VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
187hp @ 6100
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
1653lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the KIA Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Sorento returns 24 mpg est. while the Sportage uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,290 for the Sorento and $39,590 for the Sportage. 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
KIA SorentoEX FWD 2026 - From $38,290
KIA SportageX-Pro Prestige AWD 2026 - From $39,590
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
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.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
183.5in
Width (in)
74.8in
73.4in
Height (in)
66.7in
66.9in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3979lbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
1653lbs
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
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($38,290)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Sportage?
The Sorento gets 24 mpg est. and the Sportage gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sportage 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 Sportage?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Sportage?
The Sorento starts from $38,290 and the Sportage from $39,590. The Sorento is cheaper by $1,300 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Sportage?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Sportage can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Sportage?
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.