2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe, with its Selenite Gray paint, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and polished brightwork, presented a balanced aesthetic that was neither offensive nor overly dramatic. Despite its resemblance to an athletic sneaker from certain angles, the GLE 53 Coupe managed to maintain a sophisticated appearance. Inside, the vehicle was as luxurious as expected, featuring high-end materials like Nappa premium leather, a Dinamica simulated suede headliner, and brushed aluminum trim. The dual-screen instrumentation and infotainment design added a high-tech touch, while ambient lighting enhanced the driving experience at night. However, the lack of traditional controls made it initially challenging to navigate the vehicle's technology.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line treatment added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, giving the Sorento a purposeful look. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package and extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, and additional accessories, had a total MSRP of $45,310. The Sorento's interior reflected quality and attention to detail, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and solid construction. The cabin was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample storage solutions and a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 429 hp at 6,100 rpm and 384 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,800 rpm. The engine featured EQ Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that added extra power when needed and helped conserve fuel. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 19 mpg, but our test vehicle achieved 18.5 mpg. The GLE 53 Coupe came with a SpeedShift nine-speed automatic transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic+ AWD system with fully variable torque distribution. The AMG Dynamic Select system offered multiple driving modes, and the AMG Active Ride Control suspension and AMG Performance brakes maximized performance. The GLE Coupe felt nimble and composed in urban settings and on highways, with a reserve of performance available in Sport+ mode.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp at 5,800 rpm and 311 pound-feet of torque between 1,700 rpm and 4,000 rpm, was more satisfying. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, powering the front wheels or an optional torque-vectoring AWD system. The turbocharged Sorento accelerated to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, making it feel energetic and responsive. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan and proved to be a willing dance partner on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 24 mpg, but our test vehicle averaged 20.5 mpg.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe technically seated up to five people, but it was more comfortable for four. The front seats offered numerous power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, providing comfort and support. Forward visibility was good, but rear visibility was challenging, necessitating the use of available cameras. The back seat provided ample legroom, and the cargo hold offered 27.5 cubic feet of space, expandable to 63.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Additional comfort upgrades included heated rear seats, a four-zone automatic climate control system, and an Air Balance in-cabin fragrance system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Rust-colored leather upholstery and a 14-way power driver's seat with thigh support extension. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the SX Prestige X-Line included a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB charging ports, rear air conditioning vents, and storage pockets. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second row, enhancing comfort. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and head restraints close to the rear window. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The "smart" power tailgate made loading easier when the key fob was nearby.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe featured the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with dual 12.3-inch screens, including a digital instrument cluster and touchscreen. Standard features included navigation, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mercedes Me connected services. The system was easy to use, with natural voice recognition technology and multiple interaction methods. However, the touchpad on the center console was easy to activate inadvertently. Optional features included an MBUX Interior Assistant with gesture recognition, an augmented video feature for navigation, a head-up display, a surround-view camera system, and an upgraded Burmester 3D high-end surround-sound system.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, except for the base LX trim, which had an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system in Kias was not as good as in Hyundai models. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with EX trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLE Coupe came with numerous safety features, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, forward automatic emergency braking, and a blind-spot monitoring system. The Pre Safe Sound system emitted a "pink noise" tone before a collision to protect hearing. The Emergency Call Service was free for the vehicle's lifetime. The optional Driver Assistance Package added 15 additional safety systems, including Traffic Jam Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. The GLE Coupe's lane-keeping assistance technology was effective and refined. The adaptive cruise control's route-based speed adaptation function could be turned off. Crash-test results for the GLE Coupe were unavailable, but the standard GLE received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, a suite of safety features that varied by trim level. Our test vehicle included a rear-seat reminder system with ultrasonic sensors, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist technologies used adaptive cruise control and Lane Following Assist for semi-autonomous driving. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with the highest rating for the SX and SX Prestige trims' LED headlights. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four stars for driver and front passenger protection in frontal impacts and rollover resistance, and five stars in other assessments.