2023 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and commanding presence. With rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails, it added a sense of purpose to its already attractive design. The test vehicle, in U.S. specification, showcased a top trim with the X-Line package, which was not available in the same configuration in Canada. Canadian models came with standard all-wheel drive, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing starting from $34,595 for the gas-only version. 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 Subaru Forester maintained a more utilitarian appearance, with a design that had remained consistent over the years. The Premier trim, with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, was the best-looking of the lineup. The Forester's interior featured brown leather and metallic accents, with a traditional Subaru design that included analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. While hard plastic was prevalent, it made the cabin easy to clean. The Forester's control layout relied on traditional buttons and knobs, offering ease of use. Despite its busy appearance, the Forester's design was functional, and its back-to-basics nature was appreciated by those seeking simplicity.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which was considered unremarkable in terms of performance. It took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph, prompting recommendations for the more powerful turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, which delivered 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided a more energetic driving experience, akin to a sports sedan. The Sorento's suspension was tuned for a balance of compliance and composure, making it a willing partner on winding roads. However, fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Subaru Forester, equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, powered all four wheels through a CVT. The Forester's SI-Drive system offered a Sport mode for quicker responses, and its X-Mode off-road traction control system included Deep Snow and Mud settings. The Forester Premier, tested during adverse weather conditions, handled flooded roads and muddy trails with ease, showcasing its capability. While the engine was adequate, the Forester's driving dynamics were impressive, with a comfortable yet communicative ride. Fuel consumption was slightly higher than official ratings, averaging 9.1 L/100 km.

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 the third row in use, but folding it down expanded capacity significantly. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, with a focus on simplicity and substance. The Touring trim offered features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims added leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. The Forester's excellent outward visibility and easy entry and exit made it user-friendly. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting could lead to solar heating, and the rear seats lacked support for longer trips. The Forester's cargo area was well-designed, with ample storage and a power liftgate for convenience.

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 satellite radio. The system offered intuitive functionality, though the design might not appeal to everyone. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Subaru Forester's technology appeared outdated at first glance, but it offered practical features. The Base trim included a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims had an 8-inch display with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's user interface was straightforward, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making smartphone integration a better option.

The 2022 Kia Sorento boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system, exclusive to the SX trim, enhanced blind-spot monitoring. Highway Driving Assist provided 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 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system, with improved software and cameras. Adaptive cruise control was standard, and higher trims added Automatic Emergency Steering. The Rear Automatic Braking system, while useful, could be overly sensitive. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its side-impact protection and small-overlap frontal-impact ratings were less favourable. The NHTSA awarded the Forester five-star crash-test ratings.