2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. It featured a robust new front end with vertically stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights, giving it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with higher trims boasting elegant LED taillights and new bumpers across all versions. The Sorento's trims in Canada included LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and the new X-Pro, each offering distinct visual elements. Inside, the Sorento showcased a revamped dashboard with a cleaner design, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, providing a more upscale feel, with options like faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped steering wheels and seats.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S hardtop, with its black-on-black colour scheme, presented a rugged and utilitarian look. Despite the heat-sink colour combination, the Wrangler's design remained rooted in its World War II military vehicle heritage, emphasizing function over form. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued in Canada. The interior of the Wrangler focused on practicality, with a classy grey fabric dashboard trim, metallic accents, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the Wrangler's design was less sophisticated compared to modern cars, its appeal lay in its capability to tackle diverse terrains and its enduring popularity.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a choice of engines, with the base model featuring a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled with the Sorento's weight. The EX and higher models boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged Sorentos provided lively performance, with zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range. All Sorentos in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims offered increased ground clearance. The Sorento excelled in cornering and provided a smooth and quiet ride, with the X-Pro trim enhancing off-road capabilities and towing capacity.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering a more fuel-efficient option with a rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it suitable for off-road adventures. However, its ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected. The Wrangler's rollover resistance rating was a concern, but its off-road capabilities remained impressive.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample legroom in the first two rows. The third row was tighter, offering 752 millimetres of legroom, but it was still competitive compared to larger vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. The Sorento's seats were comfortable, and higher trims featured noise-insulating acoustic glass. The third row's presence meant cargo compromises, with 357 litres of cargo room when in use, expanding to 2,139 litres with all seats down. The Sorento's layout was ergonomic, with plenty of small-item storage space.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The front seats were comfortable, and the Sport S trim's cloth upholstery was suitable for various climates. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The Wrangler's cargo space was reasonable, with 897 litres in the four-door model, expanding to 2,050 litres with the back seat folded down. Accessing the cargo area was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models using a 12.3-inch screen. The infotainment system, known as "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), offered a user-friendly interface with prioritized features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento also included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an optional Bose 12-speaker surround sound system. X-Line Limited and X-Pro models offered Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access and sharing.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio preparation. The Sport S trim came with a standard eight-speaker stereo, with an optional nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. Jeep Connect provided access to adventure guides and GPS trail logs for off-road navigation. The touchscreen remained bright and easy to use, even with the roof panels removed. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display and other features like passive entry and remote engine starting.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered an extensive suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behaviour, though sensor performance could be affected by weather conditions. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in IIHS tests, but its LATCH system received an "Acceptable" rating. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard equipment, a significant safety upgrade. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was limited to the Wrangler Sahara. The Wrangler received a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA. IIHS tests showed a "Good" rating for side-impact protection, but the small overlap frontal-impact test resulted in a "Marginal" rating.