Kia Sorento S vs. SX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sorento S and Kia Sorento SX 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 Kia Sorento S and the Kia Sorento SX.
When comparing the Kia Sorento S's and the Kia Sorento SX's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento S has the advantage in the area of new vehicle base pricing. The Kia Sorento SX has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Kia Sorento S and Kia Sorento SX have the same interior volume, overall quality score Based on this comparison of the Kia Sorento S's and the Kia Sorento SX's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: For a new model, the Kia Sorento S's price is between $35,401 and $40,565, with the Kia Sorento SX priced between $40,978 and $44,460.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate, the Kia Sorento S and the Kia Sorento SX both lose 52.3 percent of their value.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sorento is 7.8 out of 10. Kia Sorento is ranked 12 out of 33 Best SUVs with 3 Rows based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. Out of 31 Best Midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is ranked 15 and the Kia Sorento is ranked 15 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings. The Kia Sorento is also ranked 28 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs while the Kia Sorento is ranked 28 out of 66 based on its reliability, retained value, and safety ratings.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Kia Sorento is 7.3 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sorento S’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the Kia Sorento SX base engine makes 281 horsepower.
Safety Ratings: The Kia Sorento has an average safety rating of 4.51 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
35401 - 40565
Starting MSRP:
35090
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
39270
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
32190 - 44750
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40978 - 44460
Starting MSRP:
42090
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:
(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:
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:
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.8 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 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 Kia Sorento S
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
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento SX
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
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 54Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 31Ranking
1 out of / 26Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
3 out of / 33Ranking
3 out of / 29Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
5 out of / 31Ranking
5 out of / 10Ranking
6 out of / 10Ranking
7 out of / 29Ranking
9 out of / 26Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
12 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 33Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
18 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 33Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
22 out of / 33Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
24 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 33Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
27 out of / 54Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 33Ranking
30 out of / 33Ranking
31 out of / 54Ranking
37 out of / 66Ranking
51 out of / 66Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX, X-Line EX, X-Line SX, X-Line SX Prestige, X-Pro SX-Prestige
Other Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, X-Line EX, X-Line SX, X-Line SX Prestige, X-Pro SX-Prestige
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):
4.51 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
281 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
311 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 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 / 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
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
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
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
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
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:
Standard
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.9 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:
3898 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.9 inches
Length:
189.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3979 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.9 inches
Length:
189.6 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:
235/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R20
