2022 GMC Terrain vs 2022 Kia Sorento

For the 2022 GMC Terrain, GMC updated the front styling, wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim, giving the vehicle a fresh and appealing look. The new AT4 trim level aimed for a bolder presence with its prominent grille design, black 17-inch alloy wheels dressed in sport-terrain tires, and distinctive AT4 badges. Recognizing that it was billed as a "small off-road SUV," GMC took the extra step to include a steel skid plate under the front end to protect crucial mechanical components.

Our test vehicle featured the optional Ebony Twilight metallic paint, alongside the blacked-out AT4 treatment and black leather interior, which looked sophisticated but was notoriously difficult to keep spotless. To elevate the overall experience, GMC added packages such as the Tech Package, Infotainment Package II, GMC Pro Safety Plus Package, a Skyscape panoramic sunroof, and a three-year OnStar service subscription. All these bells and whistles brought the total MSRP to $41,810, including the $1,395 destination fee.

However, you could secure a new Terrain for less by opting for either the SLE or SLT trim levels, both of which come with standard front-wheel drive (FWD) and have all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option. For those seeking luxury, the Terrain Denali is a viable, albeit more expensive, choice.

Despite the higher price tag, the Terrain, being GMC’s entry-level model, did show some cost-cutting in its materials and design. For instance, the optional head-up display utilized a plastic panel that rose from the dashboard rather than projecting data onto the windshield. Furthermore, the pushbutton transmission controls, despite freeing up space on the center console, resulted in a storage tray too narrow to fit a smartphone—an apparent oversight.

Overall, while the caramel-colored contrast piping and stitching provided a touch of elegance, the AT4’s cabin didn’t entirely live up to the high expectations set by its price.

Switching to the 2022 Kia Sorento, the X-Line package provided this midsize SUV with undeniable presence. With rugged bumpers, matte-finished wheels and black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, the X-Line was more than just sporty—it added a layer of rugged elegance. Our test vehicle, bedecked in extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, sported floor mats and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge.

Kia ensured you could buy a Sorento without breaking the bank. The base LX trim with FWD had a starting price of $29,590, plus the destination fee. Even dropping the X-Line package, a plush Sorento SX Prestige in front-drive specification could be yours for $42,405, including destination.

The Sorento exuded quality from its elegant leather upholstery to the simulated wood trim on the dashboard. Even the operation of the door releases and transmission shifter felt reassuringly robust. The cabin’s solid construction extended to every Sorento model, showcasing impressive design attention even in the most affordable LX trim.

Functionally, the Sorento ensured no sacrifices were made. Its luxurious interior and thoughtful design did not compromise on practical storage space, creating a user-friendly experience. Overall, owning a Sorento offered a sense of getting an exceptional deal, no matter the chosen trim.

Powering the 2022 GMC Terrain was a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Unfortunately, the previously available turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with its superior acceleration and 3,500-pound towing capacity was discontinued. The new engine could tow up to 1,500 pounds.

The 1.5-liter engine’s 170 horsepower peaked at 5,600 rpm, while its torque was available between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm. Developing a knack for riding this torque band was essential for deriving any driving satisfaction. Off the line, there was a noticeable delay as the engine revved, but the nine-speed automatic transmission did an adequate job of maintaining momentum within the torque band once the SUV was in motion.

Though not exceptionally powerful, the Terrain held its own against its competitors, particularly due to its turbocharged setup that helped it perform better at elevation. Yet, there remained a longing for the turbo 2.0-liter’s rapid acceleration, particularly in situations demanding quick speed, such as merging onto highways or overtaking.

The Terrain AT4 allowed for FWD operation for fuel conservation, AWD when needed, and included Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control for tougher terrains. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode, vanished under AWD.

Sitting on 17-inch wheels with 225/65 tires, the Terrain AT4 provided 7.9 inches of ground clearance, nearly an inch less than its off-road-centric competitors like the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk and Subaru Forester. On pavement, its suspension delivered good ride quality and decent handling, soaking up road imperfections effectively, particularly on highways and city streets. However, the sport-terrain tires added some road noise.

Off-road, the Terrain AT4 struggled with its limited ground clearance, scraping the front end even on relatively mild terrains. The vehicle's handling dynamics were far from exhilarating, with numb and slightly heavy steering, a subtle dead spot in the brakes, and underwhelming power. Fuel efficiency met expectations, with an EPA rating of 26 mpg, which we affirmed with 26.2 mpg on a mixed driving loop.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s base engine was a humdrum 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder that sluggishly accelerated the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph in nearly 9.5 seconds. Consequently, we recommended the Sorento’s other powertrains, which included a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid, and a new-for-2022 plug-in hybrid.

