2023 Toyota Sequoia vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. With features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and robust roof rails, it added a sense of purpose to its attractive design. The Canadian market offered AWD as standard, with pricing starting from $34,595 for the gas-only powertrain. The interior exuded quality with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, reflecting solid construction and attention to detail.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia showcased a bold design inspired by the Toyota Tundra, offering a more substantial presence than its predecessor. The Capstone trim featured an industrial-themed interior with leather, wood, and metallic finishes. A 14-inch infotainment system dominated the dashboard, though some materials reminded occupants of its pickup truck origins. Prices ranged from $79,335 to $95,335, with the TRD Pro trim offering enhanced off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's base engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, offered a more satisfying drive. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, accelerated to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 hybrid powertrain, delivering 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It improved towing capacity to 4,137 kg and offered better fuel efficiency, rated at 11.7 L/100 km. During testing, it averaged 13.2 L/100 km. The Sequoia's driving modes included Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. However, the steering was slow, and the regenerative braking system felt unresponsive.

Inside the 2022 Kia Sorento, the cabin felt luxurious with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed for children, offering comfort and convenience. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. Cargo space expanded from 357 litres to 2,139 litres with seats folded, and a smart power tailgate added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia excelled on highways, with comfortable front seats and a premium audio system. The second-row captain’s chairs lacked sliding functionality, limiting third-row legroom. Cargo space was compromised by the hybrid powertrain, offering only 325 litres with the third-row seat in place, expandable to 2,460 litres. The adjustable cargo shelf provided flexibility, but the overall utility was reduced compared to previous models.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the latter including navigation and satellite radio. While intuitive, the system's graphics and colours were not universally appealing. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was exclusive to the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

In the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, the base trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 14-inch display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with connected services offering features like Intelligent Assistant. However, glare on the display was an issue, and some functions, like Bluetooth pairing, had glitches. The Capstone trim included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 as standard, offering features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. Additional safety systems included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. While crash test ratings were unavailable, the Tundra's high ratings suggested strong safety performance.