The Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: What's The Difference?

Kia is an iconic manufacturer with ample vehicles in their lineup. While they aren’t as popular as creators like Toyota, Kia still has an excellent history with buyers worldwide. Two of their most popular selections include the Sportage and the Sorento. What are the details to ponder when examining the Kia Sportage vs. Sorento?

Although they share many things, including their manufacturer, there are differences between the Sorento and Sportage any driver would do well to ponder before making a final choice. They’re both excellent machines, but one comes out on top. Keep reading to learn more about differences in the exterior, interior, and other areas of the Sportage and Sorento.

Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Exterior

One of the most critical areas in the competition between the Sportage and Sorento is the exterior. By looking at the outside measurements, we can see which would offer more room inside for passengers and how each vehicle can clear obstacles on the road without damaging the undercarriage.

Here are the measurements for the Sportage and Sorento respectively:

• Total Length: 183.⁵⁄₁₈₉ inches
• Wheelbase: 108.⁵⁄₁₁₀.8 inches
• Width (without mirrors): 73.⁴⁄₇₄.8 inches
• Height: 65.⁴⁄₆₆.7 inches

One is larger than the other in every measurement.

Although it isn’t by too much, the Kia Sorento pulls forward as the larger selections of the two in exterior measurements. It will provide more room overall for passengers and cargo, although the measurements for headroom and legroom could be divided differently based on the positioning of the seats. 

Size Winner: Kia Sorento 

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Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Interior

The inside of the Kia Sportage Vs. Sorento is another vital aspect before purchasing it for yourself. While the exterior dimensions matter, the interior is where passengers will spend most of their time. The larger the dimensions, the more room for everyone to stretch out.

Both interiors offer premium materials to make every mile comfortable. Plus, there are ample upgrade options available for a more luxurious experience.

Here are the interior measurements based on the Sportage and Sorento respectively:  

• Front row headroom: 39.⁶⁄₄₀.3 inches
• Front row legroom: 41.⁴⁄₄₁.4 inches
• Back row headroom: 39.⁴⁄₃₉.1 inches
• Back row legroom: 41.³⁄₄₁.7 inches

The only area where the Kia Sportage pulls out on top is in the back row headroom.

There isn’t too much of a difference here in the measurements for the seats. Passengers will have a decent amount of room to move around, stretch out, and become comfortable on a ride. The front row also doesn’t get much more room than the back. However, based on minute measurements, the Kia Sorento is the winner. 

Interior Winner: Kia Sorento 

Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Performance

Performance is another critical selection when checking out the competition between the Kia Sportage and Sorento. Most people invest in Kia cars for their ability to go off-roading, which means their performance is a necessary consideration.

Here are the performance details you will find in the Kia Sportage:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• 187 horsepower
• Available hybrid powertrain w/ 226 horsepower

It’s a solid performance from the Kia Sportage.

Here are the performance details you will find in the Kia Sorento:

• 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
• 191 horsepower
• Available upgrade engine w/ 281 horsepower 
• Available hybrid powertrain w/ 227 and 261 horsepower  

There are more choices available with the Kia Sorento. 

Overall, the winner in this category is the Kia Sorento. It offers more powertrain options, which means you can upgrade to a better gas engine system or go with a hybrid if you want to maximize your fuel efficiency. The Sportage is still solid, but the Sorento is better. 

Performance Winner: Kia Sorento 

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KIA SELTOS VS. KIA SPORTAGE: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Let’s take a closer look at the Kia Seltos vs. Kia Sportage so you can decide which option is better for you. 

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Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Technology and Features

The Kia Sportage Vs. Sorento debate wouldn’t be complete without going over the various technologies and features. Each vehicle is full of plenty, so no driver will feel like they lack the latest technology once behind the wheel of either choice. 

Here are the technology features you’ll locate in the Kia Sportage:

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Available 12.3-inch dual panoramic display
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto 

These provide easy access to your phone and the car’s system.

Here are the technology features you’ll find inside the Kia Sorento:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto

There are ample standard features available in each vehicle.

The Sportage and Sorento are very close in their offerings. However, the Kia Sorento comes out slightly on top with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen selection. That’s four inches larger than the selection available in the Sportage and will make a significant difference. 

Technology and Features Winner: Kia Sorento

Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Price

The final consideration is the price point. For some, the cost isn’t as big of a deal as the features inside the machine. However, for others, the price point is a significant matter. Price can often make or break a selection. 

According to caranddriver.com, the starting price for the Kia Sportage is around $28,565 and the cost for the most expensive trim is $39,465. This cost has gone up from previous versions. 

According to carandriver.com, the starting price for the Kia Sorento is around $33,365 and the cost for the highest trim is around $48,765. That’s much higher than the Sportage.

While the Sorento has more offerings, it’s more expensive than the Sportage. Thus, the Sportage takes the cake in the cost arena.

Price Winner: Kia Sportage

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7 GREAT KIA SORENTO COMPETITORS

If you’re looking for some of the best competitors for the Kia Sorento on the market, you’ve come to the right place.

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Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Overall

There are ample items to ponder with the Kia Sportage vs. Sorento battle. While the Kia Sportage is more affordable, the Kia Sorento is the winner in all the other categories from the exterior dimensions to the performance ability. 

The final choice of your vehicle is subjective. However, it is critical to look at the details to see what matters most to you in a machine. Either way, the Sportage and Sorento are both excellent offerings.

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