2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a significant departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and the general shape of the rear seats, the Navigator stood out with its unique design and luxurious feel. The Navigator Reserve, priced at $92,000, impressed with its elegant and understated theme, despite its massive size and 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The interior was equally impressive, featuring seven color palettes, high-quality materials, and tight panel gaps. The Slate Gray color scheme of the test truck, along with the layered wood trim, floating center console, and minimalist digital instrument panel, showcased a taste for finer details.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the Sorento's already attractive design. The test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, AWD, Wolf Gray paint, and Rust-colored leather, had a total MSRP of $45,310. The Sorento's cabin reflected rock-solid construction and a keen sense of interior style, with quality materials and attention to design detail even in the most affordable models. The Sorento's interior was practical and stylish, with features like a panoramic sunroof, comfortable second-row captain's chairs, and ample storage solutions. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, and the cargo space was limited with the third row in use.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Navigator feel surprisingly sprightly for its size. The 4WD system was smooth and responsive, and the Navigator had an impressive towing capacity of 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, fuel economy was poor, averaging in the teens, which aligned with the EPA-estimated 17-mpg combined rating. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, but the suspension felt rudimentary compared to competitors like the Cadillac Escalade. The steering and brakes were looser and less precise, but the Navigator's low-end thrust and quiet cabin made it a refined and powerful highway cruiser.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which was underwhelming in terms of performance. The recommended turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available from the EX trim, produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, making the Sorento feel energetic and responsive. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and AWD was available. The Sorento's turbo engine provided a satisfying driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The suspension, tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, made the Sorento feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. However, the X-Line package's raised suspension was more for show than serious off-roading. Fuel economy for the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line was lower than expected, averaging around 20.7 mpg during tests.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, with a boxy shape that could comfortably house six adults. The third row's middle seat was best suited for children, and the second-row captain's chairs were standard, with an optional bench for a total of eight passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row, 57 cubic feet behind the second row, and 103 cubic feet in total. The long-wheelbase Navigator L provided even more storage space. The Navigator Reserve featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, but lacked some advanced features like electrically reclining second-row seats. The front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, with numerous customization options. Visibility was excellent, but parking was challenging due to the vehicle's size.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with features like a 14-way power driver's seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and designed with kids in mind, offering cupholders, USB charging ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and a flat bottom cushion. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding the third-row seats expanded the cargo area to 38.5 cubic feet, and folding the second-row seats provided 75.5 cubic feet of space. The Sorento also featured a "smart" power tailgate that opened when the key fob was nearby, making loading easier.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat outdated compared to newer models. The 10-inch touchscreen looked small, and the instrument panel couldn't display full-screen maps or different designs. The cameras were low-resolution, and the infotainment system didn't support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. However, the software was intuitive and easy to use, with fast and accurate voice recognition. The Navigator also offered onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, a smartwatch app, and the ability to use a smartphone as the vehicle's ignition key. The rear entertainment system included Roku media streaming and various connection options. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the larger screen required a cable for smartphone integration, while the base 8-inch system offered wireless connectivity. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento's voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, despite sharing similar technology. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Overall, the Sorento's technology was advanced and offered a range of features, but some aspects could be improved.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in every test except for rollover resistance (four stars for 4WD models, three stars for RWD models). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not rated the Navigator in its current generation. The Navigator lacked knee airbags but offered optional inflatable rear seat belts for the second row. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and auto high beams. Adaptive cruise control was optional, but the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were less advanced than competitors.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, which included a range of safety features depending on the trim level. The test vehicle had advanced features like 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 2022 Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with the highest rating for the SX and SX Prestige trims' LED headlights. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance, and five stars in other assessments.