2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline and ribbed detailing added a touch of athleticism to its SUV bulk, creating a blend of ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model further enhanced its character with unique styling elements, including a model-specific front fascia, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark-finished chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with an elliptical theme that extended to the controls and door handles. The design was minimalistic, with a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents, while a rotary gear selector and infotainment controller added a touch of sophistication. The interior offered a range of color options and luxurious materials, with Nappa leather upholstery and suede seat inserts in the Sport Prestige model.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line package, exuded a strong presence with its rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding. The lifted suspension and robust roof rails added to its appeal. Our test vehicle featured the X-Line package, which included all-wheel drive as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather. The Sorento's interior was stylish and well-constructed, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin felt solid, and the attention to design detail was evident even in the base LX model. The Sorento's interior style and traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not compromise practical storage space. Overall, the Sorento offered a sense of quality and value, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a stylish and well-equipped SUV.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive, setting it apart from competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, which had rear-wheel drive as standard. The GV70 also featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode further enhanced its performance, holding high revs and sharpening throttle response. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of rivals like the Acura RDX and Porsche Macan. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. While the GV70 excelled on highways, its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, offered a more satisfying 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's turbo engine delivered a surge of torque and a snappy transmission, making it feel energetic. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent suspension tuning and body motion control. The Sorento's brakes performed admirably, even under heavy use. While the X-Line package improved ground clearance, the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. The Sorento's fuel economy was lower than expected, averaging 20.5 mpg during testing, but hybrid options were available for better efficiency.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided front-seat headroom comparable to the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to the BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. The GV70's cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing it in the middle ground of its segment. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige model featuring a 14-way power driver's seat and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The SX Prestige X-Line also included a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, with heating in the SX Prestige X-Line. The Sorento's second-row area was designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second row, enhancing comfort. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. Folding the third-row seat expanded cargo space from 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet, and folding the second-row seats increased it to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a wealth of technology features. Its standard infotainment system included a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The screen's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller added functionality. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system, allowing drivers to use a smartphone instead of a key fob, and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services included remote camera activation, driver profiles, and last-mile guidance navigation.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim level. The base LX trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The system offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the larger screen required a USB connection. The Sorento's infotainment system shared technology with Hyundai models, but voice recognition was less effective. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist, which added automated lane centering to adaptive cruise control. The GV70 had eight standard airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2, which added lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available, the GV70's safety features were impressive.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of safety features that varied by trim level. Our test vehicle included a rear-seat reminder system with ultrasonic sensors, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist were also available. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the SX and SX Prestige trims earning the highest headlight rating. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance.