At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
191hp @ 6100
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
181lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
2000lbs
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 191hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Sorento uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $48,465 for the Explorer and $37,090 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
191hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
181lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Engine Layout
V
—
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (Est)mpg
23mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
189in
Width (in)
78.9in
74.8in
Height (in)
70.2in
70.3in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4457lbs
4045lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
2000lbs
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
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Explorer
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Explorer
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($37,090)
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 26 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 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Explorer is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Sorento?
The Explorer starts from $48,465 and the Sorento from $37,090. The Sorento is cheaper by $11,375 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 2000lbs. 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.