Kia Sportage vs. Ford Explorer
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sportage and Ford Explorer 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 Sportage and the Ford Explorer.
When comparing the Kia Sportage's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage 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 and resale value. The Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of reliability, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sportage's and the Ford Explorer's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sportage is a better car than the Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2024 Kia Sportage ranges from $28,546 to $38,671 while a used 2024 Ford Explorer is priced between $39,237 to $59,113. For a new model, the Kia Sportage's price is between $29,294 and $39,594, with the Ford Explorer priced between $40,144 and $62,004.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sportage loses 42.2 percent of its value and the Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value. This means the Kia Sportage retains 5.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Kia Sportage is 8.2 out of 10 while the Ford Explorer's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Kia Sportage being ranked 12 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Ford Explorer being ranked 8 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Kia Sportage is 7.6 out of 10. For the Ford Explorer the reliability rating is 8.5 out of 10. This gives the Ford Explorer a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sportage’s base engine makes 187 horsepower, and the Ford Explorer base engine makes 300 horsepower. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 472 miles. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 501 miles.This gives the Kia Sportage the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Ford Explorer the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Sportage and the Ford Explorer have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Kia Sportage’s Top Safety Pick award.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
29294 - 39594
Starting MSRP:
27190
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27871
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23860 - 30300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40144 - 62004
Starting MSRP:
36860
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
37697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
33304
Price Range:
28546 - 38671
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
33244
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
29649 - 36546
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1170
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
21905
# Good or Great Deals:
447
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
47137
Price Range:
39237 - 59113
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
47563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
40678 - 66020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
991
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
24193
# Good or Great Deals:
445
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
11717
Depreciation %:
0.43092368
Resale Value $:
15473
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.42031495
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.29061823 - 0.47283242
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.4631145
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.27538997 - 0.53491193
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.157617 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.872852 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.692015 / 10
Reliability:
8.539089 / 10
Retained Value:
7.536956 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sportage
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.9 - 13.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
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:
0.195
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.69955417153766
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.8 - 18.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.20703426229247
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 18Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
18 out of / 56Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
47 out of / 67Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Summary 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.
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
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
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Kia Sportage Trim Levels
SX, SX-Prestige, X-Line, X-Pro, X-Pro Prestige, EX, LX
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
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 / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 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:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
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
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):
25 / 33 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
358 / 472 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
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
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
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
Quad Seats:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
39.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
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:
170.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3396 lbs
Width:
73.4 inches
Height:
65.4 inches
Length:
183.5 inches
Wheelbase:
108.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.1 inches
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
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Ebony Black / Fusion Black
Gray
Gravity Gray / Steel Gray
Silver
Everlasting Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl / Snow White Pearl
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Green
Forged Green
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Not available
Beige
Sandstone
