2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and commanding presence. This midsize SUV was enhanced with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, adding a sense of purpose to its already attractive design. In the U.S., the X-Line was a package applied to the top trim, while in Canada, it was a standalone mid-grade package, meaning the vehicle couldn't be equipped as seen in the U.S. market. Canadian Sorentos came standard with all-wheel drive, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing ranging from $34,595 to $48,085 for the gas-only powertrain, and starting from $36,695 for the hybrid and $44,995 for the plug-in hybrid, excluding a $1,900 destination charge.

Inside, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim on the dashboard. The cabin reflected rock-solid construction, with nothing appearing flimsy. Kia's attention to design detail was evident even in the most affordable LX+ model. The traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not negatively impact practical storage space. Buyers of the Sorento likely felt they got an excellent deal, even at sticker price, with every errand, commute, and road trip reinforcing this sentiment.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450, in its base form, offered a more subtle and less flashy look compared to its competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes avoided a gaudy grille, opting for a more refined design. However, buyers could opt for more visual drama with the AMG GLS 63 performance model, which featured flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and prominent exhaust tips. The Maybach version was adorned with chrome accents and a traditional hood ornament, available with massive 23-inch wheels.

Inside, the GLS 450's interior was luxurious, with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting. The intricate speaker grilles and rectangular air vents added to the SUV's rugged yet refined feel. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were housed under one piece of glass, providing a seamless integration. While the interior was high quality, it was perhaps too subdued for those seeking more opulence. The GLS 450's interior felt appropriate for a luxury SUV, offering a sense of quality without fragility.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 1,761-kilogram SUV to 60 mph. This sluggish performance led to recommendations for the Sorento's other engine options, including a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, and a turbocharged plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbo 2.5-litre engine generated 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying driving experience. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, allowing the Sorento to reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The SUV drove more like a sports sedan, with excellent suspension tuning and body motion control. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a nine-speed automatic transmission, assisted by the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. The gasoline engine produced 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, with an electric motor adding 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque in short bursts. The GLS 450's engine provided ample power, with the electric assist blending in smoothly. However, the air suspension exhibited poor body control, leading to excessive motion over bumps and in corners. The GLS 450 had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was competitive but not class-leading.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with Burgundy leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Cargo space was limited with all seats in place, but folding the third-row seat expanded it to 1,274 litres, and folding the second-row seats increased it to 2,139 litres. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat version offering individual captain's chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward and fold for third-row access, with the bench seat sliding fore and aft to increase legroom. The GLS offered 355 litres of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS's air suspension could lower for easier loading, and the power-folding seats and tailgate added convenience. However, the touchscreen was difficult to reach, and the sun visors were inadequate.

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, Kia Connect services, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The user interface was intuitive, but the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, and voice recognition. The system offered multiple control options, with voice recognition being the most effective. The touchpad controller was cumbersome, and the navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes. The graphics were visually appealing, and the augmented-reality navigation feature was standard.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA. The LED headlights received a Poor rating in Canada.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.