2024 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights were unmistakable, even from afar. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels and minimal adornment, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance, elevated height, and massive tires. The Heritage trim added nostalgic touches with a white grille, roof, and wheels, and unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped with cargo securing and vehicle navigation. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior materials prioritized durability over luxury, and while some creaking was noted over bumps, it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since 2021, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a bold new front end with a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtle, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The Sorento's trims remained the same, but the rugged X-Line package was now exclusive to EX and higher models, with the new X-Pro trim offering smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a clean, horizontal design, and combined gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on higher trims, offering a more upscale feel than some competitors.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired only with the automatic transmission. The top-tier Raptor trim featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was excessive but thrilling. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler, with quieter interiors. However, its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads, though it felt more confident than expected.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, taking nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharged models had zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range and offered lively performance. Sorentos were front-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim offered improved off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance. The Sorento's towing capacity varied, with the X-Pro rated at 4,500 pounds.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, especially in the four-door model, which offered easier access to the rear seats. The two-door model required some maneuvering to access the back. The Bronco featured practical storage solutions, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray for securing personal items. The two-door model offered up to 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet, increasing to 77.6 cubic feet. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, enhancing its off-road versatility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was comfortable in the first two rows, with 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row. The third row was tighter, with 29.6 inches of legroom, but it offered more space than some competitors. The Sorento's third row was suitable for occasional use, especially for children. The optional captain's chairs in the second row allowed for easy access to the back. The Sorento's new dashboard featured ergonomic controls and ample small-item storage. With the third row in use, cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding it down expanded capacity to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on trim. With all seats down, the Sorento offered up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space.

The 2023 Ford Bronco incorporated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. drive modes that optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains. The Bronco also offered numerous camera views for navigating tight spaces and a Trail Turn Assist feature for sharp turns. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford's SYNC 4 as standard. Most Broncos came with an eight-inch touchscreen, but a 12-inch display was available for easier use.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features on the home screen. Navigation was standard on most trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now standard across the lineup. The system supported over-the-air updates and included USB-C outlets in all rows. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from the NHTSA, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests, except for head restraints and seats, which received an "Acceptable" rating. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, and more. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured the Drivewise suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behavior and offered precise distance maintenance. The IIHS awarded the Sorento "Good" ratings in several tests, while the NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.