At a Glance
Power
285hp @ 6100
281hp @ 5800
Torque
262lb-ft @ 5000
311lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
3500lbs
Engine
3.5 L/212ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Honda Pilot and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Honda Pilot delivers 285hp @ 6100 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Pilot returns 22 mpg est. while the Sorento uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $44,295 for the Pilot and $42,090 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)
285hp @ 6100
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
262lb-ft @ 5000
311lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.5 L/212ci
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
All Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19 (Est)mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25 (Est)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18.5gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.1in
189in
Width (in)
78.5in
74.8in
Height (in)
71in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
113.8in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4513lbs
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
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Pilot
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Pilot
Pros & Cons
Honda Pilot
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($42,090)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Pilot or Sorento?
The Pilot gets 22 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 Pilot or Sorento?
The Pilot produces 285hp @ 6100 and 262lb-ft @ 5000 of torque while the Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Pilot and Sorento?
The Pilot starts from $44,295 and the Sorento from $42,090. The Sorento is cheaper by $2,205 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Pilot or Sorento?
The Pilot 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 Pilot 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.