model with all-wheel drive may lower the fuel economy by one or two miles per gallon. 

According to Edmunds, the Sportage has poor acceleration. They managed to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9.0 seconds with the upgraded 2.0-liter engine. The ride is a little firm, but the suspension absorbs impacts well at lower speeds. Also, the interior is pretty isolated from wind and road noise. 

The interior has a high-quality feel, and wide door openings make it easy to get in and out of. Those who are over six feet tall may feel a little cramped. The sloping roof can make the cabin feel smaller than it is. 

What are the 2022 Kia Sportage features like? 

The Kia Sportage offers average cargo space for its class with 10.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 61.0 cubic feet total. The center console bin is a little shallow, but the phone cubby and door bins help organize smaller items. 

With the 2021 Sportage, you get an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s pretty easy to use, and you can add a wireless device charger and built-in navigation. 

Plus, the Sportage is pretty safe. It’s an Insurance Institute Highway Safety Top Pick. Standard safety features include forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. You can add blind-spot warning and rear-cross traffic alert.