2022 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

The 2022 Kia Sorento, known for its sleek yet rugged aesthetic, particularly shined with the X-Line treatment. This version included rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, lifted suspension, and durable roof rails, all of which contributed to the SUV's robust and well-defined presence. Our test vehicle, adorned with the X-Line package, exhibited a sense of purpose that greatly enhanced the Sorento’s attractiveness.

The test Sorento came in a bold Wolf Gray paint with Rust-colored leather interior accents. Additional accessories like floor mats and a cargo net contributed to an overall MSRP of $45,310, including the destination charge of $1,215. However, the Sorento still offered options for budget-conscious buyers, with its base LX trim starting at $29,590, excluding the destination fee. Buyers could get a plush Sorento SX Prestige with front-wheel drive for about $42,405.

Regardless of the trim level, the 2022 Sorento proved to be a high-quality vehicle. The interior boasted refined leather upholstery and simulated wood trim, emphasizing Kia’s attention to detail. The cabin construction felt solid and nothing appeared flimsy, making the Sorento's interior not only stylish but robust and functional. Whether handling the door releases or using the traditional cable-operated transmission shifter, there was never a sense of compromise in practicality.

Contrast that with the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, a midsize SUV that exuded elegance and sophistication. Shopping for an Aviator first called for selecting between powertrains: a standard twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 or a more advanced twin-turbo V6 plug-in hybrid for the Grand Touring models. The Aviator’s price range spanned from $53,340 to as high as $89,280 (excluding a $1,195 destination charge), with our fully loaded Black Label Grand Touring model hitting an MSRP of $91,225.

The Aviator’s aesthetic appeal benefitted from Lincoln’s modern design language, especially evident with the Black Label Grand Touring's special touches like ambient lighting sequences and soft-close doors that greeted the owner. Even so, the wheel design on our test model, machinery-finished multi-spoke rims and white paint, did not justify the luxurious price tag. The interior, while undeniably fancy with its patterned metal trim, gloss black surfaces, and Black Label Flight theme leather, could sometimes feel like it was trying too hard. Despite its extensive range of high-end materials, there were occasions where the detailing seemed more gaudy than opulent.

The 2022 Kia Sorento provided several engine options, starting with the underwhelming standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which took a sluggish 9.5 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph. This unremarkable performance was likely why Kia reserved it for the base LX and S trims. The more favorable choice was the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the Sorento EX and higher trims, generating a much more satisfying 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque.

This turbo engine delivered better acceleration, achieving 0 to 60 mph in a somewhat respectable 7.5 seconds. Coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and available AWD, the turbocharged Sorento felt spirited and responsive. The X-Line package added a raised suspension, but despite its higher ground clearance, the Sorento maintained the handling characteristics of a sporty vehicle rather than an off-roader. The Sorento averaged 20.7 mpg during our test, slightly below the EPA’s projected 24 mpg, but still commendable given its performance capabilities.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, despite being a plug-in hybrid, showcased impressive power with its combination of a twin-turbo V6 engine and electric motor, yielding a notable 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. The Aviator, which could operate in various drive modes like Pure EV and Preserve EV, provided an EPA-rated 21 miles of electric range and an overall 23 mpg combined in hybrid mode.

Our test saw the Aviator deftly managing to extract maximum efficiency from its powertrain, achieving an impressive equivalency of 163.4 mpg during the EV-focused portion of the test. When operating in hybrid mode for the remaining evaluation, it managed an average of 24.3 mpg. While the Aviator’s acceleration was generally brisk, its responsiveness could be inconsistent, and the brake pedal required deliberate care to ensure smooth stopping, a common trait in vehicles with regenerative braking systems.

The Aviator’s handling benefited from the standard Dynamic Handling Package and adaptive-damping suspension, which effectively managed the SUV’s considerable weight. The Aviator demonstrated smooth, controlled handling, whether on highways or winding roads, although the heavy, numb steering detracted from the driving fun. Overall, despite its competent performance and advanced technology, the Aviator fell short of providing an engaging driving experience.

Inside the 2022 Kia Sorento, our test vehicle radiated luxury with its appealing, albeit oddly named, Rust-colored leather interior. The SX Prestige model featured a 14-way power driver’s seat with thigh support and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The heated steering wheel was an excellent addition for colder climates. Second-row captain’s chairs, standard from the EX trim upwards, added comfort and convenience, complete with USB ports, air vents, and ample storage.

The third-row seating, however, was less impressive. While technically accommodating adults, the lack of legroom and flat seat cushions made long journeys uncomfortable. Better tow the third row in larger Kia models like the Telluride. The 2022 Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching 75.5 cubic feet with all back seats down.

In comparison, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator focused on passenger comfort, with four-zone climate control, heated power tilt-and-telescopic steering, and automatic heated and ventilated seats for the first two rows. The massaging, 30-way adjustable front seats, and spacious second-row captain’s chairs with generous storage options highlighted Lincoln’s commitment to luxury.

However, the Aviator’s third-row seating was not particularly adult-friendly. The power-release second-row chairs didn’t slide far enough to create easy access, and once inside, passengers found the space lacking in legroom and comfort. The Aviator offered slightly more cargo space than the Sorento, with 18.3 cubic feet available behind the third row, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 77.7 cubic feet with both back rows down.

The 2022 Kia Sorento provided various tech features, starting with its infotainment system. The base LX trim came with an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received a 10.25-inch display with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired connection only). Though practical and intuitive, the fonts and graphics were somewhat eccentric, possibly hinting at the designer's affinity for unique styles. Voice recognition in Kia’s system lagged behind its Hyundai counterpart.

The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround sound system, an odd choice given the absence of such features in lower trims. Wireless smartphone charging began with the EX trim to alleviate some tech-related inconveniences.

On the other hand, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator boasted a plethora of advanced technologies. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa integration, Lincoln Connect, SiriusXM, and navigation, but operated on the outdated Sync 3 software, leading to some usability issues, particularly with the voice recognition system. Despite innovative placements of controls, such as the talk button on the thumb rest, performance fell short during voice command tests.

The Aviator’s 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system was superb, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra chimes added a unique, localized touch. The Phone As A Key system transformed smartphones into digital keys, enhancing convenience. Comprehensive digital instrumentation and an effective head-up display further elevated the Aviator’s tech package. The front and rear parking sensors and surround-view camera system complemented the driver aids for a smoother parking experience, despite some usability issues with the Active Parking Assist 2.0 system.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came loaded with Kia Drive Wise safety suite, customizable depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle boasted all available features, including rear-seat reminder systems with ultrasonic sensors, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor system that provided video feeds of the SUV’s blind spots. Other notable features included Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Level 2 semi-autonomous driving through the Highway Driving Assist system.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) honored the Sorento with a Top Safety Pick, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating. The Sorento excelled in most assessments except for some specific scenarios like rollover resistance.

For the 2023 Lincoln Aviator, safety technology was encompassed under the Co-Pilot360 1.5, Plus, and 2.0 packages, varying based on the trim level. Our test vehicle included the whole array of driver aids such as adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, road-sign recognition, pedestrian detection, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Aviator also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and evasive steering assist for enhanced stability during sudden maneuvers.

The IIHS awarded the standard Aviator a Top Safety Pick, and the NHTSA granted it a five-star overall rating. However, the Grand Touring model had not been individually rated by either agency at the time of testing.