Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento in Canada offered a range of trims, including the LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro, with the LX featuring a basic 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine. A new paint colour, Panthera Grey, was introduced, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims received black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, featured exclusive design elements like unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro's off-roading capabilities were not significantly superior to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro's Olive Brown interior, illuminated by a panoramic sunroof, combined luxury elements like leather seats and a 24-inch panoramic display with some lower-quality materials.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, was characterized by its bold design, featuring a large spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. Its sporty profile was accentuated by dark trim and 20-inch wheels, while the fastback roof shape added a coupe-like aesthetic. Inside, the NX combined sportiness with modern technology, including a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled towards the driver. The F Sport 3 model stood out with its dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery. The interior materials, like the NuLuxe textile, mimicked real leather, contributing to an upscale feel.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the LX trim and a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the other trims, producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a more satisfying driving experience, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sorento X-Pro, with its all-terrain tires and 17-inch wheels, delivered excellent ride quality and quietness, even on winding roads. Its all-wheel-drive system, featuring torque vectoring and a locking centre differential, enhanced traction and nimbleness on various terrains.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a total output of 240 horsepower. Despite its sporty name, the NX 350h was not particularly agile, with a tendency to lean in corners and a firm but comfortable ride. The hybrid system delivered a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, but the power delivery felt unexciting, with a droning engine under hard acceleration. The NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered more power at 340 horsepower for those seeking a more potent option.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was well-suited for families, offering spacious first and second rows, with the third row accommodating adults for short trips. The X-Pro trim featured heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments, while second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with 357 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,090 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres with all rear seats down.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model provided comfortable front seats with good bolstering and ample room for tall adults. The rear seat offered enough space for two average-sized adults, though legroom could be tight for taller passengers. The NX's cargo space was relatively limited for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded. The coupe-like roof design contributed to the reduced cargo capacity but still allowed for practical use.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though the native voice assistant required a Kia Connect subscription. The Sorento also offered a digital rearview mirror and an excellent surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, both supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A head-up display and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system were optional. The NX also included a three-year Remote Connect subscription, allowing remote vehicle access and status alerts. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick responses and easy access to controls.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was equipped with numerous standard safety features, with higher trims offering advanced collision avoidance technologies and a surround-view camera system. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, though it required regular driver input. The Sorento earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and performed well in crash tests. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including features like blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system, all of which functioned effectively during testing.