2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package 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, featured all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without the X-Line package, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and rock-solid construction evident throughout the cabin.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated in Black Onyx, eradicated almost all chrome from its exterior, transforming the SUV into a rolling black hole. Despite its new Black Line treatment, the GX quickly accumulated dust, making it look drab and old. The GX's design, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002, appeared dated. However, the cabin's quality was undeniable, with smooth, silky refinement and a quiet interior. The GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took almost 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. This sluggish performance made the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, a more appealing option. With AWD, the turbo Sorento could reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension, tuned for an excellent blend of compliance and composure, made 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 EPA estimated the Sorento's fuel economy at 24 mpg in combined driving, but our tests averaged around 20.7 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain allowed the GX to reach 60 mph in 7.8 seconds and tow up to 6,500 pounds. The six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system, contributing to the GX's 16 mpg combined fuel economy. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) maximized wheel articulation off-road while reducing excessive body motions on pavement. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, though the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. With the third-row seat folded, cargo space expanded from 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet, and with the second-row seats down, it reached 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and clear outward visibility. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and a black headliner. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the back seats were heated. However, the rear door openings were narrow, making entry difficult. The third-row seat was cramped and eliminated cargo space when in use. With the third-row seat stowed, the GX offered 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. The side-swinging tailgate was heavy and inconvenient for loading.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento, except for the base LX trim, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base system offered wireless smartphone integration, while the larger screen required a cable. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique font style and color scheme. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 introduced a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface (RTI) touchpad. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, and a CD player. The GX also featured a Lexus app, smartwatch compatibility, and Lexus Enform connected services, including a WiFi hotspot. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was quick and accurate. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, which varied by trim level. Our test vehicle included features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with the highest rating for the SX and SX Prestige trims' LED headlights. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts and rollover resistance.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally unchanged for 13 years, lacked crash-test ratings. However, it included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling. Missing were advanced safety technologies like lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems.