2021 Lexus GX vs 2022 Kia Sorento

Most modern SUVs are really car-based crossovers—lifted station wagons, or minivans without the sliding doors. That’s not the case with the 2021 Lexus GX 460.

Like the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the GX is a creature that time forgot. It’s one of the last SUVs with truck-like body-on-frame construction and true off-road capability. That’s because the GX is actually a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (a smaller version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser not sold in the United States), and is related to the Toyota 4Runner. It’s also genuinely old: the current generation dates back to the 2010 model year, and Lexus has kept it in production with some updates of styling and tech over the years.

That makes the GX a fairly odd proposition on the new-car market. It has the off-road capability, not as a lifestyle statement, but because that’s what was still expected of SUVs when it was launched. The GX sits between the RX and LX in Lexus’ lineup but has little direct competition. Its only real rival is the much newer Land Rover Discovery.

For the 2021 model year, the GX gets some minor updates, including a new Premium Plus Package, and acoustic front side glass. Lexus continues to offer only the GX 460 model, with a single powertrain option, standard four-wheel drive (4WD), and three trim levels: base, Premium, and Luxury. Our test car was the midlevel Premium version.

Kia redesigned the popular Sorento last model year and for 2022 the midsize, three-row crossover SUV gets a few changes.

For starters, the appealing X-Line package is now available with S and EX trim in addition to the SX Prestige. All 2022 Kia Sorento models except for the base LX trim now have a standard 10.25-inch infotainment system with navigation and UVO connected services. Additionally, the top-of-the-line SX Prestige adds a more comfortable driver’s seat and heated second-row captain’s chairs as standard equipment.

The big news, however, pertains to a new all-wheel-drive option for the efficient Sorento Hybrid and the debut of the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, which can travel 32 miles on electricity before switching to gas-electric hybrid propulsion and returning 34 mpg in combined driving.