2022 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was a distinctive take on the traditional Outback, offering a more rugged appearance that blurred the lines between a station wagon and a Jeep. It featured a higher ground clearance of 23 centimetres, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. The unique design elements included a special grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents, all contributing to its adventurous aesthetic. Inside, the cabin was dominated by dark grey and black tones, with StarTex water-repellant upholstery and Anodized Copper stitching, creating a purposeful and robust interior environment.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a stylish and rugged presence with its matte-finish wheels, black cladding, and robust roof rails. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, featuring Burgundy leather and a host of comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with family in mind, offering ample storage solutions and comfort, while the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults. The Sorento's interior was well-appointed, with a panoramic sunroof and a smart power tailgate enhancing its practicality and appeal.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, with a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Fuel efficiency was rated at 10.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.9 L/100 km on the highway. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios, though its performance was somewhat hindered by the CVT's droning and soft gear changes. The vehicle's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual-function X-Mode traction system, making it adept at handling challenging terrains.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder being the most recommended. This engine delivered 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The Sorento's performance was lively, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption was rated at 9.9 L/100 km with the turbo engine, though real-world testing showed an average of 11.4 L/100 km. The Sorento's suspension provided a balance of comfort and control, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV, with excellent handling and braking performance.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats were heated, with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver. The rear seats offered generous space for two adults or three children, with heated seats and dual USB ports. The cargo area provided 920 litres of space, expanding to 2,144 litres with the rear seats folded. The Outback's roof rack supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and equipped with various storage solutions, while the third-row seating was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited to 357 litres with all seats up, expanding to 1,274 litres with the third row folded and 2,139 litres with the second row down. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience for loading and unloading.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, integrating climate control and offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the voice recognition technology was less intuitive, requiring specific prompts. The lack of a premium audio system was a notable omission for this model.

The Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 10.25-inch display on higher trims, featuring navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the voice recognition was less effective than its Hyundai counterparts. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was available on the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for 2021 and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 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 Sorento's Highway Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA.