2023 Dodge Durango 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 and purposeful look. 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 the same way for the Canadian 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 on the hybrid and $44,995 on the plug-in hybrid, excluding a $1,900 destination charge.

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding oversized grilles and instead featuring slim styling with forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake. The signature "racetrack" taillights at the back gave the Durango a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models had unique styling features, including a Viper-like hood with a functional centre air inlet and heat extractors. The Durango also offered various appearance packages, such as the Blacktop Package and Hemi Orange appearance package, adding unique touches to the vehicle's exterior.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the SUV to 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, offered a more satisfying performance. 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 Sorento's suspension was tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, providing excellent body motion control and communication. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7-litre Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model featured a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 4.5 seconds. The SRT Hellcat model, with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8, produced 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds. The Durango's size made it somewhat awkward on twisty roads, but it excelled on highways, with minimal wind and tire noise.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, offering comfort and convenience for passengers. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with all seats in place, but folding the third and second rows expanded the capacity significantly. The Sorento also featured a "smart" power tailgate for easier loading.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with second-row captain's chairs available on higher trims. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals. The Durango provided generous small-item storage, including a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. Towing capacity was impressive, with V6 models capable of towing up to 2,812 kg and V8 models up to 3,946 kg. However, the lack of a power-folding third row was a drawback for higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours 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 2023 Dodge Durango's lower trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, while higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Uconnect 5 system on the larger screen was responsive and user-friendly, with added personality for SRT models. The Performance Pages app provided performance information, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available on higher trims.

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

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert included on all trims. Forward collision warning and other technologies were available on higher trims.