2024 Lexus GX vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Lexus GX marked a significant departure from its predecessor, the GX 470. In contrast to the more rounded and softer curves of the outgoing model, the newly redesigned midsize SUV embraced geometric styling from headlight to taillight. The signature “spindle” grille remained, but it was noticeably less prominent. Flanking the grille, the standard triple-beam LED headlights added definition to the squared-off upper edge of the GX's front fascia, which now stood more vertically than its second-generation counterpart. The designers stiffened up a formerly soft chin, lending the new GX a more aggressive demeanor. The flat hood featured humps positioned conveniently above each front wheel, aiding drivers in maintaining positional awareness while off-roading.

The GX side profile gave the impression of being carved from a solid metal block, with minimal character lines following a horizontal path across the SUV’s body. The low window beltline continued this theme, enhancing visibility and awareness during off-road adventures. Mirroring a mesa rising from the desert, the lower edge of the window frame kicked up just ahead of the C-pillar before proceeding steadily to the rear. Standard running boards completed the look at the base, with powered options available on the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus offered the new GX in six trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. With an expectation that the Premium+ trim would be the best-seller, the Luxury+ and Overtrail+ trims showcased the SUV's top features. Luxury models boasted 22-inch wheels, illuminated doorsills, and interior ambient lighting, indicating a focus on sophistication. Conversely, the Overtrail trims emphasized off-roading capability, opting for 18-inch wheels and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery in these models proved harder wearing for off-road conditions.

Internally, the GX blended luxury with utilitarian elements, featuring standard heated and ventilated front seats, a large 14-inch touchscreen display, and an upright dashboard with robust touchpoints. Physical controls for off-road functions, as well as climate control and stereo volume, remained accessible. While it may not have matched the lavishness of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the Lexus GX balanced premium features with a readiness for hard use.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its debut in 2021. While attractive, the older model didn't fully align with Kia's other SUVs and was frequently overshadowed by the popular Telluride. For 2024, lessons from the Telluride and EV9 influenced the Sorento's design, creating a more cohesive family resemblance, characterized by a bolder front end, updated taillights, and a more contemporary, upscale cockpit.

On the exterior, the Sorento showcased a large new grille flanked by vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights. This redesign enhanced the Sorento’s visual presence, making it look more substantial and intimidating. Rear updates included modern LED taillights and new bumpers, available across trims. Most trims also featured fresh wheel designs.

The Sorento retained its previous trims–LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige–while the rugged X-Line package continued for the EX and higher models, now supplemented by the new X-Pro trim. The X-Pro mimicked the X-Line’s aesthetic but offered smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Both trims provided aggressive styling with blacked-out wheels and earth-tone paint options, suitable for outdoor ventures.

Inside, the Sorento received a new dashboard design, emulating the vast horizontal expanse of the EV9. The gauge cluster and infotainment displays combined under a single pane of glass, enhancing the cabin’s aesthetic and functionality. Lower trims featured twin 12.3-inch displays, adding to the cohesive dashboard look.

Materials and finishes saw notable improvements. The formerly cheap-looking central HVAC vents received an upgrade, and the faux open-pore wood grain in the X-Line and X-Pro dashboards exuded luxury. Optional green and brown interior colors added character, while the overall assembly quality felt solid and upscale compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw a significant change under the hood, transitioning from a naturally aspirated V8 to a more advanced V6 engine. The new twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 produced 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Notably, the torque was accessible low in the rev range, allowing for effortless navigation through obstacles in off-road conditions.

Built on the GA-F truck platform, shared with models like the J300 Toyota Land Cruiser, the GX benefited from a stiffer chassis, enhancing its stability on both road and rugged terrain. The 10-speed automatic transmission, borrowed from the Toyota Tundra, operated confidently in the GX, avoiding frenetic shifting and maintaining the right gear under acceleration.

All GX models came equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) and a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential. The Overtrail trims added a locking rear differential, splitting engine power equally between the rear wheels. The advanced Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) in Overtrail trims balanced off-road capability and on-road stability, increasing wheel articulation and ensuring better ground contact while navigating obstacles.

Despite weighing over 5,000 pounds, the GX accelerated well and demonstrated effective brakes during testing. Conditions during the test drive were favorable, with little chance for brake fade. Impressively, the GX showcased controlled behavior in twists and turns, contrary to expectations for a body-on-frame vehicle.

Due to weather limitations, the full range of off-road testing was not conducted, but the GX’s controlled demeanor and advanced systems promised robust off-road capability.

The 2024 Kia Sorento largely retained its mechanical specifications, except for the new X-Pro trim. The base engine remained a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine often felt underwhelmed by the Sorento’s weight, with the LX trim taking almost 10 seconds to reach 60 mph.

EX and higher models came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering a more robust 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic, these models felt livelier and offered better acceleration, with zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. Despite some noise under hard acceleration, these trims provided ample passing power.

Standard Sorento models featured front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive was an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims with AWD offered more aggressive styling and increased ground clearance of up to 8.2 inches. Despite its size, the Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line proved capable in light off-road conditions, while the X-Pro went a step further with 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, ensuring smoother rides and better grip on loose surfaces.

