Ford Explorer vs. Kia Sorento
In comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Ford Explorer vs. Kia Sorento Pricing
A used 2023 Ford Explorer ranges from $39,544 to $58,993 while a used 2023 Kia Sorento is priced between $32,329 to $44,883. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,325 and $61,907, with the Kia Sorento priced between $31,807 and $46,039.
Ford Explorer vs. Kia Sorento Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 46.2 percent of its value and the Kia Sorento loses 48.5 percent of its value. This means the Ford Explorer retains 2.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sorento.
Ford Explorer vs. Kia Sorento Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.2 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 22 Best 7-Seater SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 8 out of 22. Out of 30 Best SUVs with 3 Rows, the Ford Explorer is ranked 6 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 11. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 7 out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 16 out of 31. The Ford Explorer is also ranked 10 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 25 out of 66.
Ford Explorer vs. Kia Sorento Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.6 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.0 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 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. This gives the Kia Sorento the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, both the Ford Explorer and the Kia Sorento have the same Top Safety Pick award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
40325 - 61907
Used Asking Price:
39544 - 58993
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.462204
Pricing
New Asking Price:
31807 - 46039
Used Asking Price:
32329 - 44883
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.48549
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.239555 / 10
Reliability:
8.618664 / 10
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.745714 / 10
Reliability:
8.047143 / 10
Retained Value:
6.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 13Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 66Ranking
2 out of / 22Ranking
3 out of / 56Ranking
3 out of / 13Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
4 out of / 30Ranking
4 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 56Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
5 out of / 22Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 30Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 22Ranking
7 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 56Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
9 out of / 66Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 56Ranking
10 out of / 30Ranking
10 out of / 25Ranking
10 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
11 out of / 31Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
12 out of / 31Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 27Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
16 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
20 out of / 56Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 26Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 49Ranking
46 out of / 58Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
57 out of / 66Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 58Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
58 out of / 66Summary 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
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line EX, X-Line S, X-Line 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
425 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.9 cubic feet
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:
4345 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3715 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted 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