Honda Pilot vs. Kia Sorento
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot and the Kia Sorento.
When comparing the Honda Pilot's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot 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 and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. Based on this comparison of the Honda Pilot's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Honda Pilot is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Pricing: A used 2025 Honda Pilot ranges from $41,454 to $54,880 while a used 2024 Kia Sorento is priced between $33,353 to $48,742. For a new model, the Honda Pilot's price is between $43,623 and $56,129, 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 Honda Pilot loses 43.6 percent of its value and the Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the Honda Pilot retains 3.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sorento.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Honda Pilot is 8.7 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Honda Pilot being ranked 10 out of 39 Best SUVs with 3 Rows and the Kia Sorento being ranked 15 out of 39. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Honda Pilot is ranked 11 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 23. The Honda Pilot is also ranked 11 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 17 out of 32.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Honda Pilot is 9.2 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Honda Pilot an advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Honda Pilot’s base engine makes 285 horsepower, and the Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Honda Pilot has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Honda Pilot 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.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$43,623 - $56,129
Starting MSRP:
$39,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,763
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$39,625 - $39,900
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:
$47,417
Price Range:
$41,454 - $54,880
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,417
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,417 - $47,417
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
11,316
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
127
# Good or Great Deals:
79
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:
1,944
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
1,331
# Good or Great Deals:
122
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$17,844
Depreciation %:
44.7%
Resale Value $:
$22,056
Residual Value %:
55.3%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
47.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
44.7% - 48.5%
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%
Honda Pilot Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
9.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 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 Honda Pilot
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
11.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.1 - 11.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
69.9%
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:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
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
Honda Pilot Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
4 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 39Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 17Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 39Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 28Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
26 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 59Kia 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 Honda Pilot is one of America’s favorite three-row family vehicles. All but two trim levels offer seating for eight passengers, though many buyers opt for the 7-passenger configuration with two large captain's chairs in the second row.
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
- Seating for up to 8 in almost every trim
- Family-friendly features galore
- Among the largest interior volume and cargo capacity of this segment’s SUVs
- One of the most “made-in-America” models in this segment (Alabama)
- No green (hybrid/electric) powertrain option 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
Honda Pilot Trim Levels
Black Edition, Elite, EX-L, Sport, Touring, TrailSport
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:
3 years / 36000 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
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:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 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
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:
285 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
262 foot-lbs @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 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:
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):
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
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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:
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:
41 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.7 inches
Cargo Space:
18.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
177.0 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:
4313 lbs
Width:
78.5 inches
Height:
71 inches
Length:
199.9 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.3 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:
20.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/50R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Pearl
Blue
Obsidian Blue Pearl
Gray
Sonic Gray Pearl
Red
Radiant Red Metallic II
Silver
Lunar Silver Metallic
White
Platinum White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Blue
Not available
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Dawning Red
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black