2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2022 Kia Sorento

Both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted impressive design elements that catered to different aesthetic preferences. The 2022 Kia Sorento in its X-Line treatment had a rugged yet stylish demeanor thanks to its unique features such as robust roof rails, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding. This trim came with a lifted suspension and rugged bumpers, which enhanced its presence on the road.

Tested in the Wolf Gray paint option with rust-colored leather, the Sorento provided a notable SUV experience. Even in lesser trims, such as the base LX or SX Prestige, the vehicle exuded quality, marked by its leather upholstery and simulated wood interior. The cabin construction was rock-solid, with thoughtful design details even in the most affordable models, making it feel luxurious regardless of the trim level.

In comparison, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered a more refined and minimalist aesthetic. Land Rover's employment of terms like "modernist" and "reductive" underscored a design strategy focused on clean lines and simplicity. Though it lacked the flashiness some luxury SUV buyers might crave, it offered an Eiger Gray paint job with silver 23-inch wheels and a subtle Black Exterior Pack. The interior combined a Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim, projecting understated luxury.

Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted handles, and the first use of surface LED technology in its taillights. The aerodynamics were also superior with a coefficient of drag measuring 0.29, and its interior included sustainable materials like Ultrafabrics and the ever-aromatic Windsor leather upholstery.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered varied powertrain options that catered to different driving needs. The standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder that disappointed with a slow 0-60 mph time of about 9.5 seconds. Fortunately, more powerful options were available, like the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, which powered through 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. This turbo engine came paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and available all-wheel drive.

The Sorento's handling was surprisingly sporty, especially on the SX Prestige with its 20-inch wheels and tuned suspension. Despite the raised suspension in the X-Line, it managed to maintain a sports-sedan-like drive. The fuel economy, however, tended to disappoint, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rating it at 24 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielding only around 20.7 mpg.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport presented several powertrain options, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine available in two tunes: 355 hp and 395 hp. The SE Dynamic P400 variant we tested had the latter, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, suitable for a swift 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. Land Rover also offered a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 434 hp with an electric range of 51 miles.

Off-road capabilities were a highlight, with an Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system, 11.1 inches of ground clearance, Terrain Response technology, and a maximum wading depth of 35.4 inches. The SUV featured advanced air suspension that adjusted to reduce body motion and offer comfort. Despite a slightly better-than-expected fuel economy of 22.3 mpg combined during testing, it fell short in dynamic driving scenarios, feeling tall and heavy with less engaging steering than competitors from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior with rust-colored leather felt pretty luxurious, though the "Rust" name might make you do a double-take. It offered 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seats and 10-way passenger seats, both heated and ventilated. However, the Sorento’s third-row space was tight and best left for short trips or children.

Cargo space was practical, starting at just 12.6 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 38.5 and 75.5 cubic feet with the third and second rows folded, respectively. Features like a smart power tailgate made loading easy.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, with its "Command Driving Position," facilitated ease of entry and exit, boasting features like air suspension kneeling and numerous power seat adjustments. The front seats were 20-way adjustable, heated, and ventilated, and the cabin smelled distinctly luxurious thanks to Windsor leather. Rear seats provided good support but were tight on legroom.

For cargo, the Range Rover Sport offered 31.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Features included a power liftgate and a manually adjustable air suspension height for easier loading.

For 2022, the Kia Sorento came with a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen (starting with the S trim), which included navigation, satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. However, the 8-inch system in lower trims offered wireless smartphone integration, unlike the wired requirement for the larger screen. A 12-speaker Bose system featured exclusively in the SX Prestige X-Line.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen with haptic feedback. Though equipped with advanced features like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility, the infotainment system proved cumbersome and confusing at times. Despite its learning capability, its voice assistant struggled with basic commands. The SUV also boasted an impressive Meridian sound system, available with up to 29 speakers.

The 2022 Kia Sorento excelled with its Kia Drive Wise package, varying in content by trim. Our test vehicle included advanced features like Junction Assist, capable of preventing unsafe turns, and a Blind View Monitor, displaying blind spots through live video feeds. The Sorento also earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and an overall four-star rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and a surround-view camera system with ClearSight Ground View. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist performed poorly during testing, failing to meet the expectations set by a luxury SUV of its caliber.