2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design, which was more palatable on this model compared to others in the Lexus lineup. The vehicle's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to maintain its appeal despite its age. Inside, the GX's cabin remained largely unchanged from the early 2010s, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found practical for a rugged SUV.

The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim came well-equipped with features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Premium trim added amenities such as rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated front and rear seats, while the Luxury trim included premium leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel. Despite its age, the GX's interior and features catered well to those seeking a capable and well-equipped SUV.

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor with a more athletic and muscular design. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its sporty look. The front featured an expansive tiger-nose grille and squinting headlights, while the rear boasted vertical taillights that added to its modern appeal. The Sorento's design struck a balance between ruggedness and style, making it a visually appealing crossover SUV.

Inside, the Sorento offered a range of high-value features. All trims came with heated outside mirrors, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and keyless entry. The base LX trim had a six-way adjustable driver's seat, while higher trims offered 10-way adjustment with power lumbar support. The SX Prestige trim featured real perforated leather upholstery, providing a comfortable and luxurious feel. The Sorento's interior was well-designed, with ample legroom and thoughtful storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's light steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride, capable of handling both potholes and corners with ease.

The GX's 4WD system made it a formidable off-road vehicle, with various modes and adjustable suspension settings for different terrains. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an estimated 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. Despite this, the GX's performance and capability made it a solid choice for those needing a rugged and versatile SUV.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, our test car featured the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to AWD. This setup provided ample power for merging, cruising, and passing on the highway.

The Sorento's AWD system included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for improved traction in slippery conditions. The X-Line package added 1.3 inches of ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack. The suspension, consisting of McPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, offered a smooth and comfortable ride. The Sorento's various drive modes, including Eco, Normal, and Sport, allowed drivers to tailor the driving experience to their preferences. Despite its weight, the Sorento handled corners well and provided a comfortable ride for long journeys.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. These captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row and created a natural barrier between passengers. However, getting into the third row could be challenging for adults. With all rear seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which was less than some competitors. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, while a three-row SUV, was best considered a four-seater in its upper trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs in our test vehicle were comfortable, and the front and rear seats provided ample legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats increased the total cargo volume to 75.5 cubic feet, which was more in line with compact crossovers. The Sorento offered practical storage solutions, including a spot for a phone with an optional wireless charger, cupholders, and door pockets.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age with a last-generation Lexus Enform setup. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it featured a true touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simple and straightforward layout was appreciated by some drivers, despite missing out on modern smartphone integration.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of tech features, with the smaller 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and the larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The larger screen looked fantastic but required a physical connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento packed plenty of USB ports, though no USB-C ports, and our test car's optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, but most drivers would likely rely on smartphone integration for navigation.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2021 Kia Sorento was equipped with a comprehensive array of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. Our test car also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with the SX trim levels' LED headlights receiving top marks.