2023 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially with the X-Line treatment, presented a stylish and rugged appearance. The X-Line package added rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, a lifted suspension, and robust roof rails, giving the midsize SUV a serious presence. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package, featured all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, along with extra-cost Wolf Gray paint, Rust-colored leather, floor mats, and a cargo net, bringing the total MSRP to $45,310, including the $1,215 destination charge. Even without the X-Line package, the Sorento exuded quality, with leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and rock-solid construction throughout the cabin.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Navigator, last redesigned in 2018 and freshened up in 2022, rolled into 2023 without significant updates. Our test vehicle was a triple-black Navigator Reserve model, featuring the Monochromatic Package with black 22-inch wheels and body-color trim. The interior, predominantly black with real wood trim panels and chrome accents, looked upscale but had some issues with chrome plastic on the switchgear. The Navigator Reserve’s cabin was luxurious, but the ride quality was inconsistent, with the SUV riding like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. The Navigator’s size also proved challenging in tight spaces, such as parking garages and drive-thru lines.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which took almost 9.5 seconds to accelerate the 3,715-pound SUV to 60 mph. This sluggish performance led us to recommend the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 281 hp and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, provided a more energetic driving experience. The Sorento’s raised suspension and 20-inch alloy wheels contributed to a sporty driving feel, though the X-Line package’s ground clearance increase was more for show than serious off-roading. The Sorento SX Prestige X-Line’s fuel economy was rated at 24 mpg in combined driving by the EPA, but we averaged 20.7 mpg during our week-long test.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD drivetrain. The Navigator’s EPA fuel economy rating was 18 mpg in combined driving, but we averaged 15.6 mpg on our Southern California testing loop. The Navigator offered five Lincoln Drive Modes, including Conserve, Normal, Excite, Slippery, and Deep Conditions, with an adaptive damping suspension standard. However, the ride quality was inconsistent, with the Navigator riding like a truck over smaller bumps and floating over larger dips. The Excite driving mode improved the ride quality but negatively impacted fuel efficiency. The Navigator’s nearly three-ton curb weight also proved challenging to the brakes on mountain roads.

The 2022 Kia Sorento’s interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige offering a 14-way power driver’s seat, 10-way power front passenger seat, and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and designed for kids, with cupholders, USB charging ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. The Sorento offered 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. The “smart” power tailgate was a convenient feature for loading cargo.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator excelled in functionality, with roomy seats in all three rows and an available extended body style for more cargo space. The Navigator’s 30-way Perfect Position power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage ensured comfort, though they offered too many adjustments. The second-row captain’s chairs were spacious, with a pass-through to the third-row seat, which accommodated taller and larger adults comfortably. The Navigator L model provided significantly more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 120.2 cubic feet behind the front seats. Storage space was generous throughout the cabin, with large trays and smaller compartments for passengers.

Starting in 2022, the Kia Sorento offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system 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 touchscreen. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style, graphics, and colors might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line featured a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system, and wireless smartphone charging was standard starting with EX trim.

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation display, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a widescreen head-up display, and a dual-screen Lincoln Play infotainment system. The Sync 4 infotainment system included wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, Lincoln Connect services, a navigation system with enhanced voice recognition, and Alexa Built-in. The digital assistant performed excellently, and the 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D Audio System provided lush sound. The Lincoln Way smartphone app and Phone As A Key technology allowed owners to unlock, start, and drive the Navigator using a digital key.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came standard with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle included features like a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, Blind View Monitor, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a four-star overall crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2023 Lincoln Navigator was equipped with Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 and available Lincoln Co-Pilot360 2.0 Drive packages, including Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist, and BlueCruise. BlueCruise, a hands-free driving assist system, worked on designated Hands-Free Blue Zones but required regular driver intervention. The Navigator received a 5-star side-impact protection rating and a 4-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.