MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2022 Kia Sportage

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2022 Kia Sportage

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
42Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE KIA SPORTAGE

The Kia Sportage is a compact crossover SUV that has been a steady presence in one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Aimed at value-conscious families and commuters who want practical five-passenger utility without sacrificing modern features, the Sportage competes squarely against the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Mazda CX-5. It spans our coverage window from 2019 through 2025, and its safety record over that stretch deserves a careful, honest look.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2022 Kia Sportage carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Kia Sportage as a well-rounded and competitive compact crossover that delivers strong value in its segment. They tend to praise its cabin quality, feature content, and driving refinement relative to its price point. Reviewers also broadly acknowledge that Kia has made meaningful generational improvements to the model, though some note that earlier iterations in this generation feel less polished than the latest versions.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.7%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16607

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech7.5/10
Defect record10.75/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
TRAILER HITCHES22V703000

Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.

Reported 2022-09-19

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

42 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

6reported crash
2reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 19Electrical System 5Forward Collision Avoidance 5Trailer Hitches 4Unknown Or Other 3Power Train 3

Other Sportage years

Rivals in SUV (2022)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 16607), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Kia Sportage 2022. Class rank 108 of 135 in SUV 2022. Methodology · Disclosure