2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Kia Sorento

When the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX went on sale in December 2021, it was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Depending on the model, trim levels included base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base prices ranging from $37,950 to $49,000, excluding the $1,075 destination charge. The NX 250 and turbocharged NX 350 were not electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid based on the Toyota Rav4 Prime. The review focused on the turbocharged NX 350 in F Sport and Luxury trims.

Design was a key focus for Lexus, and the NX featured a distinctive spindle grille and refined styling details. The new NX was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Most models had NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury included real leather and open-pore wood trim. The F Sport trim stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors. Inside, it featured sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, and unique instrumentation. The interior design was minimalist, with many functions integrated into the available 14-inch touchscreen, which could be challenging to use quickly. However, physical controls for frequently used functions remained, and the quality levels were generally high, despite some minor issues.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, had a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line package, available with S, EX, and SX Prestige trims, included all-wheel drive, rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails. The test vehicle had the X-Line package, extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. The base LX trim with front-wheel drive started at $29,590, plus destination.

The Sorento's cabin exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The interior reflected rock-solid construction, with thoughtful design details even in the most affordable LX model. The Sorento's keen sense of interior style and traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not negatively impact practical storage space. Overall, the Sorento offered a luxurious and well-constructed interior, making it feel like a great deal even at sticker price.

Electrification was a key focus for Lexus, and the 2022 NX offered two electrified versions. The NX 350h had a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+, with its high-capacity lithium-ion battery, was a 302-hp plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) delivering an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with front-wheel drive (FWD) and an optional AWD.

The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension and 20-inch wheels. The F Sport felt taut and lean on winding roads, while the NX 350 Luxury offered a softer and more relaxed driving character. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, with observed fuel economy of 22.2 mpg for the F Sport and 25.5 mpg for the Luxury. The NX 350 was a dynamic improvement over the previous model, but the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine didn't sound as refined as its German rivals. Handling was impressive, with the F Sport better isolating impacts from sharp bumps. However, road and wind noise were more noticeable than expected.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took almost 9.5 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph. The recommended turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generated 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. With AWD, the turbo Sorento could reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The turbo engine provided a surge of torque and a snappy transmission, making the Sorento feel energetic. The SX Prestige trim had 20-inch alloy wheels and 255/45 Continental CrossContact LX Sport tires, with a suspension tuned for an excellent blend of compliance and composure.

The Sorento's raised suspension improved ground clearance to 8.2 inches, but it was more for show than serious off-roading. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving for the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line, but observed fuel economy was 20.5 mpg on the evaluation loop and 20.7 mpg during the week-long loan. The Sorento's turbocharged engine provided plenty of power, but fuel economy was lower than expected.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for people and cargo, but it felt more intimate and cozy from the driver's seat. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim had better-bolstered front seats, and the driver’s door panel and center console were padded for comfort. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations, with rear air conditioning vents, heated cushions, and USB ports. The panoramic glass sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX had a 14% increase in cargo space, with 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the back seats folded down.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with a 14-way power driver's seat and 10-way power front passenger seat in the SX Prestige trim. Both front seats were heated and ventilated, and a heated steering wheel was standard. The second-row captain's chairs were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line, with cupholders, USB ports, rear air conditioning vents, and dual storage pockets. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second row. The third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. The Sorento had 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The "smart" power tailgate opened when the key fob was nearby, making loading easier.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and an optional 14-inch screen. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and five connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural voice commands, and a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service was included. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for storing preferences and settings.

The 2022 Kia Sorento had a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base LX trim had an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line had a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with EX trim.

The 2022 Lexus NX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) collection of technologies, with features such as Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, Safe Exit Assist, and rear pedestrian detection. Premium trim added an adaptive front lighting system, rain-sensing wipers, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.

The 2022 Kia Sorento had the Kia Drive Wise package, with features varying by trim level. The rear-seat reminder system used ultrasonic sensors to monitor the interior for movement, and Junction Assist used forward-collision warning to prevent unsafe turns. The SX Prestige X-Line had a Blind View Monitor system, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento was a Top Safety Pick according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with the highest rating for LED headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.