Kia Sportage vs. Sorento

Kia has been busy releasing fully redesigned SUVs recently. The Sportage was introduced as a fully redesigned SUV for 2023, ushering in the fifth generation of the compact model. The midsize Kia Sorento is fairly new, as well, having last been fully redesigned in 2021 for its fourth generation. Choosing between the compact Sportage and the midsize Sorento could be a difficult task.

Here’s a brief comparison that will explore some of the key similarities and differences between the Sportage and Sorento. This comparison will look into the differences between the two models to help you decide which SUV is the right model for you.

Kia Sorento vs. Sportage Price

When it comes to pricing, the cheapest Kia Sportage is the LX trim which starts at $27,615 (prices include destination), while the most expensive trim is the X-Pro Prestige which costs $38,415. The Sportage Hybrid starts at $28,815 and the Sportage PHEV has a starting price tag of $40,015.

For the Kia Sorento, the most affordable model is the LX which costs $31,415, while the most expensive trim is the X-Line SX Prestige which has a starting price tag of $45,015. The hybrid version of the Sorento starts at $38,015, while the plug-in hybrid variant starts at $51,315.

Comparing the Sportage to the Sorento reveals a price difference of $3,800 for entry-level trims and $6,600 for range-topping models. The hybrid models are separated by $9,200 and there’s a difference of $11,300 for the PHEV models.

While the Sorento is the pricier of the two SUVs, it’s available with more affordable lease deals than the Sportage. This could be due to the Sportage being a newer model. Financing deals are also better for the Sorento.

Kia Sorento vs. Sportage Size

The Sportage is on the larger side of things for the compact segment. It’s 183.5 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and 65.4 inches tall. These figures are slightly smaller than the Sorento, which is 189 inches long, 74.8 inches long, and 66.7 inches wide.

One major difference between the two SUVs is that the Sorento has seating for up to seven, while the Sportage can seat up to five. If you need a three-row SUV, the Sorento is the better choice.

When it comes to interior space, the Sorento offers slightly more space than the Sportage. The midsize SUV has more front headroom, second-row legroom, front and rear shoulder room, and front and rear hip room. The Sportage matches the Sorento when it comes to front legroom and has more second-row headroom.

Cargo capacity is surprisingly close for the two SUVs. The Sportage has up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the Sorento has a total of 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

Kia Sorento vs. Sportage Gas Mileage

The EPA does not have official fuel economy figures for the Sportage PHEV yet. The Sportage Hybrid is rated at up to 43 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 38 mpg combined with all-wheel drive. The gas-powered model can get up to 28 mpg combined.

The larger Sorento Hybrid can get up to 37 mpg combined with FWD and 34 mpg combined with AWD. The gas-powered Sorento gets close to matching the Sportage with a combined rating of up to 26 mpg.

This segment is a clear victor for the Sportage, which blows the Sorento Hybrid away with its 43 mpg combined rating.

Kia Sorento vs. Sportage Specs

Both SUVs are available with multiple powertrains. The Sportage starts off with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid model comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 226 hp. The available PHEV builds off of the hybrid’s powertrain with 261 hp.

The Sorento is the more powerful of the Kias. It comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The next step up is a turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 281 hp. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid models come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 227 hp and 261 hp, respectively.

The Sportage is rated to tow up to 2,500 pounds, while the Sorento can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

Kia Sportage vs. Sorento: Which Is Better?

The Kia Sportage and Sorento are aimed at different buyers, but for most people, we think the smaller and more affordable Sportage is the better choice. It’s cheaper, available with similar powertrains, gets better fuel economy, and has a similar amount of interior space as the Sorento.

Of course, shoppers that need three rows of seats will have to go with the Sorento. And while it’s not our choice in this comparison, The Sorento’s roomy second row, fuel-efficient powertrains, handsome styling, and 3,500-pound towing capacity make it a good choice for shoppers looking for a three-row option.

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