VS
At a Glance
Power
287hp @ 6400
281hp @ 5800
Torque
260lb-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 Hyundai Palisade and the KIA Sorento is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Palisade delivers 287hp @ 6400 while the KIA Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Palisade returns 22 mpg est. while the Sorento uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $54,560 for the Palisade and $39,790 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
Hyundai PalisadeCalligraphy FWD 2026 - From $54,560
KIA SorentoEX AWD 2026 - From $39,790
Performance
Power Output (hp)
287hp @ 6400
281hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
260lb-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
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
22 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
19mpg
20mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
25mpg
27mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
19gal
17.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
199.2in
189in
Width (in)
78in
74.8in
Height (in)
69.5in
66.7in
Wheelbase (in)
116.9in
110.8in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4420lbs
4211lbs
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
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Palisade
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Palisade
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Palisade
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($39,790)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Palisade or Sorento?
The Palisade 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 Palisade or Sorento?
The Palisade produces 287hp @ 6400 and 260lb-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 Palisade and Sorento?
The Palisade starts from $54,560 and the Sorento from $39,790. The Sorento is cheaper by $14,770 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Palisade or Sorento?
The Palisade 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 Palisade 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.