2023 Toyota RAV4 vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, was noted for its stylish and rugged appearance. This midsize SUV featured distinctive elements such as rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, which added a sense of purpose and definition 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 across all Sorento variants, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The pricing for the gas-only powertrain ranged from $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 LX+ model. The Sorento's interior style and traditional cable-operated transmission shifter did not compromise practical storage space. Buyers of the Sorento were likely to feel they got a great deal, even at sticker price, due to the vehicle's overall quality and design.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 offered a range of trim levels in Canada, from the RAV4 LE priced just over $35,000 to the more luxurious RAV4 Limited, which exceeded $45,000. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, with the Trail trim featuring a distinctive two-part face. The TRD Off-Road trim was replaced by the RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition in Canada. The Trail trim, tested in the U.S., included features like a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and faux skid plates, but was more about appearance than off-road capability. Inside, the Trail trim added orange accents, with seats featuring a stripe and contrast stitching, and an otherwise basic centre console.

The RAV4's interior included a frameless rearview mirror, adding a touch of premium feel. The LE and XLE trims came with fabric upholstery and standard heated front seats, while the XLE Premium package upgraded to synthetic leather. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated power-adjustable seats with memory settings. The RAV4's interior was more rugged and truck-like compared to the more car-like Toyota Venza, which shared the same platform.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. This sluggish performance led to recommendations for the Sorento's other engine options, including a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, a turbocharged hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The turbo 2.5-litre engine, available from the X-Line trim, produced 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying driving experience. 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 provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 featured a single gas-powered engine option, a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4's performance was considered unobjectionable rather than exciting. The RAV4 Trail trim included 19-inch wheels with all-season tires and shared the same suspension setup as other RAV4 models. The RAV4's engine was not particularly quiet, but it was not as loud as some competitors. The RAV4's AWD system included a Snow drive mode, and the vehicle's fuel efficiency was competitive within its class.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with Burgundy leather and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for children, with features like cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and head restraints close to the rear window. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down expanded the space to 1,274 litres, and folding the second row increased it to 2,139 litres. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was convenient but could open unintentionally.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 seated five and offered 958 mm of headroom in the front and 1,001 mm in the back with the moonroof. Legroom measured 1,039 mm in the front and 960 mm in the second row. The RAV4's back seat was narrower than some competitors, but it provided ample storage options, including a shelf above the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 1,059 litres behind the second row and 1,977 litres with the seats folded, placing it in the middle of its class.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims had a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. The base system offered wireless smartphone integration, but the larger screen required a USB connection. The infotainment system was intuitive but had a unique design with a lot of purple. 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 Toyota RAV4 introduced a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch screen on the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates and included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota's connected services were available, with some requiring a subscription. The Limited trim also featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system and a 12.3-inch driver-information display. The Trail trim did not have the upgraded multimedia system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist, which used forward-collision warning to prevent unsafe turns. The Blind View Monitor system was available on the SX trim, providing live video feeds of blind spots. Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous system, worked well on highways. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features like lane-departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The TSS 2.5 suite included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The RAV4 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top scores in crash-testing.