2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, a continuation of its second generation, showcased a mature design that had remained largely unchanged since 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, avoiding the oversized trends seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, standing 77 inches tall, 79.9 inches wide, and 205.1 inches long, with a 122-inch wheelbase. Inside, the Sequoia's age was evident, with a dated dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that seemed out of place compared to modern SUVs. However, the interior was built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and comfort for families.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, offered a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line added features like matte-finish wheels and a lifted suspension, enhancing its visual appeal. Our test vehicle, equipped with the SX Prestige trim, featured luxurious touches such as Rust-colored leather and a panoramic sunroof. The Sorento's interior exuded quality, with thoughtful design details and solid construction. While the second-row seats were comfortable and well-equipped, the third row was less accommodating for adults. The Sorento's cargo space was versatile, expanding significantly with the third-row seats folded down.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided a reliable and durable performance. The Sequoia's truck-based design allowed for a payload capacity of around 1,300 pounds and a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. However, its weight contributed to lower fuel efficiency, with EPA ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. Despite its heft, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities, especially in the TRD Pro model.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered multiple powertrain options, with the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine being a standout. This engine delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a lively driving experience. The Sorento's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission enhanced its performance, making it feel more like a sports sedan. The X-Line's raised suspension improved ground clearance but was more for aesthetics than serious off-roading. The Sorento's fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg combined, though real-world tests showed slightly lower figures.

The Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. Features like three-zone climate control and a power moonroof added to the comfort. The cargo area was versatile, with up to 120.1 cubic feet of space when the second and third rows were folded. The Sequoia's interior storage options were plentiful, catering to family needs.

The Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with features like a 14-way power driver's seat and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, the third row was cramped for adults. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 75.5 cubic feet with seats folded. A smart power tailgate added convenience for loading cargo.

The Sequoia's technology was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a basic infotainment system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system lacked the modern features found in competitors. The Sequoia did offer a premium audio package with JBL speakers and LED lighting throughout.

The Sorento featured a more advanced infotainment system, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen on most trims. It included navigation, satellite radio, and smartphone integration. The SX Prestige X-Line boasted a 12-speaker Bose audio system. However, the voice recognition system was less effective than its Hyundai counterparts.

The Sequoia came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert. It also included a comprehensive set of airbags and safety systems, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The Sorento, rated as a Top Safety Pick by IIHS, offered a robust suite of safety features. The Kia Drive Wise package included innovative technologies like Junction Assist and a Blind View Monitor. The Sorento received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high marks in most categories.