2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a rugged departure from the standard Outback, boasting a higher stance and more aggressive all-terrain tires. With 9.5 inches of ground clearance, it was closer to a Jeep than a traditional station wagon. The Wilderness featured unique design elements like a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, with heated seats and a black headliner adding to the rugged aesthetic. The Outback Wilderness was priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, with our test car totaling $39,965.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line package, exuded a stylish and rugged presence. The X-Line treatment included rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package and additional features like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, had an MSRP of $45,310. The Sorento's cabin was luxurious, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The SX Prestige trim offered a 14-way power driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed for comfort, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine provided ample power for the 3,896-pound SUV, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though our test averaged 21.3 mpg. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, but its droning and soft simulated gear changes detracted from the driving experience. The Wilderness trim offered 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual function X-Mode traction system, making it highly capable off-road.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrains, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine being the most recommended. This engine generated 281 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 311 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 4,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the Sorento felt energetic and responsive. The AWD system allowed the Sorento to accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. Despite the X-Line’s raised suspension, the Sorento handled like a sports sedan, with excellent body motion control and communication. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, but our test averaged 20.7 mpg.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with the driver’s seat offering 10-way power adjustment. Rear seat space was generous, with heated seats and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with Rust-colored leather upholstery and a 14-way power driver’s seat. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the SX Prestige trim included a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and featured heating, while the third-row seat was less suitable for adults. The cargo space measured 12.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Sorento also offered a “smart” power tailgate for easier loading.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which dominated the center dashboard. While it had physical knobs for volume and tuning, most functions required the touchscreen. The voice recognition technology was less responsive, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness also featured PIN code entry technology, allowing the key fob to be left inside the vehicle during outdoor activities.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, starting with the EX trim, featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the graphics and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging. The voice recognition system was less effective compared to Hyundai’s equivalent technology.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying contents depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. The Sorento also offered Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The 2022 Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.