VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
281hp @ 5800
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Sorento uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer 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.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
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
Rear Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
189in
Width (in)
78.9in
74.8in
Height (in)
69.6in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
3979lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
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
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
Ford Explorer
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($38,290)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Sorento?
The Explorer 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 Explorer or Sorento?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Sorento?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Sorento from $38,290. The Sorento is cheaper by $6,865 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Sorento?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Sorento can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer 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.