VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
261hp @ 5500
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
270lb-ft
Fuel
24 mpg est.
33 MPG Combined / 30 Range
Towing
5000lbs
1654lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
1.6 L/98ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the KIA Sorento Plug In Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the KIA Sorento Plug In Hybrid produces 261hp @ 5500. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Sorento Plug In Hybrid uses 33 MPG Combined / 30 Range — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $45,155 for the Explorer and $48,290 for the Sorento Plug In Hybrid. 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
Ford ExplorerST-Line RWD 2026 - From $45,155
KIA Sorento Plug In HybridX-Line SX Prestige AWD 2026 - From $48,290
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
261hp @ 5500
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
270lb-ft
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
1.6 L/98ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Plug-In Hybrid
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
6
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
33 MPG Combined / 30 Range
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29 (2025)mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
12.4gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
189.6in
Width (in)
78.9in
74.8in
Height (in)
69.6in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4344lbs
4652lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
1654lbs
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
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Sorento Plug In Hybrid
Value
Explorer
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Lower starting price ($45,155)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
KIA Sorento Plug In Hybrid
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Sorento Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Sorento Plug In Hybrid gets 33 MPG Combined / 30 Range on the combined cycle. The Sorento Plug In Hybrid 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 Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Sorento Plug In Hybrid delivers 261hp @ 5500 and 270lb-ft of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Sorento Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer starts from $45,155 and the Sorento Plug In Hybrid from $48,290. The Explorer is cheaper by $3,135 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Sorento Plug In Hybrid?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Sorento Plug In Hybrid can tow 1654lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Sorento Plug In Hybrid?
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.