2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic nod to its heritage with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof storage basket, which were best complemented by the Midnight Black color. However, the standard Land Cruiser, which arrived for review, was dressed in Magnetic Gray paint and featured plush Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. Its exterior design, with oversized headlights and taillights, was adorned with chrome, giving it a somewhat dated and characterless appearance. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with Lexus design themes from the mid-2000s, offering high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake, creating a sense of stepping back in time.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, exuded a modern and stylish presence. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing the Sorento's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, with a total MSRP of $45,310. The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials and thoughtful design details, such as leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin's construction was rock-solid, and the SUV offered a sense of quality and style, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern and well-designed vehicle.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. Despite its power, the engine's roar was subdued, contributing to a quiet cabin experience. However, this came at the cost of fuel efficiency, with an average of 14.7 mpg during testing, slightly better than the EPA rating of 14 mpg. The Land Cruiser featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a Torsen limited-slip differential, mud-and-snow tires, and a suite of traction control features, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. On-road, the Land Cruiser offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight affected maneuverability and handling.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine being the most satisfying. This engine produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively driving experience. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the Sorento delivered energetic performance, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of compliance and composure, offering a sporty driving experience despite the X-Line's raised suspension. However, the Sorento's fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 20.5 mpg during testing, below the EPA's estimate of 24 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The SUV offered a commanding view of the road, and the second-row bench seat provided ample space and comfort. The third-row seat, while accommodating adults, lacked leg support for longer trips. Cargo space was limited, with 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate and tailgate facilitated easy access to the cargo area.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was equally luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for comfort, with features like cupholders, USB ports, and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 75.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. However, it lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the voice-recognition system was limited. The dashboard was dominated by large buttons and knobs, offering a straightforward user experience. The rear-seat entertainment system was dated, with 11.6-inch displays that could play DVDs but not stream content. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, providing excellent sound quality. Wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with EX trim, adding convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable for the Land Cruiser, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. The Sorento also offered Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating, with five-star ratings in most assessments.