2023 Dodge Durango vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento X-Line 2022 emerged as a considerable contender in the midsize SUV market, flaunting a style that merged ruggedness with refinement. It showcased matte-finish wheels, robust roof rails, and a lifted suspension that not only added to its aesthetic appeal but also enhanced its on-road presence. Customizations such as the Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather further elevated the vehicle's luxury feel, making it a stylish choice for SUV lovers. This version, with a total cost set at $45,310, included all-wheel drive as a standard feature, enhancing its utility as an all-weather, versatile family hauler.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Dodge Durango maintained a classic, muscular aesthetic that stood out with clean lines typical of Dodge design philosophy, avoiding the oversized grille trend. SRT models notably featured a Viper-like hood and unique stylistic choices that emphasized their power without being overtly flamboyant. Exterior enhancements were available through various styling packages, including the notable Blacktop package. The interior, though less distinctive in styling, offered luxury upgrades in higher trims. The Dodge's timeless design managed to keep it relevant despite its years without a major redesign.

Under the hood, the 2022 Kia Sorento started with a standard 191-horsepower engine that felt underpowered for its class. The upgrade to a turbocharged 2.5-liter delivering 281 horsepower provided the necessary vigor, making the drive much more enjoyable and akin to that of a sport sedan, particularly in the SX Prestige trim. Paired with a dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, this configuration provided a lively driving experience uncharacteristic of traditional SUVs. Additionally, despite its rugged trim options, the Sorento was not ideal for serious off-roading but managed light trails effectively.

The Durango, on the other hand, offered a range of engines, culminating in the powerful SRT models. The SRT 392 and Hellcat delivered exhilarating performance that dwarfed most competitors, with the Hellcat's 710 horsepower enabling a sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds—an astounding feat for a vehicle of its size. Both SRT versions granted high performance with superior handling dynamics, marked by adaptive suspension and Brembo brakes that comfortably managed the vehicle's immense power.

Inside, the 2022 Kia Sorento impressed with luxury touching on the interior appointments, particularly in the SX Prestige trim, which offered heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and upscale materials throughout. Yet, third-row seating was cramped, making it less ideal for larger families or adult passengers. Cargo space was also limited with all seats in use but expanded significantly with the third row folded.

The 2023 Dodge Durango provided a versatile cabin configurable with either a bench or captain's chairs in the second row, accommodating up to seven occupants. Its spacious three-row setup did not compromise cargo capacity significantly, boasting more storage space than the Sorento. Durango's towing capacity was notably superior, especially in the V8 models, enhancing its appeal as a capable utility vehicle.

Technologically, the Sorento featured a robust infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen in most trims, although requiring a wired connection for smartphone integration. It offered advanced connected car services and a high-quality Bose sound system in top trims.

Dodge equipped the Durango with its Uconnect system, which, depending on the model, ranged from an 8.4-inch to a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system was responsive and user-friendly, with advanced connectivity options available in higher trims, including wireless smartphone integration.

The Kia Sorento boasted comprehensive safety features under the Kia Drive Wise suite, with advanced technologies like Junction Assist and a rear-seat reminder. It received high safety ratings from IIHS and respectable scores from NHTSA.

The Dodge Durango lagged slightly behind in modern safety technology and standard features across all trims, although it still performed well in several important crash tests. Available safety features varied by trim, with the most comprehensive options reserved for higher-end models.