2022 Lexus NX vs 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento marked a significant departure from its predecessor's design, adopting a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package added roof rails and a shark fin antenna, enhancing its sporty appearance. The front featured an expansive tiger-nose grille, with headlights accented by running lights, creating a cohesive and modern look. The Sorento's design was well-received, with its vertical taillights and large D-pillars adding to its stylish appeal. Inside, the Sorento offered high-value features like heated mirrors, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with varying seat adjustments across trims. The panoramic sunroof and comfortable seating made long journeys enjoyable, although the third row was best suited for children.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus NX showcased a refined and simplified design, with a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. The F Sport trim featured unique styling elements like a mesh-pattern grille and 20-inch gloss black wheels, while the interior boasted sport-bolstered seats and a minimalist dashboard. The NX's interior was comfortable, with thoughtful touches like padded door panels and a panoramic sunroof. The Luxury trim added ambient lighting and real leather, enhancing the overall experience. Despite the decluttered design, some controls were integrated into the touchscreen, which could be challenging to navigate quickly.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, the tested model featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provided ample power for highway driving and merging. The Sorento also offered a hybrid version with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and electric motor. The AWD system with torque vectoring and a center-locking differential enhanced traction, while the X-Line package added ride height and 20-inch wheels. The suspension provided a smooth ride, and various drive modes allowed for tailored driving experiences.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission powered all four wheels, with AWD standard. The NX 350h hybrid offered 239 horsepower, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower and 36 miles of electric range. The NX 350 F Sport included adaptive suspension and additional drive modes, enhancing its sporty character. On winding roads, the F Sport felt agile, while the Luxury trim offered a more relaxed ride. The NX's handling impressed, though the engine's refinement fell short of German rivals. The NX was not suited for off-road adventures, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV, was best considered a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third row. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable, and the front seats offered ample legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was limited at 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats expanded it to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento provided practical storage solutions, including a phone spot, cupholders, and door pockets. While not as spacious as larger SUVs, it was comparable to compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The front seats were comfortable, with heated and ventilated options, and the F Sport trim provided better bolstering. Rear passengers enjoyed ample space, with air vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The NX's cargo area increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Luxury trim added ambient lighting, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

The 2021 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen with hard buttons and knobs, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger 10.25-inch screen on higher trims required a wired connection for smartphone integration, with some screen space wasted on redundant information. The Sorento offered ample USB ports but lacked USB-C. The optional Bose stereo was decent but not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, but most drivers would rely on smartphone apps for navigation.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch screen optional. Both supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with voice recognition and cloud-based features. The Mark Levinson sound system impressed, though streaming was limited in remote areas. The navigation system included an offline mode, and the Voice Assistant responded to natural commands. The NX offered a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, and multiple data panels couldn't be displayed simultaneously.

The 2021 Kia Sorento came equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and auto high beams. The test car also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, though lower trims had poorly rated headlights.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with advanced driver assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection and adaptive front lighting, while a Vision Package offered additional safety features.