Kia Optima vs. Kia Sorento
When we compare the Kia Optima to the Kia Sorento, the Kia Optima has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and overall quality score. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The Kia Optima and Kia Sorento have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Optima versus the Kia Sorento, the Kia Optima is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Kia Optima vs. Kia Sorento Pricing
A used 2020 Kia Optima ranges from $16,798 to $25,899 while a used 2020 Kia Sorento is priced between $20,792 to $32,298.
Kia Optima vs. Kia Sorento Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Optima is 8.4 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 7.8 out of 10. This results in the Kia Optima being ranked 5 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars and the Kia Sorento being ranked 14 out of 25 Best Midsize SUVs.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the base engine of both the Kia Optima and the Kia Sorento makes 185 horsepower. The Optima is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 545 miles. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Kia Sorento, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Kia Optima, a midsize car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Optima and the Kia Sorento have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$16,798 - $25,899
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
43.2%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$20,792 - $32,298
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.5%
Kia Optima Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
6.7 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Optima Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
4 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 25Ranking
14 out of / 15Ranking
17 out of / 61Ranking
17 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 25Ranking
18 out of / 21Ranking
19 out of / 25Ranking
22 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 61Ranking
29 out of / 61Ranking
39 out of / 61Ranking
53 out of / 61Summary Review
Not yet available
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
Not yet 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
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Optima Trim Levels
EX, EX Premium, LX, S, Special Edition, SX Turbo
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX V6, L, LX, LX V6, S V6, SX V6
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:
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:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.057 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
45.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.4 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
104.8 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3230 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.3 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
205/65R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
