Kia Sorento vs. the Competition in Stamford, CT
The Kia Sorento competes with the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2027 Honda Pilot. All four SUVs offer three-row seating, modern safety technology, and available all-wheel drive. The Sorento stands apart with its manageable dimensions, available turbocharged performance, multiple electrified powertrains, and rugged X-Line and X-Pro configurations.
| Specification | Kia Sorento | Toyota Highlander | Hyundai Santa Fe | Honda Pilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive | All wheel drive | All wheel drive | All wheel drive |
| Starting MSRP | $36,785 | $47,865 | $52,100 | $55,290 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Curb weight | 3,975 lb. | 4,376 lb. | 4,575 lb. | 4,678 lb. |
| City/Hwy/Combined MPG | 23 / 31 / 26 MPG | 21 / 28 / 24 MPG | 35 / 34 / 34 MPG | 19 / 25 / 21 MPG |
Interior Features and Cargo Space
- The Sorento seats up to seven with a second-row bench seat.
- Available second-row captain's chairs create a six-passenger layout and simplify third-row access.
- Folding the second and third rows provides up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo room.
- Available features include leather seating, heated second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a Full Display Mirror.
- Its smaller footprint can make parking easier than it is in the larger 2027 Honda Pilot.
The Highlander and 2027 Honda Pilot provide more maximum cargo capacity. The Santa Fe also offers a larger cargo area and a wide rear liftgate. However, the Sorento gives White Plains, NY, shoppers three rows without the size of a full-size SUV.
Exterior Design and Capability
- Star-map LED lighting gives the Sorento a recognizable appearance.
- X-Line models add blackout details, high-utility roof rails, and standard all-wheel drive.
- X-Pro models include all-terrain tires and trim-specific exterior elements.
- Available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive includes a center-locking differential.
- The X-Pro SX Prestige can tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.
The Highlander has a traditional crossover profile, while the Santa Fe uses a boxier body with a large rear opening. The 2027 Honda Pilot emphasizes family space and rugged styling. For Yonkers, NY, drivers, the Sorento provides a balance between urban maneuverability and weekend capability.
Ground Clearance
Front-wheel-drive Sorento models provide 6.9 inches of ground clearance. Select all-wheel-drive trims increase that measurement to 8.2 inches. The Santa Fe XRT and 2027 Honda Pilot TrailSport reach 8.3 inches, while the Highlander provides approximately eight inches.
The difference between these measurements remains small. Tires, drivetrain, suspension tuning, and driver skill also affect capability. Greenwich, CT, shoppers who frequently encounter snow or unpaved roads may prefer an all-wheel-drive Sorento X-Line or X-Pro.
Fuel Economy, Range, and Charging
- The standard Sorento reaches an EPA-estimated 23 MPG city, 31 MPG highway, and 26 MPG combined in its most efficient configuration.
- The Sorento Hybrid improves efficiency without requiring external charging.
- The Sorento Plug-in Hybrid provides an EPA-estimated 31 miles of electric range and approximately 440 miles of total range.
- The plug-in hybrid can recharge at home or a compatible public Level 2 charging station.
- The Highlander Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid recharge through their gasoline engines and regenerative braking.
- The 2027 Honda Pilot currently offers a gasoline powertrain without a hybrid alternative.
Kia gives Norwalk, CT, customers the widest range of powertrain choices in this comparison. Drivers can select conventional gasoline power, a traditional hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid.
Technology Comparison
- The Sorento includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration.
- Upper trims offer a panoramic display that combines two 12.3-inch screens.
- Available technology includes a surround-view monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, wireless charging, and a digital rearview mirror.
- The Highlander offers an available 12.3-inch multimedia display.
- The Santa Fe offers dual 12.3-inch displays and available dual wireless charging.
- The Pilot offers an available head-up display and Google built-in on select trims.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The Sorento offers Auto Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Smart Cruise Control. Available Highway Driving Assist can support speed, following-distance, and lane-centering functions on compatible roads.
Toyota Safety Sense, Hyundai SmartSense, and Honda Sensing provide comparable core features. Westport, CT, drivers should compare standard and optional equipment because availability changes by trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sorento offers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions. None of the three competitors provides all three choices.
The 2027 Honda Pilot is the largest vehicle in this comparison. The Sorento favors easier maneuverability while still providing three rows.
Yes. All-wheel drive is available on several trims and comes standard on X-Line and X-Pro configurations.
The Sorento X-Pro adds all-terrain tires, 8.2 inches of ground clearance, all-wheel drive, and useful towing capability.
Browse our new Kia inventory, then contact Kia of Stamford to arrange a test drive.
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Kia of Stamford
263 Selleck Street
Stamford, CT 06902
- Sales: (203) 883-8888
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