VS
At a Glance
Power
272hp @ 6500
281hp @ 5800
Torque
280lb-ft @ 1600
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
1500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Acura Rdx and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Acura Rdx delivers 272hp @ 6500 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Rdx returns 24 mpg est. while the Sorento uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $47,700 for the Rdx and $38,290 for the Sorento. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Acura RdxSH-AWD w/Technology Package 2026 - From $47,700
KIA SorentoEX FWD 2026 - From $38,290
Performance
Power Output (hp)
272hp @ 6500
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
280lb-ft @ 1600
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.1gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
187.4in
189in
Width (in)
74.8in
74.8in
Height (in)
65.7in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
108.3in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4040lbs
3979lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1500lbs
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
Acura Rdx
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($38,290)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Rdx or Sorento?
The Rdx gets 24 mpg est. and the Sorento gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sorento is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Rdx or Sorento?
The Rdx produces 272hp @ 6500 and 280lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Rdx and Sorento?
The Rdx starts from $47,700 and the Sorento from $38,290. The Sorento is cheaper by $9,410 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Rdx or Sorento?
The Rdx has a braked towing capacity of 1500lbs and the Sorento can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Rdx or the Sorento?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.