2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Ford Explorer and 2018 Kia Sorento contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Ford Explorer and the 2018 Kia Sorento.
When we compare the 2018 Ford Explorer's and the 2018 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2018 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Ford Explorer's and the 2018 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Kia Sorento is a better car than the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Explorer ranges from $14,999 to $28,892 while a used 2018 Kia Sorento is priced between $12,721 to $22,998.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2018 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Kia Sorento retains 0 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 17 out of 32. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 23. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 8 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows while the Kia Sorento is ranked 15 out of 39.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the 2018 Kia Sorento base engine makes 185 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 526 miles. This gives the 2018 Kia Sorento the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2018 Kia Sorento has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front leg room and cargo space. The 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,806
Price Range:
$14,999 - $28,892
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,212
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
89,833
# Good or Great Deals:
564
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$17,479
Price Range:
$12,721 - $22,998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
297
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
90,987
# Good or Great Deals:
128
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 39Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2018 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
2018 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, EX V6, L, LX, LX V6, SX Limited V6, SX V6
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
395 / 526 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Cargo Space:
38.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
185.2 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3704 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
187.4 inches
Wheelbase:
109.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Blue
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Not available
Silver
Sparkling Silver / Titanium Silver
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Stone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Satin Black
