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- Kia Sportage vs. Sorento
- The Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento are both classified as midsize SUVs, but the Sportage has two rows of seating for up to five while the three-row Sorento seats up to seven.
- The Kia Sportage has a lower overall starting MSRP with seven trims to choose from.
- The Kia Sorento has eight trims and more premium standard and available features.
- Drivers looking for budget-friendly pricing and fuel efficiency will love the Sportage, while growing families seeking premium amenities and more power will prefer the Sorento.
- LX
- EX
- X-Line AWD
- SX
- SX Prestige
- X-Pro
- X-Pro Prestige
- LX
- S
- EX
- SX
- X-Line EX AWD
- X-Line SX AWD
- X-Line SX Prestige AWD
- X-Pro SX Prestige AWD
2025 Kia Sportage Vs. 2025 Kia Sorento - SUV Comparison
Drivers looking for an exciting new SUV often find themselves comparing the Kia Sportage vs. Sorento. Although these two vehicles may seem similar, they vary in their engine options, standard and available features, and size. Dive into our comparison guide from the experts at Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte to make an educated decision on your next SUV!
2025 Kia Sportage vs. Sorento SUVs at a Glance
Sportage vs. Sorento Comparison Chart
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| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2025 Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L I-4 | 2.5L I-4 or 2.5L Turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 187 | 191 - 281 |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 181 - 311 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | FWD or AWD | FWD or AWD |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 2,500 lbs1 | 4,500 lbs1 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy / Comb) | 25 / 32 / 282 (FWD) | 23 / 31 / 262 (FWD) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 6 or 7 |
| Length / Width / Height | 183.5 / 73.4 / 65.4 - 66.9 in | 189.6 - 189.8 / 74.8 / 66.7 - 70.3 in |
| Cargo Capacity (min / max) | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft | 12.6 / 75.5 cu ft |
About the Kia Sportage
The new Kia Sportage is a stylish midsize SUV that offers seven trim options, available all-wheel drive, and class-leading standard cargo and second-row legroom: 3, 4 39.6 cubic feet and 41.3 inches of rear legroom, respectively. The trim levels are:
Seat up to five and comfort and enjoy standard features like an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a 12.2-inch instrument display, LED projector headlights, and advanced driver assists like Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and Auto Emergency Braking.
Available features in higher trims include 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays with Navigation, a Harman Kardon® premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, and more advanced driver assists like a Blind-Spot View Monitor and a 360-Degree Surround View Monitor.
About the Kia Sorento
The new Kia Sorento is more than 6 inches longer than the Sportage and seats up to seven. With three rows of seating, there's less cargo space behind the furthest row of seats, but the 41.7 inches of second-row legroom will feel comparable to the Sportage.
This SUV has an available turbocharged version of its standard engine. It also boasts one more trim option than the Sportage, giving you more room for customization:
Standard amenities include a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, a smart key system with push button and remote start, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.
Top-tier perks include a Bose® premium audio system, Highway Driving Assist 2, leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats, auto rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic sunroof.
Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento: Which SUV Is Best for City Driving?
While both SUVs are excellent in both the city and rural areas, the Sportage has a smaller profile, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
In addition to its extra agility, the Sportage SUV earns up to an EPA-estimated 25/32/28,1 which is slightly better than the Sorento with the standard engine, which earns up to 23/31/26.1
If city driving is your main priority, shop our selection of new and used Kia Sportage models here in Charlotte, NC.
Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento: Which Is the Best SUV for Growing Families?
Your family's best option will come down to your specific needs. Families of six or more – or smaller families who want a bit more space – will love the three-row Sorento.
Not only does the Sorento offer seating for up to seven, it also has up to 4,500 pounds of towing capacity2 and more premium comfort features compared to the Sportage lineup. If extra seating and top-tier perks are what you're looking for, browse our selection of new and used Kia Sorento models at Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte!
Kia Sorento vs. Sportage: Which Is Best for Towing and Weekend Trips?
The Kia Sportage can tow up to 2,500 pounds when properly equipped, but the Sorento almost doubles that with 4,500 pounds of towing capacity2 with the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD trim level. This trim also offers a cargo-area 115-volt power outlet, high-utility roof rails, all-terrain tires, and an 8.2-inch ground clearance, making it ideal for weekend adventures in the mountainous terrain of North Carolina.
If that extra utility matches your wish list, explore our Kia Sorento lease deals.
Kia Sorento vs. Sportage: Which Is Best for Budget-Conscious Buyers?
The Kia Sportage has a lower starting MSRP than the Kia Sorento, with the highest Sportage trim level having a similar starting MSRP as the third Sorento trim level.
In addition to a lower starting MSRP, taking advantage of our Kia Sportage lease deals can offer lower monthly payments compared to financing, making the five-seater an easy choice in this category.
Wrapping Up: Kia Sportage vs. Sorento SUVs
As a trusted Kia dealership in Charlotte, NC, we think very highly of both the Sportage and Sorento models. Here's a succinct summary:
Kia Sportage: When you want two rows of seats at a lower price point while still having access to some of the latest automotive technologies, the Kia Sportage is right up your alley.
Kia Sorento: When you want three rows of seats, a higher towing capacity, and access to premium creature comforts and driver-assistance tech, the Kia Sorento is calling your name.
See both of these SUVs and more at Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte! Explore our Kia lease specials for the latest offers on our full selection of new Kia models.
Want to further your research? Compare the Kia Sportage vs. Hyundai Tucson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sorento or Sportage larger?
The Kia Sorento is a larger SUV than the Kia Sportage. It is more than 6 inches longer and offers three rows of seats for up to seven passengers, while the Sportage seats five passengers in two rows. However, the maximum cargo capacity in both the Sportage and Sorento SUVs is similar. Visit Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte to see both in person today!
Is the Sportage big enough for a family of four with car seats?
Yes, the Kia Sportage is big enough for a family of four with car seats. It has class-leading rear legroom4 of 41.3 inches, which makes loading and unloading rear-facing car seats a breeze. If you're buckling smaller kids in front-facing carseats, the spacious backseat gives you plenty of room to maneuver. This SUV also offers 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Which Kia SUV is better for snow?
While both the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento offer available all-wheel drive, the Sorento has more trim options focused on all-terrain performance. Both SUVs come with selectable drive modes that include Snow, so you can't go wrong with either option when it comes to North Carolina winter weather. Visit Dutch Miller Kia of Charlotte to test-drive both lineups today.
Featured Customer Review
Starr Walker
01/10/2025
My salesperson, DeMara Baker, was fantastic. She was very knowledgeable about the specs of the Kia Sportage. We walked away as very satisfied customers.
Tamica Chambers
02/12/2025
Nelson was great! Was in and out in less than 2 hours. They even fed my family at Panda Express. I would definitely recommend. Brand New 2025 Sorento, great price, great payment! I'm a happy Camper.
1Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
2Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Class-leading cargo room: Comparison based on publicly available data regarding cargo room behind the 2nd row of seats in 2024/2025 Sub-Compact SUVs as of June 2024. Sub-Compact SUV class as defined by Kia segmentation.
4Class-leading 2nd-row legroom: Comparison based on publicly available data regarding 2nd-row legroom in 2024/2025 Sub-Compact SUVs as of June 2024. Sub-Compact SUV class as defined by Kia segmentation.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.