BMW X3 vs. Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW X3 and 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 BMW X3 and the Kia Sorento.
When we compare the BMW X3's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. Based on this comparison of the BMW X3's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the BMW X3 is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Pricing: For a new model, the BMW X3's price is between $54,175 and $73,916, with the Kia Sorento priced between $33,869 and $48,765.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW X3 loses 53.9 percent of its value and the Kia Sorento loses 52.3 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sorento retains 1.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW X3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW X3 is 8.4 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the BMW X3 being ranked 2 out of 28 Best Luxury Small SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 11 out of 34 Best SUVs with 3 Rows.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW X3 is 7.7 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW X3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW X3’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the BMW X3 has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 4.90 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.51 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
54175 - 73916
Starting MSRP:
50900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
47438
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
24600 - 63100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33869 - 48765
Starting MSRP:
32190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
59368
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
57126 - 63354
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
51972
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
50800 - 55009
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
BMW X3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.9 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW X3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.0
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
15.0
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
12.0 - 16.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.065
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.0
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.8 - 11.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
BMW X3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 68Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
4 out of / 27Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
5 out of / 28Ranking
6 out of / 68Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
12 out of / 68Ranking
13 out of / 68Ranking
16 out of / 68Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 27Ranking
19 out of / 68Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
21 out of / 68Ranking
23 out of / 68Ranking
26 out of / 68Ranking
32 out of / 64Ranking
35 out of / 68Ranking
48 out of / 68Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 34Ranking
3 out of / 30Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
4 out of / 5Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 28Ranking
11 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 34Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
23 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 34Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 56Ranking
28 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 34Ranking
30 out of / 34Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
60 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW X3 Trim Levels
30 xDrive, M50 xDrive
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, X-Line EX, X-Line SX, X-Line SX Prestige, X-Pro SX-Prestige
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
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):
4.90 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.51 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.7 inches
Cargo Space:
31.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
67.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4176 lbs
Width:
83.9 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
187.2 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3814 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/50R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Dune Grey Metallic / Frozen Deep Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Not available
White
Glacial White Pearl
Silver
Everlasting Silver / Panthera Metal
Interior Colors
Beige
Calm Beige
Black
Black / Black/Atlas Grey
Brown
Amber/Atlas Grey / Espresso Brown
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
Brown
Not available
