2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's already attractive design. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with all-wheel drive as standard and featured extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather. The total MSRP was $45,310, including the destination charge. Despite the high price, the Sorento exuded quality, from the leather upholstery to the simulated wood trim on the dashboard. The cabin reflected rock-solid construction, with nothing appearing flimsy, and Kia's attention to design detail was evident even in the most affordable Sorento LX model.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a testament to luxury and elegance, with a design that announced wealth and taste. The Velar's exterior was a scaled-down version of the big Range Rover's profile, with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and a wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined yet blocky appearance. Special details like taillight lenses with mirrors and deep air ducts added to its allure. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, still featured high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The three screens, including two touchscreens and a reconfigurable instrument panel, offered sharp graphics and sophisticated design.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the standard engine being a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder. This engine took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph, which was considered sluggish. More satisfying was the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. This setup allowed the Sorento to reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. However, the X-Line package's raised suspension was more for show than serious off-roading. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined by the EPA, but real-world tests showed an average of 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling and braking. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the body for additional clearance. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the base S and R-Dynamic models, while the R-Dynamic HSE had 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. This powertrain delivered high performance while reducing emissions, though it didn't offer a V8 option like previous models.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with the SX Prestige offering a 14-way power driver's seat and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the second row. However, the third-row seat was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it unsuitable for adults. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The "smart" power tailgate was a convenient feature, though it could open unintentionally.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had a tighter interior compared to midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style, and it lacked a discrete control for the parking brake, which was integrated with the transmission button. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, but the Velar's redesign of critical controls was seen as a frustrating trend.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter required a cable. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the voice recognition was less effective than Hyundai's. A 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system was reserved for the SX Prestige X-Line, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was reliable, with a simplified layout and logical arrangements. It featured a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, a heated windshield, and advanced navigation capabilities. The 4x4 app provided off-road measurements, and the 360-degree cameras offered a 3D view. The instrument panel could display full-width maps and reconfigure gauges, though the driving assist display was less detailed than competitors. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features depending on the trim. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to detect movement, and Junction Assist helped prevent collisions during turns. The Blind View Monitor system provided live video feeds of blind spots, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist adjusted speed according to posted limits. Highway Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had no U.S. crash-test ratings, but a European-spec 2017 model scored five stars in the Euro NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.