Acknowledging the base engine’s lack of zest, Kia equipped the higher trims, starting with the EX, with the far more satisfying turbo 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. This engine offered an exhilarating drive, more enjoyable than the V6 in the larger Kia Telluride.

The turbocharged engine came with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, driving the front wheels or an available torque-vectoring AWD system. According to Kia, the AWD turbo Sorento could hit 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, though it felt faster in practice owing to its torquey performance and swift transmission.

Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line drove more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Its 20-inch alloy wheels shod with Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires and the finely tuned suspension provided an excellent balance of comfort and composure. On curvy roads, it proved an unexpectedly nimble partner, with brakes that showed no signs of fade even under heavy use.

However, while the X-Line’s raised ground clearance and improved approach, breakover, and departure angles suggested off-roading prowess, its suspension lift was more aesthetic than functional. The Sorento was best suited for light off-road excursions, lacking the rugged underbody and mechanical protection necessary for more demanding conditions.

Fuel efficiency was a disappointment for the turbocharged SX Prestige X-Line, with an EPA estimate of 24 mpg in combined driving proving optimistic. Our evaluation loop resulted in an average of 20.5 mpg, consistent with our week-long experience of 20.7 mpg. Thus, owners should anticipate frequent fuel stops or consider the Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid versions for better mileage.

The 2022 GMC Terrain excelled in its utility, making it a practical choice despite its less-than-stellar driving dynamics. The interior was spacious for a compact crossover, filled with comfort-enhancing features and clever storage solutions. The AT4 trim included power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control with rear A/C vents, ensuring comfort regardless of the outside temperature.

The leather upholstery with caramel-color stitching in the AT4 trim added a touch of class, while the back seat provided ample support, legroom, and convenience with rear USB charging ports. Various storage slots were scattered throughout the cabin, though the narrow storage tray forward of the cupholders was a letdown.

Cargo capacity was impressive, offering 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat could also be folded flat to accommodate longer items.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento aimed for a more luxurious feel. The SX Prestige trim featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, with a 14-way power driver’s seat including an added thigh support extension. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with children in mind, featuring cupholders, USB charging ports, and storage pockets. These seats were now heated in the SX Prestige X-Line.

However, the third-row seats offered minimal comfort and legroom, better suited for short stints or small children. Cargo space in the Sorento was smaller with the third row up, at just 12.6 cubic feet. Folding the third and second-row seats expanded the cargo space to a respectable 75.5 cubic feet. Additionally, the Sorento’s smart power tailgate, which opened when the key fob was nearby, added convenience.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with two infotainment system options: a 7-inch touchscreen for the SLE trim and an 8-inch high-definition touchscreen for the SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar, including a Wi-Fi hotspot. Our test vehicle, equipped with the larger screen and the Infotainment Package II, featured connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose premium sound system. The voice recognition was notably excellent, accurately responding to various prompts, although the sound system could have been better.

Moreover, the Terrain’s new optional Tech Package included a head-up display, front and rear park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system—useful for everyday convenience. The Tire Fill Alert system also made maintaining proper tire pressure easier.

The 2022 Kia Sorento upgraded its technology significantly, with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system on most trims, except the base LX, which retained an 8-inch screen. The larger screen boasted navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (though not wireless). Despite offering a rich set of features, the display graphics and color schemes might not appeal to everyone’s taste, and the voice recognition system was less precise compared to Hyundai’s version.

The SX Prestige X-Line trim received a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, yet this upgrade was not available on lower trims. Standard wireless smartphone charging started from the EX trim and above.

For the 2022 GMC Terrain, safety was paramount, with every model equipped with the GMC Pro Safety Package. This suite of advanced driver-assist systems included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The optional GMC Pro Safety Plus Package (standard on Denali) added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat.

These systems proved effective during testing, albeit without a lane-centering function. The IIHS awarded the 2022 Terrain high crash-test scores with a “Good” rating in most categories, although it received a “Marginal” rating in the new side-impact test. No evaluations from the NHTSA were available at the time of review.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise safety technologies across all models, with higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line boasting the complete suite. This package included various expected and some unique features, such as a rear-seat reminder system monitoring the interior for movement and sending alerts if detected. Junction Assist used the forward-collision system to identify unsafe turns and could brake if needed.

Exclusive to the SX Prestige X-Line was the Blind View Monitor system, providing a live video feed of the SUV’s blind spots in the gauge cluster. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, further enhanced safety.

The IIHS named the 2022 Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with top ratings except for the non-SX/SX Prestige trims' headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento a four-star overall rating, with five-star ratings in most tests except frontal impacts and rollover resistance, which received four stars.