2020 Kia Sorento vs. 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2020 Kia Sorento and 2020 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2020 Kia Sorento and the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
When we compare the 2020 Kia Sorento's and the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the 2020 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. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2020 Kia Sorento's and the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder's specifications and ratings, the 2020 Kia Sorento is a better car than the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
Pricing: A used 2020 Kia Sorento ranges from $12,800 to $24,998 while a used 2020 Nissan Pathfinder is priced between $14,250 to $26,995.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2020 Kia Sorento loses 52.3 percent of its value and the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder loses 55.8 percent of its value. This means the 2020 Kia Sorento retains 3.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sorento is 7.8 out of 10 while the Nissan Pathfinder's quality rating is 8.4 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sorento being ranked 12 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Nissan Pathfinder being ranked 5 out of 33. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is ranked 15 and the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 4. The Kia Sorento is also ranked 28 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Nissan Pathfinder is ranked 11 out of 66.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sorento is 7.3 out of 10. For the Nissan Pathfinder the reliability rating is 7.7 out of 10. This gives the Nissan Pathfinder a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2020 Kia Sorento’s base engine makes 185 horsepower, and the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder base engine makes 284 horsepower. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles. The Pathfinder is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 527 miles. This gives the 2020 Kia Sorento the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2020 Kia Sorento has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more and front leg room. The 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder has higher safety ratings than the 2020 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.51 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
26990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
23675 - 36120
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
31980
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
30923
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
23675 - 36120
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
18284
Price Range:
12800 - 24998
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
24493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
15956 - 37674
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
589
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
91355
# Good or Great Deals:
293
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
20136
Price Range:
14250 - 26995
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
24493
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
15956 - 37674
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
477
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
92939
# Good or Great Deals:
235
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Nissan Pathfinder Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.1 - 11.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.1 - 11.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.21
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3730103178296846
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.0 - 35.5
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.9603942814327975
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.0 - 35.5
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 54Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Nissan Pathfinder Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 33Ranking
1 out of / 14Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 14Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 33Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 33Ranking
5 out of / 29Ranking
5 out of / 26Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
7 out of / 33Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 26Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 33Ranking
10 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 33Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 54Ranking
26 out of / 33Ranking
27 out of / 31Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 33Ranking
35 out of / 54Ranking
42 out of / 66Ranking
49 out of / 66Ranking
56 out of / 66Ranking
66 out of / 66Summary 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.
Summary Review
The three-row Nissan Pathfinder was redesigned for the 2022 model year. The new model features a more boxy facade, additional standard safety features, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, and a more premium interior that can now seat up to eight passengers. This much-needed makeover of the aging Pathfinder, after nearly a decade, will better position the midsize SUV in this competitive segment.
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
Pros and Cons
- “Right-sized” for this three-row segment (not huge, but certainly not small)
- Selectable modes to optimize optional AWD system
- Impressive suite of standard safety features
- Intuitive touchscreen infotainment system
- No green (hybrid/electric) version available
- Handling can be lackluster
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2020 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX V6, L, LX, LX V6, S V6, SX V6
2020 Nissan Pathfinder Trim Levels
Platinum, S, SL, SV
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.51 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
284 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
259 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
414 / 545 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
390 / 527 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
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:
11.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
73 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
165.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
60.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.4 inches
Cargo Space:
16.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
79.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
154 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3810 lbs
Width:
74.4 inches
Height:
66.3 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
109.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4287 lbs
Width:
77.3 inches
Height:
70.6 inches
Length:
198.5 inches
Wheelbase:
114.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P235/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Silver
Everlasting Silver / Sparkling Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Magnetic Black Pearl
Silver
Brilliant Silver Metallic
White
Glacier White
Blue
Caspian Blue Metallic
Gray
Gun Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Satin Black
Interior Colors
Black
Charcoal
