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 its last major overhaul in 2008. Its exterior maintained a classic appeal with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches, standing tall at 1,956 millimetres and stretching 5,210 mm in length. Despite its dated interior, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen, the Sequoia's build quality was impeccable, featuring high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model, based on the Limited trim, exemplified Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a stylish and rugged presence with its matte-finish wheels and robust roof rails. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, featuring leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, with a focus on quality and attention to detail. The cabin was well-constructed, offering a comfortable and stylish environment. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it less ideal for adults. The Sorento's design and features made it feel like a great value, providing a sense of satisfaction with every drive.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its hefty weight of around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder being the most recommended. This engine produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The Sorento's performance was lively, with a 0 to 60 mph time of about 7.5 seconds. Its suspension provided a balanced ride, absorbing road imperfections while maintaining composure. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 11.5 L/100 km during testing, but the Sorento's driving dynamics were more akin to a sports sedan than an SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows with ample headroom and legroom. It featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The cargo area was versatile, with 535 litres of space behind the third row, expandable to 3,401 litres with the second and third rows folded flat. The Sequoia's interior was practical, with numerous storage compartments and power outlets for convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, providing comfort and convenience for passengers. However, the third-row seating was cramped, making it less suitable for adults. The Sorento offered 357 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 2,139 litres with the second and third rows folded. The smart power tailgate added convenience when loading cargo.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system was outdated, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system. While the Sequoia lacked modern powertrain technology, it featured LED exterior lighting and standard safety features like a rear backup camera and parking sonar.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the latter including navigation and Kia Connect services. The system was intuitive, though the graphics and colours might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento SX featured a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim. The infotainment system shared technology with Hyundai models, though Kia's voice recognition was less effective.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS but featured the Toyota Safety Sense P suite, including adaptive cruise control and lane-departure warning. The STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. The Sequoia's safety features aimed to prevent accidents and protect occupants.

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 blind-spot awareness. Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with some concerns about the LED headlights.