2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, presented a rugged yet stylish appearance. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, enhancing the SUV's presence. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive as standard and included extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. Despite the premium price, the Sorento exuded quality, from its leather upholstery to the simulated wood trim on the dashboard. The cabin's rock-solid construction and attention to design detail were evident, even in the base LX model.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 showcased a sophisticated design with stylistic connections to the G70 compact luxury sedan. The split-bar headlights and strong chrome line visually linked the GV70 to its sedan counterpart, creating a coupe-like SUV appearance. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with top-notch materials and excellent fit and finish. The interior design was both contemporary and classic, featuring a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls. The GV70's luxury credentials were further highlighted in the Electrified Prestige trim, with cream-colored quilt-stitched seats and a high-contrast design.

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 reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, delivered a more satisfying 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more energetic driving experience, achieving 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento maintained a sporty feel, with excellent body motion control and communication on winding roads. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 20.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two gas-powered trims: the 2.5T with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and the 3.5T with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The GV70 Electrified featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 offered a range of 236 miles and could charge from 10% to 80% in 18 minutes on a fast charger. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, blending comfort and sporty dynamics.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from the EX trim, were designed for children, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped, with limited legroom and headroom, making it more suitable for expanding cargo space. With the third row folded, the Sorento offered 38.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The "smart" power tailgate was a convenient feature, though it could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed center console with large cupholders and a retractable lid tray. While front-seat comfort was easily adjustable, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort, but finding a comfortable position required some adjustment.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the latter required a cable. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menu navigation. The GV70 also included four USB ports, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and the Genesis digital key were available features. However, the rotary dial for the infotainment system was located near the vehicle's rotary shifter, which could cause confusion.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features depending on the trim level. Notable features included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The IIHS rated the Sorento as a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 included a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Advance Package on the 2.5T added a blind-spot camera system and reverse automatic emergency braking, while the Sport Advance package on the 3.5T included these features. The GV70 Electrified offered most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.