2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive appearance and unique sound. Aside from a "4xe" badge and blue accents, it looked much like a regular Wrangler, with the power port at the left base of the windshield being the only notable difference. When the battery had enough charge, the vehicle moved silently, except for the pedestrian notification system's whine, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The Firecracker Red Rubicon trim test vehicle, priced at $66,690, featured over $13,000 in options, including a $1,495 destination charge. Inside, the Wrangler 4xe retained the classic Wrangler look with some added soft-touch materials and special PHEV-related gauges and displays. The controls were functionally laid out, and the interior, while not luxurious, was better outfitted than previous Wranglers.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, exuded style and presence. Rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails added to its appeal. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package and additional features like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, had a total MSRP of $45,310. The base LX trim started at $29,590, making the Sorento accessible at various price points. Inside, the Sorento impressed with its quality materials, including leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin felt solid and well-constructed, with practical storage solutions that didn't compromise style. The Sorento's interior design and features made it feel like a great value, even at sticker price.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a 17-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. This setup provided an estimated 21 miles of pure electric driving with a combined efficiency rating of 49 MPGe. As a hybrid, it achieved 20 mpg combined, offering a total driving range of 370 miles. The Wrangler 4xe had three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save. In Hybrid mode, it delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in six seconds. Electric mode allowed for gas-free driving, while e-Save preserved battery power for specific situations. During a weekend road trip to Yosemite, the Wrangler 4xe averaged 19.1 mpg over 757 miles, with 120.9 of those miles on electricity.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, including a base 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid, and a new turbocharged plug-in hybrid. The turbo 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, making it more enjoyable than the V6 in the larger Kia Telluride. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the turbo Sorento could accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, it was best suited for light off-roading. The Sorento SX Prestige X-Line averaged 20.7 mpg during a week-long loan, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 24 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe required some effort to enter and exit due to its high door sills and lack of side steps. Once inside, the classic Wrangler driving position offered a clear view over the hood and fenders. The interior had limited practical storage, with a small center console bin, glovebox, and door panel netting. Rear-seat space was adequate for upright seating, and passengers had access to air conditioning vents, USB ports, and a 115-volt power outlet. Cargo space measured 27.7 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. However, the swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear glass window could make loading cargo challenging in tight spaces.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Rust-colored leather seats and a 14-way power driver's seat with thigh support extension. Front passengers enjoyed 10-way power adjustment, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs, standard from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line and featured cupholders, USB ports, air conditioning vents, and storage pockets. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and headroom, making it better suited for occasional use. Cargo space measured 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the seats folded down and 75.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate made loading easier when hands were full.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon's technological advancements focused on its plug-in hybrid powertrain and 4WD system. The Uconnect infotainment system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A WiFi connection was available, and the Alpine sound system provided adequate audio quality. However, the Uconnect system showed signs of aging in terms of load time, responsiveness, and graphics. The Trip Summary data panel and blue charging indicator lights on the dashboard were helpful for monitoring charging status.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system offered an intuitive user interface, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system in Kias was less effective than in Hyundai models. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems in the Safety Group (blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, rear parking sensors) and the Advanced Safety Group (adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights). The blind-spot warning system was particularly useful due to the Wrangler's narrow side mirrors. The LED headlights with automatic high beams were effective but rated Marginal by the IIHS. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact crash-test rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, which included various safety features depending on the trim level. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement and alert the owner. Junction Assist used forward-collision warning to prevent unsafe turns. The Blind View Monitor system, available on the SX Prestige X-Line, provided live video feeds of blind spots. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.