The 2022 Jeep Gladiator at Santa Monica Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is unique in all the world. It's the only vehicle with that irrepressible Jeep off-road DNA combined with the capabilities of a rugged pickup with a 5-foot bed in back. So it might seem a bit unfair to compare the amazing new Gladiator to more of a garden variety SUV like the 2022 Kia Sportage. But the Sportage is Kia's best-selling model and a worthy vehicle on its own, so here goes.
Comparing engines
The 2022 Jeep Gladiator offers a choice of engines and it beats the Kia Sportage either way. The Jeep base option is a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower. That compares with the Kia Sportage's four-cylinder with 181 horsepower, an engine that one reviewer called "serviceable but uninspiring." Jeep Gladiator also offers the strength, economy and durability of a turbodiesel with 260 horsepower vs. Kia's 240 horsepower turbo-four.
Comparing performance
As you can imagine, actual performance tilts decisively in the direction of the 2022 Jeep Gladiator. The Kia Sportage handles just fine but performance isn't its strong suit. The 2022 Jeep Gladiator rises to the occasion to do just about anything you need it for. The base gives you 260 lb-ft of torque and the turbodiesel flexes its muscle with 442 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep Gladiator performs well on any surface but off-roading just isn't Kia's thing.
Comparing interiors
The insides of both vehicles are unique to the personality of their respective brands. The inside of the 2022 Jeep Gladiator is what you might expect in a Jeep: Durable and practical while also being appealing in a more rugged way. The Kia Sportage does a nice job of surrounding you with quality materials and comfortable seating.
But the new 2022 Jeep Gladiator will have an edge with Santa Monica buyers when it comes to interior space. The new Jeep Gladiator has more front seat headroom and shoulder room than the 2022 Kia Sportage. The Gladiator also comes out ahead in the back with more rear seat leg room, headroom and shoulder room. Of course the Jeep Gladiator gives you a huge hauling advantage over the Sportage with its big five-foot bed in the back.
Comparing infotainment
Both vehicles offer smartphone integration for both Apple and Android devices as a standard feature. Both have quality stereo systems but the 2022 Jeep Gladiator comes out ahead with eight speakers at the base level while the newest Kia Sportage has only six speakers. The 2022 Kia Sportage does have an eight-speaker system as an available option but the newest Jeep Gladiator wins again with an available nine-speaker system.
Comparing technology
If you decide to get a new 2022 Jeep Gladiator at Santa Monica Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, you can choose to get an available automatic climate control system. The Kia Sportage has a similar climate control system as an available option but it's configured as a two-zone system. The Kia Sportage comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen but the Jeep Gladiator offers an available 8.4-inch screen so you have the chance to upgrade.
Comparing safety
Both the 2022 Jeep Gladiator and the 2022 Kia Sportage include a rear-view camera to help you back up safely. Both vehicles offer excellent additional safety tech like a cross-traffic alert system and blind-spot monitoring. If you like the ability to go confidently off-road and get a lot done on the weekends, the Jeep Gladiator is the winner and it's not even close. Test drive a new Jeep Gladiator soon at Santa Monica Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Santa Monica, CA.
