2014 Kia Sorento vs. Its Competition

Martin Padgett Editorial Director

The Kia Sorento is a tweener--it offers a third-row seat, but in overall interior space, it has more in common with many five-passenger crossovers.

So while you're taking a look at the Sorento, you'll want to consider a couple of other alternatives, starting with the Hyundai Santa Fe, a mechanical cousin of the Sorento, built alongside it in Georgia (or in South Korea, if you're looking at the three-row model).

The Santa Fe comes with four- or six-cylinder engines, depending on body style, but lacks the Sorento's blind-spot monitor option.

The Dodge Journey cuts an even smaller profile than the Sorento, but has some inventive storage solutions under its seats and some excellent infotainment features on its options list.

The Ford Explorer crosses from the SUV to crossover worlds as successfully as the Sorento, with a super turbo V-6 version subbing in for the former V-8 option.

Among the other possibilities, we like the Toyota Venza's sporty look and tighter-than-expected handling, and we're disappointed by the Honda Pilot's bulky styling and poorly trimmed dash.