2022 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. It featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, which added a sense of purpose to its already attractive design. The test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with all-wheel drive as standard and included additional features like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. Despite the high price, the Sorento exuded quality, with its leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and offered a rock-solid cabin construction that was evident even in the base LX model.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus GX boasted a commanding presence with its large spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units, and offered in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The interior, however, was marred by a disappointing amount of plastic, which detracted from its luxury appeal. Nevertheless, the GX offered some luxury touches, such as heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, but its overall design and materials felt dated.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the base engine being a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 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 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Despite its raised suspension, the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. The EPA estimated its fuel economy at 24 mpg combined, but real-world tests showed an average of around 20.7 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't excel on paper compared to more modern engines, the GX's V8 offered a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in terms of performance. Its fuel economy was rated at 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners, and its brakes were strong and reliable. The standard 4WD system, with a Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential, made it more user-friendly in challenging conditions.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with the SX Prestige trim offering a 14-way power driver's seat and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with features like USB charging ports and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and best suited for emergencies. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 75.5 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The "smart" power tailgate was a convenient feature for loading cargo.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. The GX's decision to stick with hard buttons for controls was a blessing for those who preferred physical interfaces. The second row was comfortable, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The GX's side-hinged trunk door required effort to open and offered only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. However, the base LX trim retained an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the graphics and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was rendered unnecessary by the touchscreen. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo and a CD player. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in competing models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system and features like downhill assist and crawl control.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features depending on the trim level. The rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist were notable features. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with the SX and SX Prestige trims earning the highest rating for their LED headlights. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were up-to-date.