Image “Kia Sportage 2.o LX Special Pack 2019” by RL GNZLZ, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
Slotted between the Niro and the all-new Telluride, the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento are two midsize crossovers that combine aesthetics, convenience, and versatility into one complete package. Similar in outward appearance and close in size, it’s difficult to tell the two apart at a glance. However, these two crossovers each offer their own set of perks that will entice different types of buyers. If you’re on the ropes about which one to buy, here’s a quick breakdown of Kia’s two compelling crossovers.
Interior
The interiors of both the Sportage and the Sorento come well-appointed, offering sumptuous features at the high end and nice standard specs at the entry level. The Sportage touts comfortable cloth seating and leatherette accents at the base level, while the Sorento evens the battle with the same features. Upper trims also get leather-trimmed seating, heated front seats, a power sunroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Cargo Space
The slightly larger 2019 Kia Sorento gets the edge in terms of cargo space and passenger capacity. With 73 cubic feet of total cargo, you can pack more than the 60.3 cubic feet afforded by the Sportage. The Sorento also has standard third-row seating, allowing you to haul up to seven passengers compared to five for the Sportage.
Tech Features
Tech features are rampant in both the Sportage and the Sorento, providing a virtual stalemate in terms of extras. A standard 7-inch touch screen on the Sorento outpaces the 5-inch on the Sportage, but upper trims of the Sportage upgrade to a 7-inch if you prefer. Another bonus of the Sorento’s entry-level option is that it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, while you’d have to go with the mid-tier Sportage for such an option. On all trims, you’ll still get a six-speaker audio system, power windows and locks, and a rear camera display.
Safety
With a bevy of driver-assist safety features, both the 2019 Kia Sorento and the 2019 Kia Sportage earn a perfect five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the Sorento goes one step further courtesy of a Top Safety Pick Plus nod from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Engine and Fuel Economy
If you’re searching for fuel economy, stick with the Sportage. With either the turbocharged 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter engine options, you’ll get up to 30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. The turbo-four doles out an impressive 240 horsepower, while the 2.4-liter option nets 181 horsepower.
The 2019 Sorento comes with a standard 2.4-liter engine that supplies 185 horsepower and up to 29 mpg on the highway, but the real winner is the 3.3-liter V-6. With this at the helm, the Sorento gets 26 mpg on the highway, but with 290 horsepower, you’ll feel the difference in power.
Whether you choose the Sportage or the Sorento is completely dependent on your own preferences. Either way, you’re getting a vehicle that’s among the best in the segment. From the alluring, flashy style of the Sportage to the spacious Sorento, these vehicles have everything you need for a road trip, commute, or family holiday.
Image “Kia Sportage 2.o LX Special Pack 2019” by RL GNZLZ, used under CC BY-SA 2.0
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.