2021 Kia Sorento vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This review focused on the gasoline models, specifically the NX 300 and the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels, while the F Sport variant added sportier touches like a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats with optional Circuit Red interior, alongside more traditional color schemes. The interior's material quality was excellent, with a familiar gauge cluster featuring a 4.2-inch multi-information display. However, the design felt outdated compared to competitors with all-digital displays. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age, and the layout limited small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2021 Kia Sorento represented a significant design evolution from its predecessor, shedding its bubbly look for a more athletic and muscular silhouette. The SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package featured roof rails, a shark fin antenna, and a rear roof spoiler. The front showcased an expansive tiger-nose grille and squinting headlights, while a silver accent along the side added visual interest. The rear design included cohesive vertical taillights, contributing to a cautiously modern look.

Inside, the Sorento offered high-value features like heated outside mirrors, second-row air vents, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and keyless entry. The base LX trim had a six-way adjustable driver's seat, while higher trims provided 10-way adjustment with power lumbar support. The SX Prestige trim featured real perforated leather seats, which were soft and comfortable, though lacking in thigh support. The panoramic sunroof in the test vehicle provided ample light, though it could let in too much heat during sunny days.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from zero to 60 mph in around seven seconds, a competitive time for its segment. While the powertrain could get noisy under hard acceleration, the ride was generally quiet. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control to enhance the engine note electronically, though some purists found this gimmicky.

Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on all trims. The AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle but lacked individual-wheel torque vectoring. Fuel economy for the FWD model was 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, with AWD models achieving similar figures. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains, with the most common being a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both FWD and AWD configurations. However, the test vehicle featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with AWD. This setup provided ample power for merging, cruising, and passing.

The Sorento's AWD system included torque vectoring and a center-locking differential for improved traction. The X-Line package added 1.3 inches of ride height, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a roof rack. The suspension, consisting of McPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear, offered a smooth and comfortable ride. The Sorento's drive modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow—significantly impacted throttle response and overall driving dynamics. Despite its 4,000-pound weight, the Sorento handled corners well without excessive body lean.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom for adults. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. While engine noise could intrude into the cabin, road and wind noise were minimal. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2021 Kia Sorento, a three-row SUV, was best suited as a four-seater in its top trims due to the tight third-row space. The second-row captain's chairs in the test vehicle were comfortable, and the front and rear seats provided ample legroom at 41.4 inches and 41.7 inches, respectively. Cargo space behind the third row was limited to 12.6 cubic feet, but folding the seats increased total cargo volume to 75.5 cubic feet. The Sorento offered practical storage solutions, including a phone spot with optional wireless charging, cupholders, and a center console bucket.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Lexus Enform Destination Assist, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added two speakers to the standard eight-speaker Lexus Premium Audio system, with a Mark Levinson 14-speaker system available on top trims. The Lexus Enform Remote mobile app allowed remote control of various vehicle functions, and a 10-year subscription to Lexus Enform Services Connect was included.

The 2021 Kia Sorento offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen on higher trims. The smaller screen supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the larger screen required a wired connection. The Sorento had ample USB ports but lacked USB-C ports. The optional Bose stereo system provided decent audio quality, though it was not exceptional. The navigation system needed improvement, particularly in voice search and Point-of-Interest functions. Most drivers would likely rely on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for navigation.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA and came with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2021 Kia Sorento was equipped with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver-attention warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, lane-following assist, and auto high beams. The test vehicle also had a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA awarded the Sorento four out of five stars overall, with perfect scores in side-impact crash tests. The IIHS named the Sorento a Top Safety Pick, with top ratings for the SX trim's LED headlights.