In off-road and snowy conditions, the X-Pro demonstrated reliable performance. With drive and terrain modes, hill descent control, and improved engine cooling, it was well-suited for challenging environments. Notably, the X-Pro’s towing capacity reached 4,500 pounds, an improvement over the standard Sorento’s 2,000 pounds.

Overall, the Sorento’s performance varied with the trim, with higher trims providing a more capable and enjoyable driving experience, particularly in off-road scenarios.

The 2024 Lexus GX’s interior presented a minimalist and sophisticated design, moving away from the cluttered look of its predecessor. It retained essential physical buttons for off-roading features, complemented by rotary knobs for climate control and a small volume knob centered between them. The center console stack featured physical controls for off-road functionalities like crawl control and the two-speed transfer case.

Passenger space in the GX felt ample and comfortable for six-foot-tall adults in the first two rows, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front seats and 36.7 inches in the second row. However, the optional third row in Premium and Luxury models proved too tight for adults, suitable only for children with its 31.7 inches of legroom.

The GX’s primary competitor, the Land Rover Defender 110, offered marginally tighter front-row space but more second-row room. However, its third-row legroom was even more restrictive at 20.5 inches. For those needing more third-row space, the longer-wheelbase Defender 130 was a better option.

Cargo space was a strong suit for the GX, with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row. This expanded to an impressive 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded and a total of 76.9 cubic feet. Overtrail models, without the third row, offered even more capacity, with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 Kia Sorento’s interior remained upscale and modern. It provided 41.4 inches of legroom in the front seats and 41.7 inches in the second row, surpassing many two-row SUVs in its size category. The seats were comfortable, and higher trims included noise-insulating acoustic glass. Optional heated and ventilated front seats enhanced comfort.

The third row, however, was tight, with only 29.6 inches of rear legroom. While not suitable for adults on long trips, it sufficed for children, offering flexibility for families needing occasional extra seating. Comparatively, the Toyota Highlander offered even less third-row legroom at 27.7 inches, demonstrating the Sorento's competitive edge.

Cargo compromises in the Sorento were evident with the third row in use, offering only 12.6 cubic feet of room. Folding the third row expanded this to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on the trim and configuration. With all seats down, the Sorento provided up to 72.1 cubic feet, more than the Chevrolet Blazer and nearly as much as the Honda Passport. Higher trims also included a power liftgate, adding convenience.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a 14-inch touchscreen stylishly integrated into the center of the dash. Below it, a pair of USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad ensured ample power for front-seat passengers. Overtrail models included two additional rear USB-C ports, while non-Overtrail models offered two more, totaling six USB-C ports. A 120-volt wall-style AC outlet in the trunk complemented the power options.

The Lexus Interface infotainment system included Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service introduced an intelligent voice assistant activated by saying "Hey Lexus," capable of handling navigation, climate control, and stereo commands. Drive Connect and Remote Connect, offered with free three-year trial subscriptions, provided features like remote locking, unlocking, ignition, and vehicle diagnostics. Subscription costs after the trial ranged from $15 to $25 per month, depending on the selected plan.

The GX’s standard audio system included 10 speakers, with an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo available in the Luxury and Overtrail+ trims, and standard in the Luxury+ trim. Despite some features being locked behind subscription plans after the trial, the Lexus Interface was user-friendly and visually appealing.

Kia updated the 2024 Sorento’s displays with a single-pane, twin-screen setup, integrating gauge and infotainment displays. All models now featured a 12.3-inch screen, with lower trims using a gauge cluster with two dials and a 4.3-inch TFT information display. Higher trims, like the SX and SX-Prestige, offered a second 12.3-inch digital display, resulting in a clean and legible dashboard.

The new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (CCnC) software replaced the previous system, prioritizing popular features on the home screen. Navigation was standard on all but the base-model LX. The CCnC system, despite a learning curve, was straightforward and operated with stylish graphics. Voice commands remained a weak point, with some inconsistencies during testing.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were now standard across all trims. The system also supported over-the-air updates, ensuring long-term freshness. Kia included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack for older audio devices. Most trims offered a six-speaker audio system, while the SX-Prestige came with a robust Bose 12-speaker surround sound system.

Additionally, SX and SX-Prestige models featured Digital Key 2.0, allowing certain Apple and Samsung phones or NFC smart cards to lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle without a key, and share access with others.

Safety was a concern for the GX in previous iterations. The 2023 model received a CarGurus expert rating of six out of 10, with an even lower score the year before. However, the 2024 GX saw significant improvements with the inclusion of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. This system offered pre-collision detection, avoidance, and braking across all GX models. Additional features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning with steering assist, road-sign recognition, and proactive driving assist.

While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had yet to crash-test the 2024 GX, its modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS suite inspired confidence in its safety features.

The 2024 Kia Sorento benefited from the Drivewise suite of active safety features, offering a broad range of standard and optional systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warnings.

Additional optional features comprised navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes on the SX-Prestige. Despite some sensor obstruction issues during foul weather, the adaptive cruise control systems generally performed well.

Optional safety technologies included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror, enhancing off-road capability and visibility when the vehicle was loaded with luggage. The IIHS had rated the Sorento “Good” in several crash tests, although its LATCH child-seat system earned only an “Acceptable” rating. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model but had previously awarded four-star ratings to earlier models.