2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2022 Kia Sorento, even in its base form, radiated style and substance. However, the X-Line package amped up its aesthetic appeal significantly. This package included rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, giving this midsize SUV a distinguished and adventurous look. Our test vehicle featured the X-Line package on the SX Prestige trim, and it came painted in an extra-cost Wolf Gray color with rust-colored leather interior. Additional options like floor mats and a cargo net brought the total MSRP to $45,310, including a $1,215 destination charge. However, a base Sorento LX trim started at a reasonable $29,590, plus destination costs. Without the X-Line package and additional extras, a plush Sorento SX Prestige could be owned for a total of $42,405, destination included. Kia’s attention to quality extended beyond just the more expensive versions. Whether one opted for the base model or a fully loaded trim, the Sorento’s cabin reflected solid construction and superior design. Touchpoints like the door releases and transmission shifter felt refined and substantial, while the leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on our test vehicle's dashboard exuded luxury. The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, on the other hand, was comparable to a glorified minivan but masked it behind a more SUV-like demeanor. Starting at $33,700, plus a $1,195 destination fee, the Traverse LS targeted buyers looking for value. The top-end High Country model, fully loaded, commanded a base price of $53,400 plus destination, with available AWD across all trims. For 2022, the Traverse received subtle styling updates, including new headlights and taillights, a refreshed bumper, grille designs, and redesigned aluminum wheels. Various appearance packages like Redline Edition, Midnight Edition, and Sport Edition added blacked-out trim for a more aggressive look. Our test vehicle comprised the RS trim, featuring blacked-out trim and striking dark gray 20-inch wheels. Despite these embellishments, the Traverse managed to balance its stylish lines and fenders without sacrificing its restrained SUV appeal.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s base engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, more potent options included a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid, and a new-for-2022 plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it a more compelling choice over the base engine. With AWD, this configuration could achieve 60 mph in approximately 7.5 seconds, thanks to its responsive dual-clutch automated manual transmission. Despite the raised suspension of the X-Line package, the Sorento drove more like a sports sedan, thanks to its blend of compliance and composure. Tackling the roads near Malibu, California, it handled with grace, showing impressive body motion control and braking stability. The raised ground clearance from 6.9 inches to 8.2 inches enhanced the Sorento's light off-roading capabilities, although it was better suited for less rugged endeavors. Fuel economy was middling at best. Advertised at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, our real-world experience yielded about 20-21 mpg. The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse housed a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain enabled the Traverse to tow up to 5,000 pounds when appropriately equipped. The V6 engine provided adequate power, even if it occasionally emitted a noticeable whine during acceleration. Our AWD Traverse returned a fuel economy of 20.9 mpg, slightly better than the EPA's combined estimate of 20 mpg. It offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Snow, and Off-Road, although it primarily excelled in standard driving conditions. The Traverse displayed a firm yet compliant ride in town, capable on the highway, albeit with more noise than desirable. It demonstrated athleticism in mountainous terrains, with an adept V6 drivetrain and capable suspension. However, the all-season tires on our RS trim weren't as engaging, and its soft ride quality diluted the driving experience at higher speeds.

Inside, the 2022 Kia Sorento was a tribute to luxurious design. Elements like rust-colored leather (perhaps an odd choice given its name) and heated and ventilated front seats with extensive power adjustments signaled Kia’s intention to provide comfort and elegance. The second-row captain’s chairs, starting from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. However, the third-row seating was more utilitarian. Adults might fit, but not comfortably. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and reaching a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento also featured a smart power tailgate for convenience. The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse sported a functional interior. The RS trim featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The Smart Slide function of second-row seats, combined with expansive rear doors, made third-row access easier. The black cabin of the RS trim was not an issue in moderate temperatures, and the driver’s seat was comfortable enough for long drives. The second-row captain’s chairs provided adequate legroom, though leg support was lacking for some adults. The third row accommodated adults if the second-row passengers cooperated by sliding their seats forward. Storage in the Traverse was noteworthy, with hidden compartments behind the infotainment screen and under the cargo floor. Cargo capacity began at a generous 23 cubic feet behind the third row, expanded to 57.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxed out at 98.2 cubic feet with all rear seats down.

For the 2022 Kia Sorento, starting with the EX trim and above, a 10.25-inch touchscreen replaced the base LX’s 8-inch version. This system included navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display required wired smartphone integration. The SX Prestige X-Line boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, which was unavailable on lower trims. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim up, although voice recognition fell short of perfection, differing from its Hyundai counterpart in efficiency. In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 7-inch touchscreen in its base LS and LT Cloth models, upgrading to an 8-inch touch display in higher trims. Premier and High Country trims included an 8-inch digital instrument panel alongside traditional analog gauges. Standard technology encompassed dual Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Features like integrated navigation, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and Alexa Built-in were reserved for the higher trims, as was a seven-speaker Bose sound system. The Traverse’s voice recognition system was noted for accuracy and efficiency, simplifying user interaction.

Safety equipment was comprehensive in the 2022 Kia Sorento, with the Drive Wise suite varying by trim. Our test vehicle had enhanced features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and Blind View Monitor. Other highlights included Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system. The Sorento garnered a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, but the NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, noting particular areas needing improvement, especially in frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance. The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse, meanwhile, benefitted from the standardized Chevy Safety Assist. This package included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Additional safety features were available or standard depending on the trim, including adaptive cruise control and a new rear pedestrian alert. The Traverse earned top "Good" ratings in several IIHS collision-related tests, with only an "Acceptable" rating in the new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not yet rated the 2022 Traverse at the time of this writing.