2022 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Acura MDX each brought their unique touches to the midsize SUV segment, each with its own visual flair and perceived quality. 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, sporting the X-Line package available with S and EX trim in addition to the as-tested SX Prestige specification, came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). Additions like extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net raised the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. You didn’t need to spend that much money on a Kia Sorento. The base LX trim with front-wheel drive (FWD) started at $29,590, plus destination. Dropping the X-Line package and resisting temptations to add extras, one could park a plush Sorento SX Prestige front-driver out in front of their place for $42,405, destination included. Regardless of the trim or configuration, the 2022 Kia Sorento exuded quality. The descriptor applied to the leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the dashboard of the test vehicle, extending to all Sorentos in aspects like the door releases and the transmission shifter's feel. The Sorento’s cabin reflected solid construction with nothing appearing flimsy, showing impressive design detail even in the most affordable LX model. Despite having traditional cable-operated transmission shifters and a keen interior style, practical storage space was not compromised. A new owner could feel like they got the best deal of their lifetime with every errand, commute, and road trip, even after paying the sticker price. When it came to the 2023 Acura MDX, shoppers found standard and Type S versions, each equipped with varied trim packages to elevate available equipment. The base models came in standard spec with optional Technology, A-Spec, and Advance packages, while the MDX Type S was offered in standard spec or with Advance package options. Prices ranged from $49,550 to $73,200, plus a destination charge of $1,195. The test vehicle arrived in Type S Advance trim with extra-cost Apex Blue Pearl paint and an Orchid (white) interior, with a MSRP of $74,995. Acura set high expectations for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism with such pricing, though it missed the mark in some respects. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to carry the Type S badge, characterized by its subtlety. While subtle modifications and muted badges kept its appearance subdued, its 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets gave it a proper stance, enhanced by chicane-design LED running lights, LED headlights, and automatic high-beam operation. A panoramic sunroof was standard for all MDX models, with most including Iconic Drive ambient lighting themes. The MDX Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package with a black headliner and steel pedal covers. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, making the MDX Type S appealing inside and out. However, the tapering body lines and gloss black plastic dashboard were less practical, and Acura's electronic transmission switchgear proved confusing even to seasoned MDX drivers.

The performance of the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Acura MDX set these vehicles apart significantly. The 2022 Kia Sorento’s standard engine was an unremarkable 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, taking almost 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. This lackluster power was likely why it was only available with LX and S trims. From the EX trim upwards, the Sorento was equipped with a more satisfying turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, generating 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. With the turbo engine, Kia replaced the standard eight-speed automatic transmission with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. AWD turbo Sorentos could reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, with the surge of torque and snappy transmission making the Sorento feel energetic. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, it drove more like a sports sedan. The SX Prestige offered a well-balanced suspension blend of compliance and composure, using 20-inch alloy wheels and 255/45 Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires. The configured Sorento SX Prestige felt responsive on the winding roads of the Santa Monica Mountains, exhibiting sturdy brakes without a hint of fade. However, the X-Line package's ground clearance bump was more for show than off-road prowess, indicating that the Sorento was best for light off-roading tasks. Fuel economy for the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line, per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was 24 mpg in combined driving. However, real-world evaluations averaged 20.5 mpg, suggesting that new owners might need frequent gas station visits unless opting for the Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid variants. The 2023 Acura MDX Type S was unique for its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the standard 3.5-liter V6, but the extra power came with an additional 285-pound weight. The twin-scroll turbo V6 engaged a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. SH-AWD could direct up to 70 percent of the engine output to a single rear wheel, while Agile Handling Assist used brake-based technology to tighten cornering lines. The Integrated Dynamics System offered several driving modes, with Sport+ and Lift modes exclusive to the Type S. Additional performance features included a solid suspension stabilizer bar, Electro-Servo brake system, larger front brake rotors, and Brembo front calipers. Despite these additions, the performance upgrades didn't blend cohesively, negatively affecting the driving experience. On the evaluation route, the MDX Type S averaged 16.9 mpg, falling short of the EPA rating of 19 mpg for combined driving. The city driving average was 17 mpg, and more spirited driving in sensitive modes caused significant fuel economy penalties. Transmission issues, brake pedal response, squealing tires, and mode-induced body roll contributed to a less coherent driving experience. Consequently, the standard MDX with the A-Spec package would better serve those seeking a predictable and enjoyable midsize three-row SUV.