Kia Sorento Hybrid vs Lexus TX

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid presented a unique design that set it apart from other models in Kia's lineup, while still maintaining a recognizable brand identity. It was a crossover that featured a distinctive front with LED headlights and a sleek body design, complemented by Satin Chrome accents and roof rails. The EX trim added a touch of luxury with fog lamps, a gloss black grille, and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, the Sorento Hybrid offered a well-executed interior with leatherette seat trim, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate controls. The cabin was a mix of hard and soft-touch surfaces, with a few distractions like the reflective dark silver plastic trim.

The 2026 Lexus TX, particularly the 550h+ plug-in hybrid, offered a luxurious yet somewhat understated interior. It featured multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with ample headroom and USB-C ports. The second row had captain’s chairs with a removable console, though folding them flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the center console had a dual-opening lid that limited access. The TX boasted excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded. The vehicle could tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it versatile for various needs.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid was designed with fuel efficiency in mind, featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It was only available in front-wheel drive and offered drive modes like Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart. The Sorento Hybrid excelled in Eco mode, achieving an impressive 39 mpg in the city and 37 mpg combined. However, its powertrain was noisy under hard acceleration, emphasizing its focus on efficiency rather than speed.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered a robust 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. It offered multiple drive options, including electric-only and hybrid modes, and featured Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The TX provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a well-calibrated AWD system that could distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The suspension absorbed bumps effortlessly, and the brakes were firm yet smooth. The TX was ideal for long road trips, offering a comfortable and stable driving experience.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid featured a well-thought-out interior with functional controls and comfortable seating. The split-level dashboard vents allowed precise airflow control, and the infotainment and climate controls were easy to use. However, the rotary shifter required deliberate effort to engage gears. The Sorento's third-row seating was less comfortable, with limited legroom compared to competitors. Cargo space was adequate for everyday needs, but larger loads required folding the rear seats.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control and heated seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and individual cupholders and USB-C ports. The second row had a one-touch button for easy third-row access, though folding it flat was challenging. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the center console's dual-opening lid limited access. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second and third rows were folded.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a user-friendly interface with responsive controls. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The system was straightforward and reliable, with additional options like a wireless phone charger available.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. The steering wheel controls were multifunctional but confusing, and the infotainment system occasionally switched from satellite radio to Apple CarPlay unexpectedly. Smartphone connectivity was essential for navigation, and the vehicle offered a range of subscription-based features. The TX also included a clear backup camera and an Advanced Park system for automated parking.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The EX trim added advanced collision avoidance systems. While the Sorento Hybrid hadn't been crash-tested, the similar 2021 Sorento received high safety ratings from the IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the TX earned mixed scores from the IIHS.