2022 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Volkswagen Taos

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, was a stylish midsize SUV with a commanding presence. It featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails, which added a sense of purpose to its already attractive design. 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. All-wheel drive was standard on every Sorento sold in Canada, including the hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, with pricing ranging from $34,595 to $48,085 for the gas-only powertrain and starting from $36,695 for the hybrid and $44,995 for the plug-in hybrid, excluding a $1,900 destination charge.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos was designed for North American markets but sold globally, offering appeal, affordability, and practicality. In Canada, it aimed to capture sales from the discontinued Volkswagen Golf. The Taos was available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trims, with prices ranging from $26,995 to $37,695, excluding a $2,050 destination charge. The Highline trim, with its bold 19-inch alloy wheels, Cornflower Blue paint, and upscale design, provided a stylish and sporty appearance. Inside, the Taos Highline featured light grey seat and dashboard accents, gloss black trim, metallic detailing, and leather seats, giving it a premium feel akin to a cut-rate Audi.

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. However, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, offered a more satisfying experience. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, allowed 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, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos featured a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 158 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The FWD models had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while AWD models used a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The Taos offered up to five driving modes and four additional settings for the 4Motion AWD system. However, the powertrain response was unpredictable, with occasional surges of torque and delays in response. The Taos averaged 8.8 L/100 km during testing, slightly above the official rating. Despite its lack of power, the Taos demonstrated a Germanic driving character, with firm, sure-footed handling and excellent visibility.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with Burgundy leather and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were designed for kids, with cupholders, USB ports, and climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped, making it better suited for cargo space expansion. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,274 litres with the third row folded and 2,139 litres with the second row down. A "smart" power tailgate added convenience.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos offered different upholstery options across trims, with the Highline featuring real leather. Cold-weather equipment was standard, including heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The Taos felt spacious inside, with ample rear-seat room and comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 790 litres behind the back seat and 1,866 litres with the rear seat folded down, slightly reduced in AWD models. However, some storage areas were unlined, causing noise and vibration.

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 smartphone integration. The system was intuitive but had a unique design with purple graphics. A 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos came with standard digital instrumentation, with screen sizes varying by trim. The infotainment system ranged from basic to fully featured, with wireless smartphone connectivity and a native navigation system on the Highline. However, the user experience was challenging, with hidden controls, difficult radio tuning, and ineffective voice recognition. The Highline featured an eight-speaker Beats Audio system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list 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. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Volkswagen Taos improved its standard safety features, including Front Assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Comfortline added Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist performed well, providing smooth and accurate assistance. The Taos received decent crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.