2022 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

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. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, showcased a top trim level in the U.S. specification, which was not available in Canada. In Canada, the X-Line was a standalone mid-grade package, and all Sorentos sold there came with standard all-wheel drive, including the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The pricing for the gas-only powertrain ranged from an MSRP of $34,595 to $48,085, while the hybrid started at $36,695 and the plug-in hybrid at $44,995, 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 Sorento LX+ model. The traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not compromise practical storage space. Overall, the Sorento offered a sense of interior style and quality that made it feel like a great deal, even at sticker price.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator, on the other hand, was a three-row, midsize crossover with a modern Lincoln face and grille. The Aviator Grand Touring model combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with a 10-speed hybrid automatic transmission, a 75-kilowatt electric motor, and a 13.6-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The Grand Touring plug-in hybrid versions also featured standard all-wheel drive. Prices ranged from $73,400 to $85,400, with a fully loaded Grand Touring model in Canada priced at $103,745, including destination fees. The Aviator's design was appealing, but the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered plain. The Lincoln Embrace lighting sequence and electric, light-touch door handles added to the brand's luxurious feel, while the interior featured high-end materials, including soft leather and a simulated suede headliner. However, some chrome detailing appeared cheap, and the key fob felt lightweight and plasticky.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 1,761-kilogram SUV to 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, generating 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, provided 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's suspension offered a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, delivered impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 L/100 km in hybrid mode. The Aviator featured various driving modes, including Pure EV, Preserve EV, Conserve, Normal, and Excite, allowing for efficient power management. The SUV's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping Active Glide suspension and Pirelli tires providing stability. However, the drivetrain's unpredictability and inconsistent brake pedal behaviour were noted. The Aviator was quiet and smooth-riding, but not particularly fun to drive.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Burgundy leather and heated and ventilated front seats. Second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, offering comfort and convenience for passengers. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults, making it more suitable for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down expanded the capacity to 1,274 litres, and folding the second row increased it to 2,139 litres. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was a convenient feature.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with a four-zone automatic climate control system, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, and massaging 30-way Perfect Position front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy and supportive, but the third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 519 litres, but folding it down increased capacity to 1,183 litres, with a maximum of 2,200 litres available.

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, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The infotainment system was intuitive, but the voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's. 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 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring came with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lincoln Connect services. However, it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software, which struggled with voice recognition. The Aviator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging, and a Phone As A Key digital key system. The digital instrumentation and head-up display were user-friendly, and the parking sensors and surround-view camera system were helpful.

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

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator was equipped with a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, and forward-collision warning. The Aviator's driver aids performed well on straight highways but struggled in dense traffic. The steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complicated. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.