2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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, black lower body cladding, 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 to $48,085 for gas-only models, and from $36,695 for hybrids. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, and a rock-solid construction that extended even to the most affordable models. Despite its traditional cable-operated transmission shifter, the Sorento maintained practical storage space, making it a great value for buyers.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 underwent subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colours, along with a light-up rear VW logo, added to its refreshed look. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. Built on VW's MEB platform, the ID.4 shared its underpinnings with a variety of models, including the upcoming ID.Buzz electric van. The interior carried over the best qualities of recent VW gasoline models, with a minimalist design and quality materials. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres was standard, and the base model didn't feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims.

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 turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which produced 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, offering a more satisfying driving experience. The turbo engine came 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 provided a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, with an average of 11.5 L/100 km during testing, suggesting that hybrid options might be more economical.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model with RWD, while the Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack with RWD or AWD options. The single motor RWD models delivered 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, while the dual-motor AWD version increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kg, enhancing acceleration and handling. Despite its acceleration capabilities, the ID.4's handling was less engaging due to body roll. Regenerative braking was present but didn't support one-pedal driving, offering a more familiar experience for new EV drivers.

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, with heated options in higher trims. The third-row seat was less accommodating, with limited legroom and headroom, making it more suitable for children. Cargo space was limited with the third row up but expanded significantly with seats folded, aided by a smart power tailgate for easy loading.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more interior space than other affordable EVs, with ample legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 858 litres available with rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded. The ID.4 also provided some towing capability, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kg and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior updates for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage, along with three-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display on higher trims. The system included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration, though the larger screen required a cable for connectivity. The user interface was intuitive, but the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. A 12-speaker Bose sound system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, offering improved responsiveness and wireless smartphone integration. The user interface provided sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition, though the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel were less user-friendly. The ID.Light system added ambient lighting and navigation cues, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was available on the SX trim, providing live video feeds of blind spots. Highway Driving Assist offered Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The 2022 model's Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS suggested similar safety performance for 2023. Standard driver-assist features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New for 2023 were Park Assist Plus, automated lane-change, and a 360-degree camera system.