“I would encourage him to purchase this car just upgraded with key start capability and being able to press a button to close the trunk other than that I love my Sportage.”
2022 Kia Sportage: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2022 Kia Sportage is the new Nightfall trim, which takes over the old S trim’s role as the dark-accent model. Otherwise, this is a light-update year, with the EX gaining more standard equipment before the 2023 redesign.
About the 2022 Kia Sportage
4th generation (2017-2022), final year before the all-new 5th-generation redesign for 2023.
Kia pitches the Sportage as a stylish compact SUV that mixes everyday usefulness with easy tech and a strong feature list. In the Kia SUV range it sits between the smaller Seltos and larger Sorento, giving buyers a five-seat crossover with available AWD, a comfortable cabin, and more personality than many conservative rivals. For 2022, its biggest draws are design, convenience features, and value rather than class-leading cargo room or outright speed.
The 2022 lineup runs from the value-focused LX to the comfort-oriented EX, with the Nightfall emphasizing black exterior details and the SX Turbo serving as the stronger, better-equipped model. The EX has a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, and a power tailgate, while the SX Turbo pairs a turbocharged engine with navigation, premium audio, and ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Styling
Kia dropped the S trim and added Nightfall as the standalone dark-accent model, with black roof rails and dark gray 18-inch wheels among its signature details.
Equipment
The EX’s panoramic sunroof and LED interior lighting became standard. Its roof rails changed from standard to optional.
2022 Kia Sportage specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, GDI, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 181 hp | 237 hp | 181 hp |
| Torque | 175 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 175 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft | 60.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2022 Kia Sportage?
The biggest change is the Nightfall trim, which takes over the former S trim’s role as the Sportage with dark exterior accents. Kia dropped S and added Nightfall as part of a simplified four-trim lineup.
Is the 2022 Kia Sportage a redesigned model?
No. The 2022 Sportage is the final year of the body style introduced for 2017, with only light trim and equipment updates. The full redesign arrived for 2023.
What changed on the 2022 Kia Sportage EX?
The 2022 EX gained a standard panoramic sunroof and standard LED interior lighting. Roof rails changed from standard equipment to optional equipment.
Did the 2022 Kia Sportage get a new engine or new safety systems?
No. The engines and core safety systems carried over for 2022. The main updates were the Nightfall trim and revised standard equipment for the EX.
Is the 2022 Sportage Nightfall simply a renamed S trim?
No. Kia dropped the S trim and added Nightfall for 2022 rather than treating it as a direct trim rename. Nightfall fills a similar style-focused role with dark exterior details and the regular 2.4-liter engine.
2022 Kia Sportage Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2022 Kia Sportage.
4.2
2022 Kia Sportage
(198 reviews)
“It's a great vehicle, but the backrest hurts my ribs. It feels comfortable at first, but after a few days of everyday driving, it feels as if the backside of my ribs is bruised due to the seat design. It makes the vehicle unbearable to drive. Almost as if it's for a much slender person, and I'm not overweight by any means. If not for this one issue, it would be all-around excellent.”
“This vehicle is great. Roomy, really easy to drive, it has get up and go. Overall great ride.”
Sources
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2022
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2022 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2021 / Whatsnew
- kiamedia.com — Models / Sportage / 2023
- kiamedia.com — Pressreleases / 10933 / All New 2017 Kia Sportage Makes North American Debut At Los Angeles Auto Show
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2022 / Features
- kiamedia.com — Sportage / 2023 / Features