2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Honda CR-V had a design that blended into the crowded compact crossover market. Its styling was nearly identical to its competitors, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features setting it apart. The CR-V was available in eight colors, but most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant colors like Aegean Blue Metallic and Radiant Red Metallic limited to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with more upscale features like wood panels and chrome available on higher trims. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially at mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, had a more rugged and stylish appearance. The X-Line package added features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, giving the Sorento a serious presence. The test vehicle featured extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, adding to its luxurious feel. The Sorento's cabin exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and rock-solid construction. However, the third-row seat was cramped and better suited for children, while the second-row captain’s chairs and available panoramic sunroof added comfort and style.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for high performance but offered smooth and steady acceleration with its 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It took about 7.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, which was competitive within its class. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provided a predictable driving experience but lacked engagement compared to competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, making it a reliable choice for everyday driving.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the base 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine being the least impressive, taking almost 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. The recommended turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more enjoyable driving experience. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, offering a more engaging drive. The Sorento's AWD system and raised suspension gave it a sporty feel, and the SUV handled well on various road conditions. However, its fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging around 20.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with higher trims offering power and hands-free operation. Roof rails were only standard on the top Touring trim. Overall, the CR-V provided ample space and functionality for families.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, especially with the SX Prestige trim. The front seats offered extensive power adjustments, heating, and ventilation, while the second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and heated. The third-row seat was cramped and better suited for children. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The "smart" power tailgate made loading easier, but the third-row space was limited.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch color screen with Bluetooth connectivity, while other trims featured a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration on all but the base LX trim, which had an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique design that might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim offered a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included advanced safety features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and more, all standard on every trim. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's Kia Drive Wise package varied by trim, with the SX Prestige X-Line offering the full list of features. Unique safety features included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.