2022 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Kia Sorento

Though any version of the 2022 Kia Sorento was sufficiently stylish, the X-Line treatment gave this midsize SUV serious presence. Rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails added definition and purpose to an already attractive sport-ute. The test vehicle had the X-Line package, which Kia offered with S, EX trim, and the as-tested SX Prestige specification. With the Sorento X-Line, all-wheel drive (AWD) was standard. The test vehicle sported extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, pushing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge.

Despite the higher price tag, one could opt for a more affordable Sorento. The base LX trim with front-wheel drive (FWD) started at $29,590, plus destination. Dropping the X-Line package and resisting additional extras could land a plush Sorento SX Prestige front-driver for $42,405, including destination.

No matter which version of the 2022 Kia Sorento one chose, they were guaranteed an SUV that exuded quality. This applied not only to the leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the dashboard but also extended to how well the door releases operated and how the transmission shifter felt in hand. The Sorento’s cabin reflected rock-solid construction, with impressive attention to design detail even in the most affordable model. Remarkably, the interior style and traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not negatively impact practical storage space.

Conversely, the 2022 Ford Bronco attracted enthusiasts with its retro styling, go-anywhere attitude, and a deep lineup to choose from. The Bronco returned with two new top-tier models: the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor, engineered especially for swamp trekking and deep water. These models featured an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires.

The Bronco's seven distinct trims boasted increasing off-road capabilities with their price. Buyers could choose between the two-door and four-door body styles, as well as between a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. The choice between a removable roof with either soft- or hard-top and a vibrant palette of paint options added to its allure. The Bronco’s utilitarian look, complete with large recovery hooks, fender flares, and a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate, satisfied fans. Its modular construction made customization easy.

Inside, the Bronco mirrored its rugged exterior with features such as sealed switches and buttons, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and floor drain plugs that allowed for convenient cleaning. Despite its utilitarian nature, technology was well represented in features like G.O.A.T. mode, which allowed drivers to select drive modes optimized for specific terrains. The Bronco effortlessly balanced rugged capability with advanced technology and comfort.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s standard engine was a rather unremarkable 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder that took approximately 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. That sluggish performance recommended any of the Sorento’s other powertrains: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, and a new-for-2022 turbocharged plug-in hybrid.

Starting with the Sorento EX, the SUV came equipped with a more satisfying turbo 2.5-liter engine, generating 281 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 4,000 rpm. This engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, effectively powering the front wheels unless equipped with a torque-vectoring AWD system. With AWD, Kia claimed the turbo Sorento should hit 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds.

Despite the lifted suspension, the Sorento drove more like a sports sedan than an SUV. The SUV’s suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, soaking up rugged roads while maintaining control and communication. During rigorous testing in California's Santa Monica Mountains, the Sorento SX Prestige proved an unexpectedly agile partner. However, even with the X-Line package's ground clearance boost from 6.9 inches to 8.2 inches, the Sorento seemed best for light off-roading excursions.

As for fuel economy, the EPA expected the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line to deliver 24 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg, suggesting either more frequent gas station visits or opting for a Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid variant might be better choices.

The 2022 Ford Bronco’s base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder producing 300 hp and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 offered 330 hp and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available with the four-cylinder engine, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed, high-torque driving. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case.

Whether powered by the four-cylinder or V6, the Bronco delivered ample power in any setting. The base model and the fancier Outer Banks trim could conquer obstacles most vehicles couldn't, while the Wildtrak and Everglades handled difficult terrain effortlessly. Testing on Michigan’s Drummond Island highlighted the Everglades' impressively capable performance over deep-rutted muddy trails, deep water crossings, and steep rock climbs. The vehicle could ford water as deep as 36.4 inches, and even with its formidable capabilities, the Bronco still behaved well on pavement, unlike many off-road vehicles.

During highway driving, the Bronco tracked straight with a smoother ride quality compared to its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. This made it a more favorable companion for road trips by reducing driver fatigue. The only downside was the noticeable wind noise on the highway, although it wasn’t intrusive enough to be a significant issue.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior often felt legitimately luxurious. The SX Prestige brought a 14-way power driver’s seat and 10-way power adjustment for the front passenger. Both seats featured heating and ventilation, and a heated steering wheel was standard in the SX Prestige X-Line, providing comfort. However, the hard plastic on the center console could occasionally irritate the driver’s leg. The second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim and heated in the SX Prestige X-Line, were designed with features for younger passengers, including rear air conditioning vents and USB charging ports. The Sorento’s available panoramic sunroof extended overhead, adding to the comfort.

The third-row seat, however, was less accommodating. Adults would fit, but not comfortably. With limited legroom and head restraints close to the rear window, it was more practical to fold the third-row seat down, expanding the cargo space from 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet. With the second-row seats down, the Sorento could handle 75.5 cubic feet of cargo. The “smart” power tailgate made loading easier when the key fob was nearby, though it occasionally opened unintentionally.

In contrast, the Bronco’s square-off styling maximized interior space, with ample headroom and legroom for tall individuals. Accessing the higher trims required effort, but grab handles and side steps were available for assistance. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 22.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door hard-top expanded capacity to 35.6 cubic feet behind the seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. While the soft-top models provided slightly more space, the rear seats did not fold flat, complicating loading larger items.

The Bronco also featured clever storage solutions and accessories, like large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and rubberized phone trays. Optional accessory rails on the dash allowed for securing items like action cameras, and stowable doors fit within the cargo area. External hard mounting points included hidden windshield anchors and headlight cleats for cargo straps and limb-lifter cables, enhancing utility.

Starting in 2022, most Kia Sorento trims came standard with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display featuring navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, wireless smartphone integration was reserved for the base 8-inch system, requiring a cable for the larger display. The infotainment system’s interface was user-friendly, though its inventive font style, graphics, and predominant purple hue might not appeal to everyone.

Despite the similarities between Kia and Hyundai's infotainment systems, Kia’s voice recognition was notably less effective. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, enhancing the vehicle’s audio experience. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim onwards.

The Ford Bronco intelligently incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. G.O.A.T. modes boosted confidence for novice drivers by selecting drivetrain and chassis settings for different terrains. More experienced drivers could manually adjust their setups. One of the most beneficial features was the forward-looking trail camera that displayed lines indicating tire paths, improving visibility over obstacles.

The Bronco’s Sync 4 infotainment system responded quickly, displayed sharp graphics, and supported helpful off-road apps. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard across all models, and they harmonized well with the optional wireless charging pad.

Kia Drive Wise was standard on every 2022 Sorento, though feature sets varied by trim. The test vehicle included expected technologies and some advanced features like a rear-seat reminder system that used ultrasonic sensors, responsive for up to 24 hours post-lock. The system alerted the owner via smartphone and activated the vehicle’s lights and horn if movement was detected inside.

The Sorento’s Junction Assist used a forward-collision warning system to prevent unsafe turns by braking if needed. The Blind View Monitor on the SX Prestige X-Line showed the driver what was in the vehicle’s blind spots. This feature replaced one of the digital gauges with a live video feed activated by the turn signal.

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist were also available, the latter strikingly effective on various freeways. The IIHS rated the 2022 Sorento as a Top Safety Pick, with top scores in most categories, although the NHTSA gave it an overall four-star rating based on crash tests.

The Bronco’s standard safety features included hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages provided additional features such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and more. Each system performed reliably with no false alarms. The NHTSA rated the four-door Bronco with four stars for frontal crash protection, while rollover protection was rated three stars for all variants.

The IIHS awarded the standard Bronco its top score of “Good” in most tests. The head restraints and seats received the second-highest score of “Acceptable.”