2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Acura RDX

The 2021 Acura RDX, especially with the A-Spec Package, presented a sleek and sporty appearance without excessive embellishments. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided giving the RDX an off-road look, focusing instead on its role as a daily driver and road-tripper. The A-Spec trim, positioned in the middle of the RDX's hierarchy, offered a sporty interior with features like front sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and unique gauges, though the red-on-silver gauge markings were difficult to read.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line package, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line treatment added features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing its already attractive design. The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design details. The SX Prestige trim offered a 14-way power driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it more suitable for occasional use or children.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and offered the option of Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system, which significantly improved handling. The RDX's Integrated Dynamics System allowed drivers to choose between different driving modes, enhancing the driving experience. However, the A-Spec model lacked adaptive dampers, which could have improved its handling on uneven roads.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine being the most recommended. This engine delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience than the base engine. The Sorento's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and available torque-vectoring AWD system contributed to its energetic performance. Despite its raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and responsive brakes. However, its fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging around 20.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. Its front seats were comfortable and supportive, with 12-way power adjustment and heating and ventilation in the A-Spec trim. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised due to a low and flat cushion, resulting in a lack of leg support. The RDX's cargo space was competitive, with 29.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 58.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Additional storage compartments added practicality.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with comfortable front seats offering power adjustments and heating and ventilation. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with convenient storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded to 38.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface (TTI) infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon similar systems from other brands, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX offered smartphone integration, voice recognition, and a premium audio system, but the TTI remained a point of contention.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim, with most models featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and smartphone integration. The system was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and wireless smartphone charging. However, the voice recognition system was less effective than those in Hyundai models.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available with the Technology Package. The RDX earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings for frontal-impact and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying safety features depending on the trim. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included advanced features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some trims receiving lower ratings for headlights and frontal-impact protection.