2024 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Honda Pilot

The 2023 Honda Pilot underwent a complete redesign, presenting a more rugged and substantial appearance. Its upright grille and boxier styling not only made it look bigger but also increased its dimensions, being 8.6 centimetres longer, up to 3.8 cm wider, and 2 cm taller than its predecessor. These changes complemented the all-terrain-capable TrailSport model, which featured a 2.5 cm taller ride height, unique 18-inch wheels, chunky all-terrain tires, and underbody skid plates. The interior adopted a more conventional styling, maintaining attractiveness and functionality, with materials meeting elevated class standards. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, emphasizing a utilitarian aesthetic that prioritized function without sacrificing appeal.

The 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a robust new front end, vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights, and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims getting LED taillights and new bumpers. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard with a vast horizontal expanse, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the optional leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, creating a more upscale feel.

The 2023 Honda Pilot was powered by a new 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. In Canada, the i-VTM4 all-wheel drive system was standard. The Pilot offered quick initial acceleration and adequate power, though not particularly impressive. It was tuned for comfort, with a soft brake pedal and feather-light steering, making it ideal for family use. The TrailSport model increased ground clearance by 2.5 cm and featured all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road comfort. The Pilot's towing capacity reached up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs).

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, mated to a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. The Sorento offered confident cornering and well-weighted steering, with the X-Pro trim providing enhanced off-road capabilities. The Sorento's towing capacity varied, with the X-Pro rated at 2,040 kg (4,500 lbs) and standard models at 900 kg (2,000 lbs). Fuel economy for the gas-powered versions was average, with the non-turbo powertrain rated at 9.4 L/100 km combined and turbos at 10.3 L/100 km combined.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's interior was more conventional, featuring a handy dash shelf for the front passenger. The entry-level Sport trim had a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a nine-inch display. The Pilot offered logical placement of climate and drive mode controls, a large rubberized shelf for phones, and a wireless charging pad. The stowable second-row centre seat provided a useful centre pass-through for third-row passengers. The second row offered ample space for adults, while the third row was less inviting. Cargo capacity varied, with up to 3,219 litres available behind the front seats.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, with comfortable seating in the first two rows and a tighter third row. It offered 1,052 mm of legroom in the front and 1,060 mm in the second row, with optional captain’s chairs. The third row had 752 mm of legroom, suitable for children. The Sorento's new dash was ergonomic, with plenty of small-item storage space. Cargo capacity was 357 litres with the third row in use, expanding to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with it folded down, and up to 2,139 litres with all seats down.

The 2023 Honda Pilot's EX-L trim and above featured a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless phone charger, and USB ports in every row. The Touring trim added a multi-view camera system, head-up display, and fully digital instrument panel. The infotainment system was functional with quick responses and a logical layout, though the graphics were not particularly modern. Other features included Honda's CabinTalk and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The central infotainment touchscreen ran new software called “Connected Car Navigation Cockpit” (CCnC), prioritizing popular features on the home screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, and the system could receive over-the-air updates. The Sorento offered USB-C outlets in all three rows and a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system on top trims. Digital Key 2.0 was available on X-Line Limited and X-Pro models.

The 2023 Honda Pilot received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard Honda Sensing safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Higher trims added front and rear parking sensors, surround-view, and multi-view camera systems. The adaptive cruise control functioned smoothly, and the advanced safety features performed well during testing.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of standard and optional safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following assist, and more. Advanced options included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning features. The IIHS had not fully evaluated the 2024 Sorento, but it received “Good” ratings in several tests. The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.