2021 Honda Odyssey vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and tri-color floor mats, giving the Odyssey a more upscale look and feel.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, had a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. The test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package and SX Prestige trim, came with all-wheel drive, extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, totaling $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. The base LX trim with front-wheel drive started at $29,590, plus destination. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and a well-constructed cabin. The SUV's design details and practical storage space made it a compelling choice for buyers.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Odyssey averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive, which was a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it had a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable suspension. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during heavy use in a heatwave, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available from the EX trim, was more satisfying, generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's turbo engine, combined with all-wheel drive, accelerated to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The SUV's suspension, tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, delivered a sporty driving experience. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and responsive brakes. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving by the EPA, but real-world testing showed an average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered a well-designed interior with legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable, with inboard adjustable armrests and, in the Elite trim, a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 32.8 cubic feet behind the third row, 88.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second row removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats in the SX Prestige trim. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line and designed with kids in mind, featuring cupholders, USB ports, air conditioning vents, and storage pockets. The third-row seat, however, was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. Cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento's smart power tailgate made loading easier when your hands were full.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with the EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. The Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription services, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. The Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system, available in Touring and Elite trims, included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray player, wireless headphones, and streaming apps, though it lacked a touchscreen interface.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, came with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base LX trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. The infotainment system was feature-rich and intuitive, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim onwards.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features with the standard Honda Sensing suite, which included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with the exception of a four-star rating for rollover resistance. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning systems could be smoother in operation.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with the Kia Drive Wise suite, which varied by trim level. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included advanced features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the highest rating for its LED headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance.