Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Tucson Hybrid

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid emerged as a bold departure from its predecessors, showcasing a striking new design that was both longer and wider. Its sharp, angular lines and dramatic grille, which seamlessly integrated with the LED lighting, set it apart from the crowd. The Tucson's exterior was a gamble, with its aggressive styling potentially polarizing opinions. Inside, the Tucson offered a spacious and airy cabin, with standard heated front seats and a range of tech features, including a 10.25-inch digital driver display on higher trims. The interior design was modern, though the centre console felt somewhat bulky.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a rugged yet stylish presence. Its design included matte-finish wheels, robust roof rails, and black cladding, enhancing its sporty appeal. The Sorento's interior was luxurious, with high-quality materials like leather upholstery and simulated wood trim. The cabin was well-constructed, offering a sense of solidity and attention to detail. While the second-row seats were comfortable and well-equipped for families, the third row was less accommodating for adults. The Sorento's interior design was both practical and stylish, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of luxury and functionality.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid impressed with its 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 226 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided a noticeable improvement over the gas-powered version, making the hybrid feel quicker and more responsive. The Tucson's steering was direct and responsive, and its suspension effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining balance through corners. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the hybrid achieving 6.4 L/100 km combined, a significant improvement over the gas model. The plug-in hybrid variant offered even greater efficiency, with a 2.9 Le/100 km rating and 53 km of all-electric range.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of engine options, with the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder being the standout choice. Producing 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, this engine provided a satisfying driving experience, with a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission contributed to its sporty feel, and the suspension offered a good balance of comfort and control. However, fuel consumption was higher than expected, with real-world figures averaging 11.4 L/100 km. For those seeking better efficiency, the Sorento Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid would be more suitable options.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid offered impressive cargo space, with 1,097 litres in the trunk and 2,108 litres with the rear seats folded. This was complemented by excellent front and rear legroom, making it a practical choice for families. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, and the interior featured numerous storage solutions, including cupholders and bottle holders. Ambient lighting in higher trims added a touch of flair to the cabin.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was both luxurious and functional, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs were comfortable and well-equipped, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use, but folding the third row expanded it to 1,274 litres, and folding the second row increased it to 2,139 litres. The Sorento's smart power tailgate was a convenient feature for loading and unloading.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen in higher trims, though it required a wired connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The interface relied on touch-capacitive buttons, which could be frustrating to use. However, the Tucson offered plenty of USB ports and a premium Bose audio system in the Ultimate trim.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's infotainment system varied by trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen in lower trims and a 10.25-inch display in higher ones. The system was intuitive, though the design might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento shared its technology with Hyundai models, but voice recognition was less effective. A 12-speaker Bose audio system was reserved for the SX trim, and a wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added advanced features like a surround-view monitor and blind-spot view monitor. The Tucson received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor was available on the SX trim, and Highway Driving Assist provided semi-autonomous driving capabilities. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its LED headlights were rated poorly. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating.