LARGE SUV: KIA SORENTO

One of the unique propositions of AA DRIVEN Car of the Year is that the panel considers all new vehicles currently on sale — not just those introduced in the current year.

So while the focus naturally falls on the newer models (it’s a fast and ever-improving industry, after all), there’s still room for established models to make another appearance in the winners’ circle if they have the right stuff.

That’s exactly what’s happened with the Kia Sorento. It was our top Large SUV in 2021 and it’s our top large SUV for 2022.

There are plenty of great sevenseaters around, but nothing has come along in 2022 that can quite top the Sorento’s combination of high style, equipment, quality and incredibly broad range of engines — everything from turbo-diesel to turbo-petrol hybrid and plug-in.

The higher-end models’ technology puts many premium vehicles to shame. Consider features like blind-spot view monitor (BVM), which gives the driver a high-res video feed from the rear of the car on the instrument panel, or remote start parking assist (RSPA), which allows you to park or retrieve the Sorento from a tight spot . . . from outside the vehicle.

It’s still a whole lot of family SUV

for the money.

Runners-up: Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Highlander.