2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento's appeal was evident through its stylish design, particularly with the X-Line treatment. This variant lent the midsize SUV a rugged and purposeful presence, enhanced by unique aesthetic features such as rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding. The lifted suspension and robust roof rails further accentuated its bold look. Our test vehicle, adorned with the X-Line package, boasted a striking Wolf Gray paint, complemented by Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net. The total MSRP stood at $45,310, inclusive of the $1,215 destination charge.

Consumers did not need to invest as much to enjoy a Sorento's luxury and quality; the base LX trim with front-wheel drive began at $29,590, plus destination charges. Even when opting for the top-tier SX Prestige with front-drive, buyers could expect to spend $42,405, including the destination charge. Every rendition of the 2022 Sorento exuded quality through elements like leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, extending to finer details such as the door releases and transmission shifter.

The Sorento's cabin displayed rock-solid construction, with Kia's signature attention to design detail evident even in the most affordable models. Practical storage space wasn't compromised despite the vehicle’s commitment to superior comfort and style, promising a user experience that assured buyers of their choice’s value even at a higher price point.

Contrastingly, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL model emphasized a no-nonsense, rugged aesthetic. Lacking curves, it embraced a brute, utilitarian design suitable for serious off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler could be opted for in two-door or four-door Unlimited configurations, with removable doors for enhanced outdoor engagement. The Dual-Door Group option provided half-doors for improved visibility while maintaining a sense of security.

The Wrangler's windshield could fold down for an authentic open-air experience, and various top options allowed for versatile exposure to elements. Signature design features included wide fenders with the American flag, Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights, and vintage hood latches. A functional rear tailgate that swung out complemented by a lift-up rear glass ensured easy cargo access. However, the boldest visual was perhaps the Reign purple paint color, adding a unique flair to the SUV.

Inside, the Wrangler favored practicality over luxury with easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, favoring chunky HVAC controls and a rugged manual transfer case shifter over ambient lighting and massaging seats common in high-end models.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrains to cater to different performance needs. However, the base 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered underwhelming acceleration, taking almost 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. Kia’s turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder was the more appealing option, producing 281 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 rpm and 4,000 rpm; a noticeable upgrade over the base engine. This turbo engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), claimed a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds, though it often felt quicker thanks to the surge of torque and responsive transmission.

The Sorento's driving dynamics impressed with excellent suspension tuning, blending compliance and composure. The AWD system offered a ground clearance increase from 6.9 to 8.2 inches, enhancing its off-road potential, though the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. Fuel economy was a mixed bag; despite an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claim of 24 mpg in combined driving, real-world usage saw an average of just over 20 mpg.

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler was synonymous with off-road prowess, equipped with solid axles and optional differential lockers. The available engine options catered to diverse performance preferences. The standard V6 produced 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, while a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offered 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Both could be paired with either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

The Wrangler also offered a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 engine with 260 hp and a whopping 442 lb-ft of torque, and for thrill-seekers, the Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine delivering 470 hp and the same amount in torque. The 4xe plug-in hybrid presented an eco-friendly option with 21 miles of all-electric range.

Our test model, the 392, demonstrated unparalleled power, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with a thrilling driving experience. However, its brakes were inadequate for the V8’s power, necessitating early and hard braking. The steering was also vague, adding to the challenge during aggressive driving.

Inside, the 2022 Kia Sorento felt luxurious, albeit with questionable naming for certain leather colors like Rust. The SX Prestige featured a 14-way power driver’s seat and 10-way power passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. Second-row captain’s chairs, especially stylish with heating in the SX Prestige X-Line, catered to kids with various convenient storage solutions and technology ports. Adults would find the third-row seating cramped and uncomfortable, better used for cargo space, which expanded from 12.6 cubic feet to 75.5 cubic feet when both rows were folded down.

The Wrangler's seats ensured comfort but lacked ventilated options. Rear seating could be tight and accessing these seats was a challenge through small doors. Small-item storage was sparse, with limited cubby spaces and a tiny glove box and center console. Cargo space was also constrained, maxing out at 72.4 cubic feet. The Wrangler offered versatile roof options for open-air driving experiences, from easily removable hard and soft tops to the sophisticated Sky One-Touch power soft top.

In 2022, the Kia Sorento upgraded most trims to a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and connectivity features, though ironically only offering wireless smartphone integration on the base 8-inch system. The comprehensive infotainment system was intuitive but had mixed reviews on graphics. Voice recognition lagged behind counterpart Hyundai systems, despite shared technology between the brands. The 12-speaker Bose system was an exclusive offering on the top trim, while wireless charging started from EX trim.

The Wrangler’s tech included a standard 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen, with our tester featuring a larger 8.4-inch display. Despite initial complexity, the system was user-friendly with great off-road-oriented information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto worked seamlessly, though tech features focused on functionality rather than extra convenience, such as the lack of a digital key and limited over-the-air updates.

The 2022 Kia Sorento included the comprehensive Kia Drive Wise package with features varying by trim. Unique safety elements were the rear-seat reminder system with ultrasonic monitoring and Junction Assist for turn safety. Exclusive to the SX Prestige X-Line was the Blind View Monitor, projecting live video of blind spots during lane changes. Top trims also benefited from Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento had mixed crash-test results, achieving a Top Safety Pick from IIHS but only a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

Safety in the 2023 Jeep Wrangler was basic, with only mandated features like a rearview camera and stability control standard. Select models offered advanced features like blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning. However, lane-keeping assist was absent, and safety ratings reflected these shortfalls. The IIHS ratings were mixed, with some trims’ headlights ranked poorly. NHTSA granted four stars for frontal crash ratings and three stars for rollover resistance, with side crash ratings pending.