2022 Subaru Ascent vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Subaru Ascent introduced a new Onyx Edition trim level, which featured a blacked-out exterior trim that gave the SUV a sporty appearance. This trim level was positioned in the middle of the Ascent lineup, offering a unique grille design, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, and special interior trim. The Onyx Edition's interior was wrapped in water-repellant StarTex synthetic leather, available only in a grey two-tone scheme with light grey stitching. While the blacked-out treatment added a sporty flair, the StarTex material had a tendency to trap sweat, making ventilated seats a desirable feature, though they were only available on the Ascent Premier.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged and stylish presence with its matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, featuring Burgundy leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with children in mind, offering cupholders, USB charging ports, and rear climate control vents. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, making it more suitable for children. The Sorento's interior style and quality were consistent across all trims, providing a sense of luxury and practicality.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. The Ascent's fuel consumption was rated at 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with our testing averaging 11.5 L/100 km. The CVT offered eight programmed ratios and manual shift control, contributing to a towing capacity of up to 2,270 kilograms. The Ascent's X-Mode off-road traction control system, hill descent control, and 22 centimetres of ground clearance provided commendable off-roading capabilities.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, but the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine was more appealing, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's fuel consumption was rated at 9.9 L/100 km with the turbo engine, though our testing showed an average of 11.5 L/100 km. The Sorento's suspension offered a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent could accommodate up to eight passengers, though the third row was best suited for children. The Ascent offered a comfortable driving position and was equipped with features like triple-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a wiper de-icer. The second-row seats were easy to access, and the available captain’s chairs added comfort. The Ascent provided 458 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,061 litres with both rows folded.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with comfortable front seats and a well-designed second row. However, the third row was cramped for adults. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,139 litres with the second and third rows folded. The "smart" power tailgate made loading easier, though it could open unintentionally when the key fob was nearby.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Touring trim added an 8-inch display with Starlink connected services. The system's voice recognition needed improvement, and the Onyx Edition's standard stereo speakers lacked sonic quality. The Premier trim offered additional features like a digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree-view front camera.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system on lower trims, while higher trims featured a 10.25-inch display with navigation and Kia Connect services. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento's voice recognition was less effective than Hyundai's, and the 12-speaker Bose premium sound system was reserved for the SX trim. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Subaru Ascent received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS and five-star crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The Ascent came with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist technology, though it had limitations in direct sunlight and lacked refinement in adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology. Additional safety features included steering responsive LED headlights and reverse automatic braking.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive list of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor system was available on the SX trim, enhancing the traditional blind-spot monitoring system. The Highway Driving Assist technology provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, though its LED headlights received a Poor rating in Canada. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating.