Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX – In the competitive world of SUVs, choosing the right vehicle can be a daunting task.

The 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX are two popular options, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between the two, helping you make an informed decision based on your preferences and needs.

What is the Difference Between Kia Sorento and Lexus NX?

The Kia Sorento and the Lexus NX are both popular SUVs in the market, but they cater to different audiences and come with distinct features and characteristics.

The main differences between the Kia Sorento and the Lexus NX lie in their market positioning, size, features, and pricing.

The Sorento appeals to budget-conscious buyers looking for a practical and spacious SUV, while the NX targets those seeking a more luxurious and upscale driving experience.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX offer different options to cater to various budgets and preferences.

– 2022 Kia Sorento Price:

The Kia Sorento is known for its affordable pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The lineup offers multiple trim levels, each with its own set of features and price points:

• 2022 Kia Sorento LX: Starting at $29,590

The base model, the Sorento LX, offers a competitive starting price, making it an accessible entry point for those looking to own an SUV without breaking the bank.

• 2022 Kia Sorento S: Starting at $32,390

The Sorento S trim comes with additional features and upgrades, offering a slightly higher starting price than the LX variant.

• 2022 Kia Sorento S AWD with X-Line package: Starting at $34,390

For buyers seeking enhanced off-road capabilities and all-wheel drive, the Sorento S with the X-Line package is available at a slightly higher price.

• 2022 Kia Sorento EX: Starting at $35,490

The Sorento EX offers further enhancements and features, catering to those seeking a more refined driving experience.

• 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD: Starting at $39,190

The X-Line EX AWD model provides advanced features and all-wheel drive, making it an excellent option for those prioritizing versatility and performance.

• 2022 Kia Sorento SX: Starting at $38,290

The top-of-the-line Sorento SX trim offers the most luxurious and feature-rich experience in the lineup.

– 2022 Lexus NX Price:

The Lexus NX is positioned as a luxury SUV, and as such, its pricing starts at a higher level compared to the Kia Sorento. The 2022 Lexus NX comes in different trims, each catering to different preferences:

• 2022 Lexus NX 250 FWD: Starting at $39,425

The base model of the Lexus NX, the NX 250, offers a luxurious entry point into the Lexus lineup, starting at a higher price compared to the Kia Sorento’s base model.

• 2022 Lexus NX 250 AWD: Starting at $41,025

For those seeking the added stability and traction of all-wheel drive, the NX 250 AWD is available at a slightly higher price.

It’s important to note that the Lexus NX comes with a destination charge of $1,075, which should be considered when calculating the final purchase cost.

The pricing of the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX reflects their respective positioning in the market.

The Kia Sorento offers a more budget-friendly option with a range of trims to suit different needs. On the other hand, the Lexus NX is targeted toward luxury-seeking buyers and comes with a higher starting price.

As with any vehicle purchase, it’s crucial to consider factors such as features, performance, and brand reputation to make the best choice that aligns with your preferences and budget.

Read also: KIA Sorento vs Mazda CX 9

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for many SUV buyers, as it not only impacts the cost of ownership but also contributes to reducing environmental impact.

Both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX offer various powertrain options to cater to different fuel efficiency needs.

The choice between the two will depend on individual preferences, driving habits, and the desire for eco-friendly technologies.

Let’s take a closer look at the fuel economy of the Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX, considering their different powertrain options.

– 2022 Kia Sorento Fuel Economy:

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine:

• City: Up to 24 mpg
• Highway: Up to 29 mpg

Turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine:

• City: Up to 22 mpg
• Highway: Up to 29 mpg

Hybrid powertrain:

• City: Up to 39 mpg
• Highway: Up to 35 mpg

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain:

• City: Up to 35 mpg
• Highway: Up to 33 mpg
• Combined (MPGe): 79 MPGe
• Electric-only driving range: Up to 32 miles on a single charge

It’s important to note that real-world fuel economy figures may vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors.

– 2022 Lexus NX Fuel Economy:

NX250 with 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine:

• City: Up to 26 mpg
• Highway: Up to 33 mpg

NX350 with turbocharged engine:

• City: Up to 22 mpg
• Highway: Up to 29 mpg

Hybrid NX350h:

• City: Up to 41 mpg
• Highway: Up to 37 mpg

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) NX450h+:

• City: Up to 38 mpg
• Highway: Up to 33 mpg
• Electric-only driving range: Up to 37 miles on a single charge

Again, real-world driving conditions may lead to variations in actual fuel efficiency.

The fuel economy figures show that both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX offer competitive options, particularly with their hybrid powertrains.

The Kia Sorento’s hybrid variant boasts impressive city and highway mpg ratings, making it an eco-friendly choice for daily commuting and long-distance driving.

Additionally, the Sorento’s plug-in hybrid variant provides an excellent electric-only driving range, enhancing its fuel efficiency further.

The Lexus NX, particularly the hybrid NX350h, stands out as a fuel-efficient option in its lineup, offering high mpg ratings for city and highway driving.

The plug-in hybrid NX450h+ also presents an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers, with a respectable electric-only driving range.

Read also: Kia Niro vs Sorento

Dimensions

The size and dimensions of an SUV play a significant role in determining its practicality and suitability for various needs. Here are the dimensions of the Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX:

2022 Kia Sorento Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

2022 Lexus NX Dimensions:

Front Seat Dimensions:

Rear Seat Dimensions:

The dimensions of the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX demonstrate their differences in size and interior space.

The Kia Sorento is larger, offering more interior volume and cargo capacity, making it a suitable choice for families or those needing extra space.

On the other hand, the Lexus NX is a slightly more compact SUV, which may appeal to buyers seeking a vehicle that is easier to maneuver in urban environments.

Read also: Mazda CX 30 vs Kia Sorento

Colors Options

The choice of colors for the exterior and interior of an SUV can significantly influence its overall look and feel.

Both the 2022 Lexus NX and the 2022 Kia Sorento offer an array of exterior and interior color choices, allowing buyers to personalize their SUVs according to their preferences and style.

The Kia Sorento provides a classic selection of exterior colors, while the Lexus NX offers more vibrant and distinctive options.

When it comes to the interior, both vehicles offer leatherette options, with the Lexus NX providing additional color combinations for a luxurious and sophisticated look.

The choice of colors adds to the overall appeal of these SUVs, enabling buyers to select a combination that best reflects their individual tastes and personality.

Here are the available color options for the 2022 Lexus NX vs Kia Sorento:

– 2022 Lexus NX Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Eminent White Pearl
• Nori Green Pearl
• Atomic Silver
• Caviar
• Cadmium Orange
• Cloudburst Gray
• Redline
• Grecian Water

Interior Colors:

• Palomino, leatherette
• Rioja Red, leatherette
• Black, leatherette
• Black/Rich Cream, leatherette

– 2022 Kia Sorento Colors

Exterior Colors:

• Passion Red
• Everlasting Silver
• Sparkling Silver
• Ebony Black
• Glacial White Pearl
• Gravity Gray
• Sapphire Blue
• Wolf Gray

Interior Colors:

• Grey, leatherette
• Black, leatherette

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for any vehicle, and both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX are equipped with advanced driver-assistance technologies to enhance occupant protection and reduce the risk of accidents.

2022 Kia Sorento Safety Features:

• Standard Forward-Collision Warning and Automated Emergency Braking: The Sorento comes with a standard forward-collision warning system that uses sensors to detect potential frontal collisions. In the event of an impending collision, the system will alert the driver and, if necessary, automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or prevent the impact.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist: The Sorento is equipped with standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist technologies. These features monitor the vehicle’s position within the lane and provide alerts or gentle steering inputs to help the driver stay within the lane if unintentional drifting occurs.

• Available Blind-Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: The Sorento offers available blind-spot monitoring, which alerts the driver if a vehicle is detected in the blind-spot area during lane changes. Additionally, the rear cross-traffic alert warns the driver of approaching vehicles when reversing out of parking spaces or driveways.

2022 Lexus NX Safety Features:

• Standard Automated Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection: The Lexus NX comes with standard automated emergency braking, which not only detects potential collisions with vehicles but also pedestrians. This advanced feature can automatically apply the brakes if a pedestrian is detected in the vehicle’s path.

• Standard Lane-Departure Warning with Lane-Keeping Assist: The NX is equipped with a standard lane-departure warning system that alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of the lane without using turn signals. Additionally, lane-keeping assist provides gentle steering inputs to help the driver remain centered within the lane.

• Standard Adaptive Cruise Control: The NX comes with standard adaptive cruise control, which allows the driver to set a desired speed and follow the distance from the vehicle ahead. The system will automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe distance from traffic in front.

Both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX offer a range of advanced safety features designed to enhance driver awareness and assist in avoiding potential collisions.

Standard features like forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, as well as lane-keeping technologies, contribute to a safer driving experience.

Additionally, the available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems in the Sorento, and the pedestrian detection feature in the NX, further improve safety on the road.

Before making a final decision, prospective buyers are encouraged to review the crash test results from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to gain a comprehensive understanding of each SUV’s safety performance.

Warranty

A strong warranty package provides peace of mind to car buyers, ensuring that their investment is protected against potential issues. Here are the warranty details for the 2022 Kia Sorento vs 2022 Lexus NX:

2022 Kia Sorento Warranty:

• Limited Warranty: Kia offers an impressive limited warranty that covers the vehicle for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty provides coverage for defects in materials or workmanship during the specified period.

• Powertrain Warranty: The Sorento comes with a powertrain warranty that covers the engine and transmission for ten years or 100,000 miles, providing additional protection for essential components.

• Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance: Unlike some competitors, Kia does not offer complimentary scheduled maintenance with the purchase of the Sorento. Buyers are responsible for regular maintenance costs.

2022 Lexus NX Warranty:

• Limited Warranty: Lexus provides a four-year or 50,000-mile limited warranty for the NX, ensuring coverage for potential defects during this period.

