Chevrolet Traverse vs. Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Chevrolet Traverse 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 Chevrolet Traverse and the Kia Sorento.
When comparing the Chevrolet Traverse's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Traverse 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 Chevrolet Traverse's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Chevrolet Traverse is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Pricing: For a new model, the Chevrolet Traverse's price is between $38,942 and $57,706, with the Kia Sorento priced between $33,955 and $48,990.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Chevrolet Traverse loses 49.2 percent of its value and the Kia Sorento loses 47.6 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 Chevrolet Traverse.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 8.4 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Chevrolet Traverse being ranked 13 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Chevrolet Traverse is ranked 15 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 17. The Chevrolet Traverse is also ranked 20 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 23 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Chevrolet Traverse is 8.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Chevrolet Traverse a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Chevrolet Traverse’s base engine makes 328 horsepower, and the Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Chevrolet Traverse has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 4.81 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$38,942 - $57,706
Starting MSRP:
$37,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,955 - $48,990
Starting MSRP:
$31,990
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3,276
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
50
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$40,678
Price Range:
$33,353 - $48,742
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4,292
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
167
# Good or Great Deals:
7
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$18,794
Depreciation %:
50%
Resale Value $:
$18,806
Residual Value %:
50%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$15,421
Depreciation %:
48.2%
Resale Value $:
$16,569
Residual Value %:
51.8%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
Chevrolet Traverse Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
9.6 / 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 Chevrolet Traverse
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.6
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
7.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Chevrolet Traverse Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 39Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
3 out of / 67Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 27Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 34Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 21Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 18Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 31Ranking
32 out of / 39Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 59Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
61 out of / 67Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
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 / 10Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 6Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
23 out of / 31Ranking
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 Chevy Traverse is a roomy three-row crossover SUV with room for up to eight passengers. The Traverse is Chevrolet’s third most popular model and a top seller in the segment.
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
- Roomy for the segment
- High NHTSA safety rating
- Powerful V6 engine
- Older model years may lack safety systems taken for granted in this segment
- Adaptive Cruise Control remains an option
- No green powertrain available
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
Chevrolet Traverse Trim Levels
LS, LT, RS, Z71
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:
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):
4.81 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
328 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
326 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
Not yet available
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:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / 4X4
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):
23 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
407 / 549 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot 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
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Backup camera:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot 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
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Backup camera:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
42.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
62.2 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
97.6 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:
Not yet available
Width:
87.9 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
204.5 inches
Wheelbase:
121 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.8 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:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Mosaic Black Metallic
Blue
Lakeshore Blue Metallic
Gray
Sterling Gray Metallic
White
Summit White
Red
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray
White
Glacial White Pearl
Red
Dawning Red
Silver
Everlasting Silver
Interior Colors
Black
Jet Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
