2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line package, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. It featured rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and black lower body cladding, which added to its robust look. The test vehicle came with all-wheel drive as standard and included extras like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310. Despite the price, the Sorento exuded quality with its leather upholstery and solid construction, making it feel like a great deal even at sticker price.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, giving it a rugged front appearance. However, its side design introduced a softer character line, which some found disjointed. The interior was unconventional, with an asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements. The Bronze Edition test vehicle featured light grey fabric upholstery, which was prone to dirt and felt less luxurious compared to alternatives. Despite these quirks, the Highlander Hybrid remained a popular choice due to its hybrid powertrain.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, which was sluggish, taking nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. More powerful options included a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, making it more enjoyable to drive. The turbo engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission provided a lively driving experience, though fuel economy was lower than expected at 20.7 mpg.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower. It used a CVT and offered all-wheel drive through an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The ride was comfortable, with a soft suspension that handled bumps well. However, the engine's drone during acceleration was noticeable, especially on inclines. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in providing a quiet cabin, enhancing its appeal as a family vehicle.

Inside the 2022 Kia Sorento, the SX Prestige trim offered luxurious features like a 14-way power driver’s seat and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The third row was cramped, better suited for occasional use, and folding it expanded cargo space from 12.6 to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento also featured a smart power tailgate for convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain’s chairs. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded, offering competitive storage for its class.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and smartphone integration, though it required a cable for connectivity. The system was intuitive, but voice recognition lagged behind Hyundai’s. A 12-speaker Bose system was exclusive to the SX Prestige X-Line, and wireless charging was standard from the EX trim.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with physical buttons for ease of use. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims offered navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento included Kia Drive Wise, with features like a rear-seat reminder and Junction Assist. The SX Prestige X-Line offered a Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a four-star NHTSA rating.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The systems generally performed well, though some features like adaptive cruise control needed refinement.