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a luxurious interior despite quirks like its oddly-named Rust leather upholstery. The SX Prestige featured a 14-way power driver’s seat with thigh support, 10-way power front passenger adjustment, plus heated and ventilated seats. The heated steering wheel added warmth during harsh winter months. However, the hard plastic on the center console could irritate a driver’s leg over time. Second-row captain’s chairs became standard with the EX trim and were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line. This area accommodated kids with cupholders, USB ports, rear air vents, and storage pockets. Despite these comforts, the third-row seat left much to be desired. Adults could fit but wouldn’t be comfortable due to flat cushions and limited legroom caused by the forward positioning of the second-row seats. Thus, the third row was better suited for occasional use by children. Cargo capacity was expandable by folding third-row seats down, increasing from a meager 12.6 cubic feet to 38.5 cubic feet. Further fold-down of the second-row seats provided 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space, supplemented by a smart power tailgate for hands-free loading. In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX packed practical functionality with three rows of seats and adaptable second-row seating. The fully-equipped test vehicle had 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage features. Despite quilted leather and adjustable bolsters, the firm seating could be uncomfortable during spirited driving. The second-row seats, accommodating seven passengers, featured removable center sections for pass-through access to the third-row. Second-row seats could slide but didn’t supply as much legroom in the rearmost position. Though supportive, accessing the third-row remained challenging for adults, making it better for children. In terms of storage, the MDX’s interior style impacted practical space. The center console housed a small bin, partially blocked by a touchpad interface wrist rest. The cargo area, however, was spacious enough to handle a family road trip with additional underfloor storage and practical hooks for groceries. Real-world cargo measurements included 18.1 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 39.1 cubic feet with the third-row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Sorento introduced a significant technology upgrade. Except for the base LX trim, all models featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. Required wired smartphone integration was an oddity, especially since the base model supported wireless integration. The intuitive user interface was complemented by inventive graphics, albeit in an unconventional color scheme. Oddly, Kia's voice recognition system trailed behind its corporate sibling Hyundai’s similar technology. Furthermore, the 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system was exclusive to the top SX Prestige X-Line, whereas other trims missed out on high-quality audio. Acura filled the 2023 MDX with technological wizardry, headlined by the Digital Precision Cockpit. This comprised a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a matching infotainment display. However, the lack of touchscreen functionality forced users to rely on the True Touchpad Interface (TTI), complicating the operation for tech-savvy drivers accustomed to traditional touchscreens. Though True Touchpad Interface aimed for innovation, it introduced three key issues: detaching user familiarity, decreasing storage space, and partially blocking the wireless charging pad. Nevertheless, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa Built-In, and a comprehensive head-up display were substantial integrations. Despite these advanced features, native voice recognition frustrated users, further highlighting the importance of familiar digital assistants through smartphone connectivity. Acura’s Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system excelled with uncompressed files but faltered with satellite radio.

Kia Drive Wise, standard across all 2022 Sorento trims, comprised various driving assistance and collision avoidance systems. The test vehicle included features such as ultrasonic rear-seat reminder systems that alert the driver of perceived movement, Junction Assist to prevent unsafe turns, and a Blind View Monitor showing the SUV’s blind spots. Additionally, intelligent speed limit assist and Highway Driving Assist provided enhanced adaptations for maintaining speed and lane positioning. The Sorento earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2023 Acura MDX’s Acura Watch encompassed an advanced array of safety technologies, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and Traffic Jam Assist. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front/rear parking sensors were standard, while certain trims offered low-speed automatic braking and a surround-view camera system. However, the MDX’s systems occasionally misinterpreted overhead obstacles, causing momentary braking incidents. Despite the Type S’s brief hesitation in safety refinement, the MDX achieved a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, securing excellent overall protection in crashes.