2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. With its robust bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding, the Sorento exuded a sense of purpose and definition. The X-Line package, available in the U.S. as an add-on to the top trim, was a standalone mid-grade package in Canada, where all Sorentos came with standard all-wheel drive. The interior of the Sorento was marked by quality materials, such as leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and demonstrated rock-solid construction. Even the most affordable model, the LX+, showcased impressive attention to design detail, ensuring that the Sorento felt like a great deal for buyers.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender was a nod to classic truck design with its boxy, square-jawed face and rectangular hood and doors. The Defender's design was consistent and reminiscent of the original 1980s model, with tasteful accents like dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood. The Defender was available in three body styles: the two-door 90, the medium-length four-door 110, and the extended-length four-door 130. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior was focused on function and durability, with most surfaces coated in rubbers and plastics. The Defender's build quality was excellent, but it lacked the opulence of its Range Rover counterparts, which was reflected in its high price tag.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which was considered unremarkable. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, was a more satisfying choice. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, allowing the Sorento to accelerate to 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 on winding roads. However, fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its permanent four-wheel drive and Terrain Response 2 system. On-road performance was less impressive, with excessive body roll and slow steering. The Defender's turbocharged inline-six and supercharged V8 engines provided ample power, with the V8 delivering 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid powertrain, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning poor ratings of 16.4/12.7/14.7 L/100 km. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was likened to a Toyota 4Runner rather than a luxury vehicle.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with cupholders, USB ports, and rear climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down expanded the capacity to 1,274 litres, and further to 2,139 litres with the second row folded. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was a convenient feature for loading cargo.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered unmatched seating configurations, with the ability to seat up to eight passengers in the 130 model. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with the seats folded. The Defender was equipped with numerous features, including a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it a versatile choice for both everyday use and off-road adventures.

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 system was intuitive, but the graphics and colours were not to everyone's taste. 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 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen provided greater legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Defender came with features like heated front seats, keyless entry, and a Meridian sound system. Higher trims added features like air suspension, a head-up display, and configurable ambient lighting.

The 2022 Kia Sorento was equipped with 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, and Highway Driving Assist provided 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 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies, but received a five-star rating from Euro NCAP. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender also offered a 360-degree camera system and optional digital instrument panel with full-screen maps.