2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, enhancing its sporty 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. Canadian models came standard with all-wheel drive, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing ranging from $34,595 to $48,085 for gas-only models and starting at $36,695 for hybrids. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and its rock-solid construction was evident in every detail, from door releases to the transmission shifter. Despite its stylish interior, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a great value for buyers.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator maintained its luxurious and imposing presence without significant updates since its 2018 redesign. The Navigator Reserve, the sole trim available in Canada, featured a triple-black exterior with the Monochromatic Package, adding black 22-inch wheels and body-colour trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim and chrome accents, offered upscale materials, though some chrome plastic switchgear fell short of luxury expectations. The Navigator's cabin was spacious and comfortable, with ambient lighting adding character at night. However, the SUV's ride quality was inconsistent, with the adaptive damping suspension not living up to expectations. The Navigator's size posed challenges in urban environments, making it less practical for city driving.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, starting with a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, provided a more satisfying driving experience. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, accelerated the Sorento to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's suspension, tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, delivered a sporty driving experience, while fuel consumption averaged 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, generating 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and 4WD. The Navigator's fuel economy was rated at 13.2 L/100 km, but testing showed an average of 15.0 L/100 km. The SUV offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an adaptive damping suspension. However, the Navigator's ride quality was inconsistent, with the Excite mode improving performance but reducing fuel efficiency. The SUV's size and weight posed challenges on mountain roads, affecting braking performance.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior offered a luxurious feel, with Burgundy leather seats and standard heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs, starting with the EX trim, were designed for children, with convenient storage solutions and a panoramic sunroof. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use but expanded significantly when folded, with a smart power tailgate for easy loading.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for increased cargo space. Power-deploying running boards facilitated entry and exit, while the 30-way Perfect Position front seats offered heating, ventilation, and massage. The second-row captain's chairs provided a pass-through to the third row, accommodating taller adults comfortably. Storage space was generous, with various compartments throughout the cabin. The Navigator L model offered significantly more cargo space, making it ideal for carrying both passengers and luggage.

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, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento SX offered a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator boasted a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a widescreen head-up display. The Sync 4 system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed well, understanding commands accurately. The Navigator featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System, and the Lincoln Way app allowed for digital key access. However, the wireless smartphone charger caused overheating issues, and the Lincoln Play system for rear passengers was underutilized.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor. 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 Lincoln Navigator came equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring advanced driving assistance systems like Evasive Steering Assist and Intersection Assist. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, was available but had limitations in certain conditions. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.