2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact crossover that captured the rugged spirit of its larger sibling, the Bronco, while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs designed for optimal off-road performance. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. The SUV's wheels varied by trim, with options to upgrade for enhanced off-road capability. Inside, the Bronco Sport boasted a rugged yet tasteful interior, with a unique design for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim improved with each model, offering options from cloth to leather-trimmed seats and practical flooring solutions.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and commanding presence with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin was well-constructed, offering a sense of luxury and practicality. The Sorento's second-row captain's chairs and available panoramic sunroof added to the comfort, while the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults. The SUV offered ample cargo space, with a "smart" power tailgate for convenience. Overall, the Sorento provided a blend of style, comfort, and practicality, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model came with a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, while the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which was considered underwhelming. The Sorento X-Line and higher trims featured a more satisfying turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, offering a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's suspension provided a balance of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, with real-world figures averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The Sorento's turbo engine offered a lively performance, but fuel efficiency was a concern.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kg, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kg. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and optional cargo management package. The front cabin provided ample storage, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's design focused on practicality and adventure readiness.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with convenient storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. The Sorento offered up to 2,139 litres of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience, though it could open unintentionally. The Sorento's interior was well-suited for families, with a focus on comfort and practicality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, with additional off-road modes on the Badlands model. Trail control technology provided cruise-control-like assistance for off-roading. Higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and digital instrument panel. The Bronco Sport's tech package was comprehensive, enhancing both on-road and off-road experiences.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The infotainment interface was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento shared its infotainment system with Hyundai models, though voice recognition was less effective. A 12-speaker Bose sound system was exclusive to the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim. The Sorento's tech offerings were robust, though some features were limited to higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with AWD and a terrain management system enhancing safety.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist provided additional safety and convenience. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its LED headlights were rated poorly. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with high marks in most categories.