2022 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer, measuring 226.9 inches compared to the Escalade's 211.9 inches, and slightly lower at 76.4 inches. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride with a 134.1-inch wheelbase. The Escalade ESV boasted a luxurious appearance with chrome styling on various trims and blacked-out accents on Sport models. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with finishes varying by trim. The exterior was equipped with features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, while optional packages added further luxury touches.

Inside, the Escalade ESV's interior was less impressive, especially in lighter color schemes where the use of hard plastics was evident. Despite its high price, the dashboard lacked distinctive features. The vehicle offered standard leatherette seating, with leather upholstery available, and a range of comfort features like heated seats and a power liftgate. However, the interior design fell short of expectations for a vehicle in its price range.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line package, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line treatment added features like rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, and a lifted suspension, enhancing its presence. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, came with AWD and additional features like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather, totaling $45,310. The Sorento offered a range of trims, with the base LX starting at $29,590. Regardless of the version, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim contributing to a sense of luxury. The cabin was well-constructed, with attention to design detail even in the base model.

The Sorento's interior was thoughtfully designed, with comfortable seating and practical storage solutions. The second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, and the SX Prestige X-Line added heated seats. However, the third-row seat was less accommodating for adults, and the cargo space was limited with all seats in use. The Sorento's smart power tailgate was a convenient feature, though it could be unpredictable at times.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six with 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's V8 engine provided sufficient power, though it could have benefited from more low-end torque for passing at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to its performance challenges. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but the RWD version averaged around 18 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. However, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, available from the EX trim, offered a more satisfying 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. The Sorento's AWD system allowed it to accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The vehicle's suspension was tuned for a balance of comfort and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan than an SUV. Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. The EPA rated the Sorento SX Prestige X-Line's fuel economy at 24 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed an average of around 20.7 mpg.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and cargo capacity, with leatherette seating surfaces standard and leather upholstery available. It featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated seats in the first and second rows, and a heated steering wheel. Buyers could upgrade to 16-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functionality and other luxury features. The Escalade ESV offered ample legroom in the first two rows, though the third row was less comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with 126.6 cubic feet behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it could get stuck on the second-row seats. The hands-free power liftgate was convenient but not always reliable.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior was luxurious, with the SX Prestige offering a 14-way power driver's seat and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs were standard from the EX trim, and the SX Prestige X-Line added heated seats. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use, but folding the third-row seat expanded it to 38.5 cubic feet, and folding the second-row seats increased it to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento's smart power tailgate was a convenient feature, though it could be unpredictable.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV featured a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system, with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. It included wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. The Escalade ESV's standout feature was its curved 38-inch OLED screen, which housed three screens displaying driver information and infotainment. The system was responsive and intuitive, with crisp graphics. Cadillac's Super Cruise, an advanced driving assist system, was available, allowing hands-free driving on certain highways. However, it occasionally struggled with lane changes and required driver intervention in certain situations.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, except for the base LX trim, which had an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was standard from the EX trim. The Sorento's voice recognition system was less effective than Hyundai's, despite sharing similar technology.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, safety seat alert, lane-keep assist, and forward-collision assist. Additional safety features were available, including adaptive park assist, a head-up display, rear camera mirror, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, side blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change alert, night vision, advanced adaptive cruise control, enhanced automatic emergency braking, reverse automatic braking, and automatic seatbelt tightening. The NHTSA gave the Escalade ESV a four-star rating, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured Kia Drive Wise, with varying contents depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento was a Top Safety Pick according to the IIHS, with the only negative rating for headlights on all but the SX and SX Prestige trims. The NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall crash-test rating, with four-star ratings for frontal-impact collision and rollover resistance.