2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator continued to embody the brand's "quiet luxury" ethos, maintaining its elegant and imposing presence without significant updates. Despite the anticipation of an electric version, the current model remained largely unchanged since its last refresh in 2022. The Navigator's exterior, particularly in the triple-black Reserve model, exuded sophistication with its Monochromatic Package, featuring black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. Inside, the cabin was a blend of upscale materials and ambient lighting, though some chrome plastic elements fell short of conveying true luxury. The Lincoln Play rear-seat entertainment system, while a costly addition, was largely ignored by tech-savvy teenagers, highlighting a potential mismatch between features and user preferences.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. The Sorento's new front end, with its bluff grille and vertically-stacked LED headlights, gave it a more robust and contemporary appearance. The interior saw a transformation with a cleaner dashboard design and a unified digital display setup. The Sorento's cabin, while not as spacious as larger SUVs, offered a comfortable and modern environment with improved materials and optional luxurious touches like faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching. The Sorento's design updates and interior enhancements positioned it as a more upscale and cohesive offering in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering an impressive 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD, the Navigator offered a robust driving experience, though its fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging 15.6 mpg in real-world testing. The SUV featured five drive modes, with Excite mode enhancing performance at the cost of fuel efficiency. Despite its size, the Navigator felt surprisingly nimble on winding roads, though its nearly three-ton weight challenged the brakes. In urban settings, the Navigator's large dimensions proved cumbersome, particularly in tight parking situations.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options, with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower, which felt underpowered for the vehicle's weight. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available on higher trims, provided a more spirited 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a livelier driving experience. The Sorento's AWD option, particularly in the X-Line and X-Pro trims, enhanced its off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes, though the ride could be firm on rough surfaces. Fuel economy for the turbo models was average, with a combined rating of 23 mpg.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, offering spacious seating across all three rows and a generous cargo area, especially in the extended-length Navigator L model. The cabin featured power-deploying running boards and 30-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though finding the perfect seating position proved challenging. Storage solutions were abundant, with various trays and compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L provided substantial cargo space, accommodating both passengers and luggage with ease.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample legroom in the first two rows and a tighter third row suitable for occasional use. The Sorento offered more space than smaller three-row SUVs and was competitive with larger models like the Toyota Highlander. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, and the new dashboard design was ergonomic and user-friendly. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded, providing versatility for various needs.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a suite of digital displays, including a 12-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Sync 4 system offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a navigation system and Alexa Built-in. The Navigator's voice recognition system performed exceptionally well, though the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues. The Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided an immersive sound experience, and the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key functionality.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment display and an updated software system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento's infotainment system was user-friendly, though voice commands were less reliable. The SX-Prestige models featured a premium Bose audio system, and the Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and sharing capabilities.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving. While BlueCruise offered hands-free driving on designated highways, it struggled with certain conditions and required driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite included a comprehensive array of standard and optional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities with automated lane changes. The Sorento's safety systems generally performed well, though sensor obstructions affected performance in adverse weather. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in several IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable."