2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 projected ruggedness with its rugged-looking exterior reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and a scowling front end gave it an aggressive stance that stood out among compact crossovers. This bold approach contrasted starkly with the more approachable styles of previous RAV4 models and many of its competitors. However, despite this rugged exterior, the RAV4 was built on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, shared with models like the Camry and Sienna minivan.

Toyota offered several options to further amp up the RAV4’s style. The Adventure model featured a retro Ice Edge roof, complemented by orange interior accents. The TRD Off-Road model came with matte black 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, dark gray exterior trim, and red interior accents. The RAV4’s interior included rugged styling touches like large rubberized knobs and door handles. In terms of material quality, it was decent at lower trims but did not elevate proportionally with higher trims. Our TRD Off-Road tester had SofTex upholstery, which was lighter and durable but did not match the luxury of real leather.

Conversely, the 2022 Kia Sorento’s X-Line treatment dramatically enhanced its stylish appeal with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, lifted suspension, and robust roof rails. Our test vehicle, featuring the X-Line package, all-wheel drive (AWD), Wolf Gray paint, and Rust-colored leather, flaunted an MSRP of $45,310.

The Sorento’s interior exuded quality, from leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the dashboard to even the tactile feel of the door releases and transmission shifter. Kia also focused on interior design details, making the cabin feel solid and well-built. Despite the unremarkable naming choice for the leather color, the cabin felt legitimately luxurious.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with a single engine option—a “Dynamic Force” 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, could be paired with either front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional AWD. Despite achieving 40% thermal efficiency, the rest of the vehicle didn’t match the engine's impressiveness. The transmission often hesitated, and the steering, while responsive, lacked tactile feedback. Toyota chose to focus on off-road capabilities with the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models, featuring a torque-vectoring rear axle and 8.6 inches of ground clearance. The TRD Off-Road model also had a model-specific suspension and all-terrain tires, along with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s base 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine proved sluggish, taking nearly 9.5 seconds to hit 60 mph. This was likely why Kia offered more powerful options, including a 281-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine and hybrid powertrains. The turbo engine, producing 311 pound-feet of torque, came with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. With AWD, the Sorento could reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. This turbocharged powertrain made the Sorento energetic and more fun to drive, with excellent suspension tuning and high-quality tires contributing to a smooth, sporty ride. The standard ground clearance of 8.2 inches, along with raised suspension, improved its light off-road capabilities.

Fuel economy was a mixed bag for the Sorento. The EPA-rated 24 mpg combined driving was optimistic, as real-world tests averaged around 20.5 mpg. The contrast in powertrains showcased how each vehicle prioritized different driving experiences.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall, upright roof, providing ample headroom for both rows and good outward visibility. However, legroom lagged behind some competitors. While front seats were comfortable and form-fitting, the rear seats had hard, flat cushions that seemed less appealing for long drives. The cargo space was above average at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats in place, though it still trailed behind the Honda CR-V. Loading cargo was made easier due to a wide aperture, despite the higher cargo area lip.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior, especially in the SX Prestige trim, felt luxurious, despite questionable naming for its appealing Rust-colored leather. The front seats featured power adjustments and heating/ventilation options. Second-row captain’s chairs were standard from the EX trim up, heated in the SX Prestige X-Line and accompanied by a host of amenities, including USB ports, rear air vents, and ample storage pockets. The third-row seats were more suited to children, given their restrictive legroom and lack of crash protection. The Sorento shone with its cargo capacity, offering 38.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 75.5 cubic feet with both rows folded down. The power tailgate and third-row seating added functional convenience.

All 2021 RAV4s featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment screen size ranged from 7 inches on lower trims to 9 inches on the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, it lacked flashy graphics and features, making it simple yet functional. A JBL premium audio system and up to five USB ports were available across different trims.

Starting in 2022, only the base Sorento LX trim retained the 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. Despite the size, older models offered wireless connectivity, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The infotainment system was packed with features, though its graphics and color choices, heavily influenced by purple, might not be universally appealing. A 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system was available only on the SX Prestige X-Line, while wireless smartphone charging featured from the EX trim upwards. Voice recognition in Kia models slightly trailed behind those in Hyundai models.

The 2021 RAV4 earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and “Superior” ratings for front-crash prevention. Mixed headlight scores prevented it from achieving a “Top Safety Pick+.” The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. Standard features included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system.

Kia’s 2022 Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, including features like a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist, which prevented unsafe turns. The Blind View Monitor, exclusively on the SX Prestige X-Line, used cameras to cover blind spots. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento earned a “Top Safety Pick” from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores except for headlights on non-SX trims and rollover resistance.