2022 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia Sorento

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, it added a sense of purpose to its already attractive design. The interior of the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel. The attention to detail was evident, from the operation of the door releases to the tactile feedback of the transmission shifter. Despite its stylish interior, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a well-rounded choice for those seeking both aesthetics and functionality.

In contrast, the 2022 Subaru Forester focused on practicality and utility. The Forester Wilderness model, with its white paint and dark grey interior, emphasized function over form. The interior combined hard plastic and soft surfaces, creating a cabin that felt well-constructed but somewhat dated. The Forester's design prioritized ease of use, with intuitive controls and a straightforward layout. While the exterior styling might not have been its strong suit, the Forester's interior was designed to withstand the rigours of outdoor adventures, with water-repellant materials and all-weather floor mats.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, was the standout choice. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, delivered a more engaging driving experience, with a 0 to 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. Fuel consumption was a consideration, with the turbo engine averaging 11.4 L/100 km during testing, slightly higher than the official figures.

The 2022 Subaru Forester continued with its 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, offering 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it lacked a turbocharger, the Forester's continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive system provided a smooth driving experience. The Wilderness model featured a design that increased initial torque supply, doubling the towing capacity to 1,360 kilograms. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the Forester averaging 9.1 L/100 km. The Forester's suspension improvements enhanced ride quality and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

Inside the 2022 Kia Sorento, the cabin 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. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was flexible, with up to 2,139 litres available when the second and third rows were folded down. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Subaru Forester prioritized functionality, with easy entry and exit thanks to tall seating hip points. The StarTex upholstery was water-resistant, and the Wilderness model included all-weather floor mats and a rubber cargo mat. The Forester's roof rails were upgraded to accommodate a three-person roof tent, enhancing its outdoor appeal. Interior comfort was high, with ample space for passengers and practical storage solutions. Cargo capacity was generous, with up to 2,101 litres available with the rear seats folded down, making it one of the roomiest compact SUVs.

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

The 2022 Subaru Forester came with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system in base trim, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with available navigation and a Harman Kardon sound system. The Forester Wilderness included a 180-degree forward-view camera for off-roading. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the voice recognition system had mixed effectiveness.

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 provided live video feeds of blind spots, enhancing safety during lane changes. Highway Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Subaru Forester introduced the EyeSight 4.0 safety system, offering improved accuracy and smoother operation. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The Forester also offered a rear-seat reminder system, blind-spot monitoring, and DriverFocus technology. The NHTSA awarded the Forester a 5-star overall crash-test rating, and it was expected to retain its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.