VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
284hp @ 6400
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
259lb-ft @ 4800
Fuel
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
6000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
3.5 L/213ci
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Nissan Pathfinder produces 284hp @ 6400. On fuel, the Sorento returns 24 mpg est. while the Pathfinder uses 22 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $39,790 for the Sorento and $51,400 for the Pathfinder. 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)
281hp @ 5800
284hp @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
259lb-ft @ 4800
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
3.5 L/213ci
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
22 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
20 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
25 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
18.5gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
197.7in
Width (in)
74.8in
77.9in
Height (in)
66.7in
70.9in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
114.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4211lbs
4641lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
6000lbs
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
Pathfinder
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Pathfinder
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (24 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($39,790)
Few notable weaknesses
Nissan Pathfinder
Higher towing capacity (6000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (22 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Pathfinder?
The Sorento gets 24 mpg est. and the Pathfinder gets 22 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 Sorento or Pathfinder?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Pathfinder delivers 284hp @ 6400 and 259lb-ft @ 4800 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Pathfinder?
The Sorento starts from $39,790 and the Pathfinder from $51,400. The Sorento is cheaper by $11,610 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Pathfinder?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Pathfinder can tow 6000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Pathfinder?
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.