• Powertrain Warranty: The NX comes with a powertrain warranty that covers the engine and transmission for six years or 70,000 miles, offering an extra layer of protection for critical components.

• Hybrid Component Warranty: For hybrid models of the NX, Lexus offers an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty, specifically covering the hybrid components of the vehicle.

• Complimentary Maintenance: Lexus includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the NX for the first year or 10,000 miles, offering added value for buyers during the initial ownership period.

Both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX come with impressive warranty packages, providing considerable coverage for the vehicles.

Kia’s warranty offers a more extended limited warranty period, while Lexus provides additional coverage for hybrid components.

However, Lexus stands out by offering complimentary scheduled maintenance for the first year or 10,000 miles, a benefit not available with the Sorento.

Ultimately, the choice between the two may depend on individual preferences and priorities, with buyers considering the specific warranty coverage and benefits that align with their needs and preferences.

Read also: Mazda CX-90 vs Kia Sorento

Specifications

The specifications of a vehicle provide essential information about its engine, performance, and capabilities.

Both the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX are equipped with 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engines, making them comparable in terms of base engine size and configuration.

Both vehicles feature gas engines with variable valve timing and standard dual fuel injection.

The Sorento delivers 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque at lower engine speeds, while the NX offers slightly more horsepower at 203 hp but slightly less torque at 184 lb-ft.

The Sorento’s power output is achieved at 6,100 rpm, while the NX reaches its peak horsepower at 6,600 rpm.

Both SUVs come with an 8-speed transmission for smooth gear shifts and efficient performance. Additionally, they share the same maximum towing capacity of 2,000 lbs, suitable for hauling light trailers or small loads.

However, there is a difference in the payload capacity, with the Sorento offering a higher payload capacity of 1,563 lbs compared to the NX’s 1,200 lbs. Let’s compare the specifications of the Kia Sorento vs Lexus NX:

– 2022 Kia Sorento Specs:

– 2022 Lexus NX Specs:

In terms of engine specifications and performance, the 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX are closely matched, with minor differences in horsepower, torque, and payload capacity.

Pros and Cons

2022 Kia Sorento Pros:

• Impressive Number of Standard and Optional Features: The 2022 Kia Sorento offers a wide array of standard features, even in its base model. Additionally, there are many optional upgrades and packages available, allowing buyers to customize their SUVs with advanced technologies and amenities.

• Lots of Second- and Third-Row Legroom for the Class: The Sorento provides generous legroom in the second and third rows, making it a comfortable choice for passengers, especially for long journeys.

• Sharp-Looking and Easy-to-Use Infotainment System: Kia’s infotainment system in Sorento is known for its user-friendly interface and modern design. The intuitive controls and responsive touchscreen enhance the driving experience.

Cons:

• Not as Compact (or Wallet-Friendly) as the Last-Generation Model: While the 2022 Sorento offers improved features and capabilities, it has grown in size compared to its previous generation. This increase in size may be less appealing to buyers seeking a more compact and budget-friendly SUV.

2022 Lexus NX Pros:

• Comfortable Seats: The Lexus NX boasts comfortable and supportive seats, ensuring a pleasant ride for both the driver and passengers.

• Excellent Build Quality: Lexus is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, and the NX is no exception. The SUV is built with attention to detail and premium materials, adding to its overall luxury appeal.

• Impressive Tech: The NX comes with advanced technology features, including standard all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions.

Cons:

• Frustrating Controls: Some users may find the controls in the NX, particularly for the infotainment system, to be less intuitive and more complex to operate.

• Small Interior: The interior space in the NX may feel limited, especially for taller passengers in the rear seats. Compared to some competitors, the NX’s cabin might not offer as much roominess.

• Cramped Cargo Area: The NX’s cargo area is relatively small compared to other SUVs in its class, which may be a drawback for buyers seeking ample cargo space for luggage and other belongings.

• Engine Requires Premium Fuel: The Lexus NX’s engine is designed to run on premium fuel, which can be costlier than regular gasoline and may impact long-term ownership expenses.

Both the Kia Sorento and the Lexus NX have their respective strengths and weaknesses. The Sorento impresses with its extensive list of features and spacious interior, while the NX excels in comfort, build quality, and standard all-wheel drive.

Conclusion

The 2022 Kia Sorento and the 2022 Lexus NX are both impressive SUVs with their respective strengths.

The Sorento stands out for its spacious and versatile interior, wide range of engine choices, and attractive pricing.

On the other hand, the Lexus NX offers a luxurious and refined cabin, excellent fuel economy with its hybrid options, and the prestige associated with the Lexus brand.

Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preferences, budget constraints, and specific requirements.

Whether you prioritize practicality, comfort, or luxury, both the Kia Sorento and the Lexus NX offer enticing options in the competitive SUV market of 2022.

Whichever model you choose, it’s essential to consider your needs and conduct a test drive to ensure that your chosen SUV aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

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