2022 Subaru Forester 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, giving the midsize SUV a serious presence. 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 on the dashboard, and a rock-solid cabin construction.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester, particularly the Wilderness model, emphasized functionality over form. The Wilderness trim added a suspension lift, higher ride height, and massive protective cladding, making it look rugged but somewhat homely. Inside, the Forester focused on practicality with water-repellant StarTex simulated leather, hard plastic, and soft surfaces. The interior, while functional, felt somewhat inexpensive and dated. The 8-inch Starlink infotainment system with physical knobs and buttons made it easy to use, though the three display screens were less than ideal. Overall, the Forester's interior emphasized quality construction and clarity of purpose.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took almost 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 performance. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, powered the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system. 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 energetic and sporty, despite the X-Line's raised suspension. However, the fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 20.7 mpg during the test.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. All Foresters had a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and AWD, with the Wilderness model featuring a design that increased initial torque supply by 25% and doubled the towing capacity to 3,000 pounds. The Forester Wilderness averaged 25.9 mpg during the test. While the engine was adequate at sea level, it felt sluggish at higher altitudes. The CVT, with eight programmed ratios, provided a smooth driving experience, and the SI-Drive system added a Sport mode for more lively response. The dual-function X-Mode system, standard on most Foresters, offered improved off-road capabilities, making the Wilderness trim particularly compelling for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige trim offering a 14-way power driver's seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. 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. 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 folded. The "smart" power tailgate made loading easier when your arms were full.

The 2022 Subaru Forester emphasized functionality, with easy entry and exit, water-resistant StarTex upholstery, and standard all-weather floor mats. The upgraded roof rails accommodated a dynamic load of 220 pounds and a static load of 800 pounds, suitable for a three-person roof tent. The Forester offered comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers, with rear air conditioning vents and quick-charge ports. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof and 26.9 cubic feet with it, expandable to 74.2 cubic feet (69.1 with the sunroof) with the rear seats folded. The Wilderness trim included a full-size spare under the cargo floor.

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 LX trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. 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 Subaru Forester, even in base trim, included a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, and Starlink connected services. The Premium trim added access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and remote engine starting. The Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trims featured an 8-inch screen, navigation system, Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a 180-degree forward-view camera. The PIN Code Access feature allowed owners to leave the key fob in the SUV and use a PIN code to re-enter the vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, which included various advanced safety features. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to monitor the interior for movement, alerting the owner if movement was detected. Junction Assist used the forward-collision warning system to prevent unsafe turns. The Blind View Monitor system, available on the SX Prestige X-Line, provided live video feeds of the SUV's blind spots. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system, were also available. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Forester debuted the next-generation EyeSight 4.0 safety system, with a wider field of vision and new Automatic Emergency Steering. EyeSight 4.0 included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. The Forester also featured a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear automatic braking. The Touring trim included DriverFocus, a facial recognition technology that monitored for drowsiness and distraction. The Forester earned a 5-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA and was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.