2022 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, diverging notably from the rest of the brand's lineup. It featured the brand's signature two-line lighting, creating an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design was unique, with a shoulder line and accent lines that set it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, boasted a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, enhancing its sporty appeal. Customers could choose from over 100 colour combinations, with exclusive options for the Sport grades. Inside, the GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line trim added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails, enhancing its sporty appearance. The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin was well-constructed, offering a sense of quality and attention to detail. While the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, the second-row captain's chairs provided comfort and convenience. The Sorento's interior style and practical storage solutions made it a compelling choice for families.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the standout performer. This engine delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 as a strong competitor against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's all-wheel-drive system prioritized the rear axle, providing excellent traction and handling. The Sport Plus grade featured an electronic limited-slip differential, enhancing its performance capabilities. The GV70's suspension system, equipped with an electronically controlled system, balanced comfort and road feel, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

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 satisfying driving experience. The Sorento's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission contributed to its sporty feel, making it more enjoyable to drive than some larger SUVs. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a blend of comfort and composure, offering excellent body motion control. While the Sorento's fuel consumption figures were higher than expected, its performance and handling made it a compelling choice for those seeking a sporty SUV.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver comfort and ergonomics, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The cabin featured high-quality materials, with heated and ventilated front seats as standard. The rear space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, though storage options were limited. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 1,610 litres with the seats folded. Overall, the GV70's interior design and functionality were above average, providing a comfortable and stylish driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for comfort, with convenient storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,139 litres with the seats folded. The Sorento's interior design and functionality made it a practical choice for families, though the third-row seat was best suited for children.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its advanced technology offerings. It featured a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD infotainment screen with split-screen capabilities, though its response time was slower than average. The premium Sport Plus grade included a 3D digital instrument cluster, enhancing the driving experience. The GV70 also introduced a fingerprint recognition system for keyless entry. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top grades. The GV70's technology offerings were comprehensive, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of infotainment options, with an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, though the larger screen required a cable for connectivity. The Sorento's infotainment system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The SX trim featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, while a wireless phone charger was standard on higher trims. The Sorento's technology offerings were competitive, though some features were reserved for higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance assist, lane departure warning, and forward collision avoidance assist. The GV70 introduced a radar-based rear occupant alert system, enhancing safety for rear passengers. The Highway Driving Assist system provided lane centring and automatic lane changing functions, though it required the driver's hands on the wheel. While safety ratings were not available at the time of publication, the GV70's safety features were comprehensive and advanced.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a full suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist, which used forward-collision warning to prevent unsafe turns. The SX trim featured a Blind View Monitor system, enhancing visibility in blind spots. The Highway Driving Assist system provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities, maintaining speed and lane position. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its LED headlights received a Poor rating. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with high marks in most categories.