Kia Sorento vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Kia Sorento presented a somewhat perplexing lineup with its gas-only models, offering core trims like LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The latter three trims upgraded from a basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a more robust turbocharged version of the same engine. The X-Line appearance package was available for the EX and SX trims and came standard with the SX Prestige, featuring blacked-out exterior trim and detailing. At the top of the lineup, the X-Pro SX Prestige was packed with features and exclusive enhancements. The 2025 model introduced Panthera Gray, replacing Gravity Gray, and the X-Line and X-Pro versions sported black badges. The test car, a 2024 model, lacked these new badges but otherwise mirrored the 2025 offerings, including the Road Rider Brown paint color, which cleverly concealed dirt. The interior, with its Olive Brown hue, offered a mix of materials, with the X-Pro SX Prestige boasting luxury-like features such as leather seats and a 24-inch panoramic display.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, offered the TX 350 in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the top Luxury trim. The 2026 model year saw few changes, but the 550h+ now featured a standard panoramic glass roof and a new Matador Red Mica paint option. Most models came with 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The TX retained its large grille, reminiscent of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered a choice of interior colors, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. While the cabin featured ambient lighting and suede trim, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic prevalent. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique touch, though some might have preferred more attention to detail elsewhere in the cabin.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered a choice between two engines. The base LX and S trims were equipped with a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to 26 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard in all other trims, produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige averaged 23.4 mpg. The turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which could feel different to those unfamiliar with DCTs. The Sorento X-Pro, with its 17-inch wheels and BF Goodrich Trail Terrain tires, offered excellent ride quality and quietness, even on winding roads. The AWD system featured torque vectoring and a locking center differential, enhancing traction and nimbleness. The Sorento excelled in daily driving, with its size, driving dynamics, and visibility making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model producing 317 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrid test car, however, generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX provided various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ offered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for slippery surfaces. The TX was well-suited for long road trips, with its comfortable suspension and firm brakes.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was appealing to families, offering roomy first and second rows of seats. The third-row seat could accommodate adults for shorter trips if the second-row passengers were willing to slide forward. The Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige featured heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, while the second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats, sunshades, USB ports, and air conditioning vents. The Sorento offered generous storage space, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet. These figures compared favorably with compact crossovers, though they lacked a third-row seat.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The test car featured second-row captain's chairs with a removable center console, while some trims offered a bench seat. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry into the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but could benefit from more thigh support. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat, and a total of 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Sorento also offered a digital rearview mirror and an excellent surround-view camera system. The touch-sensing strip of dual-function controls could be frustrating, but the steering wheel switches provided an alternative.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured a 14-inch color touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. The steering wheel buttons were multi-functional and not labeled, with their functions displayed on the gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though they occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a clear back-up camera, an Advanced Park system, and a rear-camera mirror. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed charged.

The 2025 Kia Sorento came with numerous standard safety features, with higher trims offering more advanced technology. The SX and SX Prestige trims included active collision avoidance features, evasive steering assist, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Sorento earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, including forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it could be slow to respond in traffic. The TX 350 and 500h earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX a mix of "Acceptable" and "Good" scores.