Kia Sorento vs. Kia Telluride

The Kia Sorento and Telluride may both represent three-row SUV models from the same brand, but that's about where the similarities end. When it comes to comparing these two mid-sized people-haulers there are a few factors to look at.

Even though the Telluride is technically a mid-sized crossover, it feels spacious since it sits on the top of the mid-sized scale. The Sorento feels like many in its class when it comes to seating for seven – a bit on the small side. Which of these three-row SUVs is worth your money?

Here’s our take based on a comparison of key specs and features.

Kia Sorento vs. Telluride Price

As the smaller vehicle, the 2022 Kia Sorento is several thousand dollars cheaper than the Telluride in equivalent trim. Kia Sorento pricing starts at an MSRP of $30,885 including destination for the base front-wheel drive model. Telluride is the bigger vehicle of the two and its price tag shows it, coming in at a base MSRP starting at $34,725 with destination charges.

However, this comparison only takes into account the base gas-powered model of the Sorento vs Telluride. If you're looking for a fuel-efficient family-hauler, the Sorento has options you can't get in a Telluride, like a hybrid and plug-in hybrid option. These green options come at a price though, driving up the cost of a Sorento up to right on par with that of a Telluride.

Sorento hybrid prices start at $35,385, while a base Sorento PHEV will cost you $46,485, almost identical to the range-topping trim of the Telluride. But, well-qualified shoppers might be able to qualify for a low APR financing through Kia on the purchase of a Sorento – Kia has historically presented more deals on it. The Telluride typically sees no discounts.

Kia Sorento vs. Telluride Size

When it comes to size, the 2022 Kia Telluride is bigger in every way except the front legroom, which is surprisingly the same at 41.4-inches on both vehicles. If we're talking Telluride vs Sorento dimensions, Telluride’s third row is much more spacious. It has nearly two inches more room in all dimensions in both the second and third rows.

The Telluride has extra headroom in the first two rows, too. The Kia Telluride is a wider and longer SUV, out-stretching the Sorento's 189-inch total length by nearly eight inches, and coming in at 196.9 inches. The extra inches give the Telluride a significant advantage in cargo space, with an impressive maximum capacity of 87 cubic feet with both rows folded. Sorento's maximum cargo capacity is only 75.5 cubic feet.

Thanks in part to the airy interior, the Telluride feels more luxurious inside. While adults will feel just fine sitting in the back of a Telluride, second and third-row passengers in the Sorento will be a bit squished. The lack of space in the Sorento's size leads to being able to haul a maximum of seven passengers, while the Telluride will seat eight, in comfort, we might add.

Kia Sorento vs. Telluride Fuel Economy

The 2022 Kia Sorento is a few hundred pounds lighter than the Telluride, which gives the smaller crossover better handling when the road gets twisty, and better fuel economy. The six-cylinder Telluride has a slightly larger gas tank, at 18.8 gallons, versus the Sorento's 17.7-gallon tank.

The gas-powered Sorento gets a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg, while the Telluride has a mileage of just 23 combined. If you're looking to save money on gas and go the distance, the Kia Sorento Hybrid gets a 37 mpg combined and will save you approximately $1,000 on fuel annually compared to the Telluride per the EPA, depending on driving style and how often you drive.

Nothing beats the plug-in hybrid version of the 2022 Kia Sorento when it comes to fuel efficiency. The electric motor can run 32 miles without gas and enables the Sorento PHEV to offer a fuel economy rating of 79 MPGe.

Kia Sorento vs. Telluride: Which Is Better?

When it comes to the 2022 Kia Sorento vs the 2022 Kia Telluride, the Sorento is a versatile crossover, and it’s a decent value in most trims. If you don’t need the towing capacity or interior space of the Telluride, the Sorento offers some of the same features as the Telluride for less cash. Its hybrid powertrain is a particularly compelling advantage, though you'll pay extra for it initially. And you'll need to step up from the base trim to get the same features that come standard in a Telluride, like satellite radio.

For many buyers, the Telluride’s extra size and features will be worth the asking price. Its third row is much more usable, and its interior is spacious and luxurious. A stylish exterior helps, too. The Sorento’s interior design isn’t quite to our taste, and we prefer the high-quality materials in the Telluride. The Telluride follows a long tradition of boxy SUVs, but it updates the look in an admirable fashion. Its clean lines are easier on the eye than the new Sorento, which has a few too many creases and angles.

Finally, Telluride’s simple V-6 powertrain gives it the edge on utility. The Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while a properly equipped Telluride will handle 5,000. Aside from the Sorento Prestige X-Line, the Telluride will be more confident in rough conditions. We’d love to see the Telluride benefit from a hybrid powertrain, and eco-minded buyers should still look to the Sorento. In most other respects, however, the Telluride is a more polished package.

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