2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to luxury and elegance, shedding its past resemblance to the Ford Expedition. Its design was a harmonious blend of sophistication and subtlety, a challenging feat for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's exterior was marked by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-colour grille, and tasteful chrome accents, all contributing to its classy appearance. The Pristine White model, with its black wheels and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. Inside, the Navigator impressed with its seven colour palettes and attention to finer details, such as the layered wood trim and minimalist digital instrument panel. The materials used were of high quality, and the Perfect Position seats offered unparalleled comfort with 30 different adjustments.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged yet stylish presence. The Sorento's design was enhanced by rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails, giving it a purposeful look. Inside, the Sorento felt luxurious, with features like Burgundy leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The front seats were heated and ventilated, ensuring driver comfort, although the hard plastic on the centre console could be irritating over time. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with children in mind, offering practical storage solutions and comfort. However, the third-row seats were less accommodating for adults, making the Sorento more suitable for those who occasionally need extra seating.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a formidable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, delivering an impressive 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD in Canada, made the Navigator feel surprisingly agile for its size. It boasted a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms, making it a powerhouse on the road. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, averaging 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The Navigator's adaptive dampers provided a decent ride, though not as refined as some competitors. Despite its size, the Navigator offered a plush and quiet cabin, making it ideal for highway cruising.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder being the most recommended. This engine produced 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience than the base engine. The Sorento's turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, offering a lively performance. Despite its sporty feel, the Sorento maintained a balance of compliance and composure, handling well on various road conditions. Fuel consumption was reasonable, with the turbo engine averaging 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres during tests. The Sorento's performance was complemented by its excellent suspension tuning and responsive brakes.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating up to eight passengers. The boxy design maximized cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated second-row seats and a three-zone climate system, though it lacked some of the advanced features found in German competitors. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with numerous adjustments and massage programs. Visibility was excellent, thanks to large windows and a high driving position, though parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was both stylish and functional, with comfortable seating for up to seven passengers. The second-row captain’s chairs were particularly accommodating, offering heated seats and practical storage solutions. However, the third-row seats were less suitable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was flexible, with 357 litres behind the third row, 1,274 litres with the third row folded, and 2,139 litres with the second row down. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience, automatically opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to newer models. It offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio but lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good, though not exceptional. The Navigator's technology suite included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming. Despite its simplicity, the Navigator's tech was user-friendly and effective.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of infotainment options, with higher trims featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation and satellite radio. While the base system provided wireless smartphone integration, the larger screen required a cable for connectivity. The Sorento's infotainment system was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The SX trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, enhancing the audio experience. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim onwards.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included inflatable rear seat belts for the second row, enhancing passenger safety.

The 2022 Kia Sorento was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system provided additional visibility, while Highway Driving Assist offered semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, though its LED headlights were rated poorly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded it a four-star overall rating.