Kia Sorento vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in Canada, offered a range of trims including LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro. The LX was equipped with a basic 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while 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 featured black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, included unique styling elements like exclusive bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro did not significantly improve off-road capabilities compared to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro featured an Olive Brown interior with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 24-inch panoramic display, though some materials reflected its more affordable base model origins.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available with various packages depending on the powertrain, including the Luxury, Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages for the TX 350, and the F Sport Performance 2 and F Sport 3 packages for the 500h hybrid. The TX featured a large grille, sharp bi-LED headlights, and rear LED lighting. Interior options included standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn, with ambient lighting adding warmth. However, the material quality was not up to luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were a unique feature, though not necessarily an improvement. The TX offered a spacious third row with a recline function and ample headroom, while the second row featured a one-touch button for easy access to the third row, though folding the second row flat was more complicated.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was powered by a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering an estimated fuel economy of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, standard in other trims, delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km. The Sorento X-Pro, with its 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, provided a comfortable ride and impressive grip on winding roads. All Sorentos came with all-wheel drive, torque vectoring, and a locking centre differential, enhancing traction and nimbleness.

The base Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 horsepower. The TX 350 came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had full-time AWD, while the TX 500h featured Lexus’s Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode offering increased throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h also included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was appealing for families, offering roomy first and second rows, with the third row suitable 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 ports. Cargo space was generous, with 357 litres available with the third row up, expanding to 2,139 litres with all rear seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and USB-C ports. The second row featured a one-touch button for easy third-row access, though folding it flat was more complex. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded.

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

The 2026 Lexus TX included a 14-inch touchscreen, though some features lacked polish. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but connectivity issues were noted. A subscription was required for in-dash navigation and other features. The TX offered a clear back-up camera, Advanced Park system, and a rear-camera mirror. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2025 Kia Sorento came with numerous standard safety features, with upgrades available in higher trims. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro added active collision avoidance features and an enhanced Highway Driving Assist system. 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 TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control worked well, though setup was confusing. The TX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating from the IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.