2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Honda Passport

The 2021 Honda Passport was essentially a shortened version of the Pilot, featuring two rows of seats instead of three. This similarity was evident in its design, both externally and internally. The Passport’s dashboard layout was visually identical to that of the Pilot, including Honda’s awkward “button shifter” design for the automatic transmission. Despite these corporate design choices, the Passport boasted a spacious interior with high-quality materials throughout. Trim levels ranged from the entry-level Sport, which included features like 20-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights, to the range-topping Elite, which added amenities such as heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, had a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line package added features like matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and a lifted suspension. Our test vehicle, an SX Prestige with the X-Line package, included extras like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. The Sorento’s interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin reflected rock-solid construction, and the traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not compromise practical storage space. The Sorento’s interior style and attention to detail were impressive, even in the most affordable LX model.

The 2021 Honda Passport came standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The V6 provided strong acceleration, and the automatic transmission managed power well. The Passport’s ride was a blend of comfort and refined handling, with 8.1 inches of ground clearance and AWD models featuring Intelligent Traction Management with Snow, Sand, and Mud drive modes. FWD Passports could tow up to 3,500 pounds, while AWD models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took almost 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the Sorento offered more powerful options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, available starting with the EX trim, was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The turbocharged engine made the Sorento feel energetic, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento’s suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, and the X-Line package increased ground clearance to 8.2 inches. However, the Sorento’s fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging around 20.7 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Honda Passport offered a generous 100.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 50.5 cubic feet with the second row in use. An additional 2.5 cubic feet was available in an under-floor storage tray. The EX-L trim included a power liftgate, while the Touring and Elite trims featured a hands-free power liftgate. The upright seating position provided excellent visibility, and the center console had a deep bin and an open cargo tray. The rear seats offered ample headroom and legroom, and they could both recline and slide.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior often felt luxurious, though the Rust-colored leather was an odd choice. The SX Prestige trim featured a 14-way power driver’s seat with a thigh support extension, 10-way power adjustment for the front passenger, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. The third-row seat, however, was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. With the third row folded, the Sorento offered 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento’s “smart” power tailgate opened when the key fob was nearby, which could be both convenient and inconvenient.

For 2021, the Honda Passport made Android Auto and Apple CarPlay standard, included with the newly-standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This was a distinct advantage over the three-row Pilot. However, the Passport’s infotainment system had dated graphics, a confusing menu layout, and a volume dial that felt like an afterthought.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento’s base LX trim was the only one with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento’s voice recognition system was not as good as Hyundai’s, despite sharing the same technology. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging starting with the EX trim.

The 2021 Honda Passport came well equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The Passport received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and top "Good" scores in most crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying contents depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had a full list of features, including 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 IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with the only negative rating for headlights on all but the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.