2023 Genesis GV80 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, presented a rugged yet stylish appearance. This midsize SUV featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding, which, combined with a lifted suspension and robust roof rails, gave it a commanding presence. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with all-wheel drive as standard and was further enhanced by the extra-cost Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather interior. Despite the premium features, the Sorento maintained a sense of quality across all trims, from the base LX to the plush SX Prestige, with its leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The interior construction was solid, with a keen attention to design detail, ensuring that even the most affordable model felt upscale.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. This stately midsize SUV, measuring over 16 feet in length, featured 22-inch alloy wheels on the Prestige trim, adding to its elegant look. The exterior's matte Brunswick Green paint was mirrored inside on the quilted leather seats, complemented by a dash split by thin, horizontal air vents and plenty of metal and matte wood trim. The center console, with its three large dials, and the unique two-spoke steering wheel added to the luxury feel. While the 14.5-inch infotainment screen seemed somewhat out of place, the spacious and luxurious interior, complete with a suede headliner and panoramic glass roof, made the GV80 a delightful place to spend time.

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 four-cylinder engine, available from the EX trim, delivered a more satisfying 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it more enjoyable than the V6 in the larger Kia Telluride. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a lively driving experience, especially with the torque-vectoring AWD system. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and communication. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 20.7 mpg during testing, compared to the EPA’s 24 mpg estimate.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, available only with AWD, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbo 3.5-liter V6. Our test vehicle, equipped with the larger engine, produced 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While not particularly quick, taking about 5.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, the GV80 excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, ensured a quiet and comfortable ride. However, the GV80’s handling was less precise compared to its German rivals, and it felt less nimble in turns.

Inside the 2022 Kia Sorento, the SX Prestige trim offered a luxurious experience with a 14-way power driver’s seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim, were designed with children in mind, featuring cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, but folding the seats expanded it to 75.5 cubic feet. The smart power tailgate was a convenient feature, though it sometimes opened unintentionally.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 boasted a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats and a unique Ergo Motion driver’s seat to reduce fatigue. While a third row was available, its limited legroom made it suitable only for children. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key for added convenience. The tri-zone climate control system and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 offered impressive utility.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, though it required a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 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 GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating the menu structure required a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 also featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a Blind View Monitor system and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with advanced driver’s aids, including a video feed of the car’s blind spot and Highway Drive Assist. The system worked well, except when facing into the sun. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, though the headlights and LATCH system received Acceptable ratings.