2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling was a testament to its long tenure on the market. Retaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago, it had undergone several updates over the years, including the addition of Lexus’ trademark spindle grille in 2014, which was further refined in 2020 with a new textured insert and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn’t introduce any new styling changes but did make silver 18-inch wheels standard on the Premium trim level. Despite its age, the GX’s tough, aggressive look remained distinctive and appealing to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, exuded serious presence and style. Rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails added definition to an already attractive SUV. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive, extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. The Sorento’s cabin reflected rock-solid construction and a keen sense of interior style, with quality materials and thoughtful design details. The second-row captain’s chairs and available panoramic sunroof added to the luxurious feel, though the third-row seat was best reserved for occasional use due to limited space.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460’s performance was a throwback to an earlier era of SUVs, with a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds. However, its 5,130-pound weight made higher-speed maneuvers and stopping more challenging. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. Despite these drawbacks, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added further enhancements, making the GX a formidable off-road vehicle with a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available from the EX trim, was far more satisfying, generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more energetic driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento’s raised suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels contributed to a sporty driving feel, with excellent body motion control and responsive handling. Despite the X-Line package’s increased ground clearance, the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, though real-world testing showed an average of around 20.7 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus GX’s interior ergonomics revealed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom. The steering wheel’s odd angle and the tall seating position made it feel like driving a bus. However, the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, especially useful in parking and off-road situations. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best reserved for children due to limited space and difficult access. Cargo space was also limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt legitimately 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 X-Line. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and featured heated seats, USB charging ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for occasional use. With the third row folded, the Sorento offered 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The “smart” power tailgate made loading easier, though it could be triggered unintentionally.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality, though analog controls made it easy to use. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was available, but the overall tech offering felt primitive for a luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento offered a robust infotainment system, with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display on most trims, featuring navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The user interface was intuitive, though the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging, enhancing the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured the Kia Drive Wise suite of safety technologies, with varying features depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included advanced features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. The Highway Driving Assist system provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with the highest ratings for its LED headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.