2021 Honda CR-V vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while a competent compact crossover, did not stand out in terms of exterior design. Its styling was similar to many other vehicles in its class, with only minor details like the grille and some chromed plastic features distinguishing it from the competition. The colour options were limited, with a predominance of neutral shades, making it challenging to find a CR-V in a more vibrant hue. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, but it still faced stiff competition from more distinctively styled rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, exuded a more rugged and stylish presence. With features like matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, the Sorento stood out as an attractive midsize SUV. The interior was luxurious, with quality materials and thoughtful design details, such as leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The Sorento's cabin was well-constructed, offering a sense of quality and attention to detail that was evident in every aspect, from the door releases to the transmission shifter.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not designed for thrilling acceleration or sporty handling. It featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower, which allowed for smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) maintained constant engine revs, providing a predictable driving experience. While the CR-V's performance was adequate for everyday driving, it lacked the engagement offered by competitors with conventional transmissions, such as the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the base model featuring a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, was the more appealing choice. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, this engine delivered a lively driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension provided a balance of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Despite its performance, the Sorento's fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4, with a total cargo volume of 1,065 litres when the rear seats were folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with the Touring model featuring a hands-free power tailgate for added convenience. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the CR-V's practicality for carrying additional cargo.

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 with children in mind, offering comfort and convenience with cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and headroom, making it more suitable for occasional use. With the third-row seats folded, the Sorento offered 1,274 litres of cargo space, expanding to 2,139 litres with the second-row seats down. The "smart" power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came equipped with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring model featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were abundant, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The system provided a user-friendly interface, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento SX trim included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim onwards.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, which included advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard across all trims. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system, available on the SX trim, provided live video feeds of the SUV's blind spots. The Sorento also featured Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento received an IIHS Top Safety Pick award, though its LED headlights received a Poor rating in Canada. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.