Kia Sorento vs. Jeep Liberty
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sorento and Jeep Liberty 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 and the Jeep Liberty.
In comparing the Kia Sorento's and the Jeep Liberty's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and interior volume. The Jeep Liberty has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sorento's and the Jeep Liberty's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento is a better car than the Jeep Liberty.
Pricing: A used 2012 Kia Sorento ranges from $4,995 to $13,997 while a used 2012 Jeep Liberty is priced between $5,422 to $13,857.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sorento’s base engine makes 175 horsepower, and the Jeep Liberty base engine makes 210 horsepower. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles. The Liberty is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 429 miles. This gives the Kia Sorento the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Jeep Liberty. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Sorento has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room and rear shoulder room. The Jeep Liberty has the advantage in the areas of front head room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: The Kia Sorento has an average safety rating of 4.49 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$21,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,219
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$18,995 - $32,835
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,395
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$22,664
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$18,500 - $26,115
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$9,018
Price Range:
$4,995 - $13,997
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$11,614
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$7,775 - $18,747
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
119
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
134,163
# Good or Great Deals:
37
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$9,214
Price Range:
$5,422 - $13,857
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$10,858
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$8,363 - $25,397
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
213
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
124,877
# Good or Great Deals:
52
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Jeep Liberty Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Liberty
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.4 - 15.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.5 - 23.4
Kia 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 / 67Jeep Liberty Rankings
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
Base, EX, LX, SX
Jeep Liberty Trim Levels
Arctic, Jet Edition, Latitude, Limited, Sport
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:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
2 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
169 foot-lbs @ 3750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1650 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
210 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
235 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
2000 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.7 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
312 / 429 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Bench Seats:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
9.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
151.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.6 inches
Cargo Space:
26.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
62.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
126.7 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
74.2 inches
Height:
67.3 inches
Length:
183.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4076 lbs
Width:
72.3 inches
Height:
70.2 inches
Length:
176.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/75R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black
Silver
Bright Silver
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Silver
Bright Silver Metallic Clear Coat
Blue
True Blue Pearl Coat / Winter Chill Pearl Coat
Brown
Canyon Brown Pearl Coat
Gray
Mineral Gray Metallic Clear Coat
Green
Black Forest Green Pearl Coat / Natural Green Pearl Coat / Rescue Green Metallic Clear Coat
Red
Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Interior Colors
Gray
Gray
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Slate Gray
Beige
Pastel Pebble Beige
