2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV was enhanced with rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, giving it a distinctive presence. 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. All-wheel drive was standard on every Sorento sold in Canada, including the 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.

The Sorento's interior 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 impressive, even in the most affordable LX+ model. The Sorento's interior style and traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not negatively impact practical storage space. Buyers of the Sorento likely felt they got a great deal, even at sticker price.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup truck, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear of the vehicle echoed the trapezoidal grille, resulting in a body that felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot.

Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high on the dash, reducing distraction. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with an incomplete motif of triangles. The fabric attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, with genuine leather available only on the top trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was less comfortable with unyielding armrests.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, taking nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. This sluggish performance led to recommendations for 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 enjoyable driving experience. The turbo 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 Sorento's suspension provided an excellent blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an estimated 0-100 km/h time of just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed built. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills. Braking was traditional, with regenerative braking recharging the hybrid batteries. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, with the suspension smoothing over bumps. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway, contributing to a quieter driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with appealing Burgundy leather and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB charging ports, and rear climate control vents. The panoramic sunroof extended over the second row. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and head restraints flush against the rear window. Folding the third-row seat expanded the cargo space from 357 litres to 1,274 litres, with a maximum of 2,139 litres when the second row was also folded. The Sorento offered a "smart" power tailgate for easier loading.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for driver comfort. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs. A second-row bench was available as a no-cost option, increasing passenger capacity to eight. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and a maximum of 2,387 litres with the second row stowed. Limited and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The infotainment system included navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base system offered Bluetooth and wireless smartphone integration, while the 10.25-inch version required a USB connection. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. A 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the top trim. The infotainment system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with a wireless charging pad on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were standard on the Highlander Hybrid Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system. Highway Driving Assist technology provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a blind-spot monitor. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim. The safety systems generally worked well but could use some fine-tuning.