2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

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 and simulated wood trim adding to its luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-5 received subtle exterior updates, including new LED headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, a redesigned grille, and a fresh rear liftgate. The top-of-the-line Signature trim featured body-color lower exterior trim, emphasizing Mazda's premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats for 2022 provided improved comfort, and the revised six-speed automatic transmission aimed to enhance performance. The CX-5's interior remained stylish and upscale, aligning with Mazda's goal of becoming a premium brand.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, provided a more satisfying driving experience. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, delivered a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's raised suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels contributed to its sporty handling, while the X-Line package improved ground clearance to 8.2 inches. Despite its off-road appearance, the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. The EPA rated the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line's fuel economy at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing showed an average of 20.7 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, with a revised six-speed automatic transmission for improved responsiveness. All CX-5 models came with standard AWD, and the EPA rated this powertrain at 26 mpg combined. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas provided 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. The turbocharged engine, paired with the revised six-speed automatic and standard AWD, achieved 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5's improved structural rigidity and suspension tuning enhanced its ride and handling, providing a sporty and composed driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior, especially in the SX Prestige trim, felt luxurious with Rust-colored leather upholstery and a 14-way power driver's seat. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from the 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 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 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more comfortable seats and a sportier driving position. The test vehicle featured leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout, including the Mazda Connect infotainment system, required acclimation due to the lack of a touchscreen display. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was adequate compared to entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive against mainstream compact crossovers.

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 wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base LX trim retained an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. 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, while wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained its Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, which was not touch-sensitive. The system required using center console and steering wheel controls, lacking natural voice recognition. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included rear-seat reminder, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS rated the Sorento as 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.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured the i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The IIHS awarded the CX-5 a Top Safety Pick+ rating, a distinction few rivals could match.