2021 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, presented a fresh design opportunity, unburdened by a long legacy of design language. It successfully integrated the brand's signature styling cues, such as the massive trapezoidal grille and Quad Lamp LED headlight array, into its elegant two-box design. The GV80's exterior was marked by its long hood, short front overhang, and distinctive wheel arches, which housed 19-inch to 22-inch wheels. The rear design echoed the front with Quad Lamp taillights and twin trapezoidal tailpipes. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a truly special luxury SUV interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with Rust-colored leather and a 14-way power driver's seat in the SX Prestige trim. The second-row captain’s chairs and available panoramic sunroof added to the comfort, though the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults. The Sorento offered practical storage solutions and a "smart" power tailgate, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. The V6 models came with standard all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and advanced suspension systems, including electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on the 3.5T models. The 2.5T provided sufficient power for most driving situations, while the 3.5T offered a smoother and more powerful experience. Fuel economy for the GV80 2.5T was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway/23 mpg combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD achieved 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which was less impressive in terms of performance. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine available from the EX trim offered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The Sorento's turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and AWD was available. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, offering a sporty driving experience. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan. The EPA rated the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line's fuel economy at 24 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed an average of around 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console and stack housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. The third row, standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increased passenger capacity to seven but was not available on other trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats in the SX Prestige X-Line. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row up, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with it folded down, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered cloud connectivity, over-the-air updates, and user-configurable split-screen displays. Android users could use a digital key function, and the GV80 came with three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services. A head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster were available on higher trims. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento shared its technology with Hyundai models, but the voice recognition system was less effective. A 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system was reserved for the SX Prestige X-Line, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Adaptive cruise control with machine learning and Highway-driving assist were also included, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying contents depending on the trim. The Sorento offered unique safety features like a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was available on the SX Prestige X-Line, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist worked with adaptive cruise control. Highway Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The IIHS rated the Sorento as a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.