
In developing this generation of the Kia Sorento, the Korean automaker targeted German luxury crossovers, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, for its road manners (if not all of the Jeep’s off-road abilities), and for their refinement and feel of solidity.
And it shows; they were successful in emulating them, and in giving the Sorento a much more mature, refined ride and interior.
The Highlander feels busier and less refined from inside, as well as somewhat less responsive, and its odd truck-like layout (even though it’s a more carlike crossover) can be off-putting.
On the other hand, the Ford Edge is an excellent five-seat crossover, and this year’s redesign looks poised to bring this model even more of a performance and technology emphasis.
The Honda Pilot is a boxy design counterpoint to the Sorento, and while its upright body makes sense for packaging it’s not nearly as refined or pleasant riding as the Kia.
And finally, among non-luxury brands, the Nissan Murano is an almost polar opposite of the Sorento, and an interesting contrast.
While the Sorento might be good for families, the Murano caters to adults, with bigger, better contoured second-row seats and more of an emphasis on comfort as much for those in back as for the driver.
The one other rival that can’t be omitted is the Hyundai Santa Fe, a model that’s a close cousin, sharing much of the Sorento’s underpinnings.
Get FREE Dealer Quotes
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Quick Specs | |||||
The 2016 Kia Sorento grows a little bit larger, and grows up a lot. |
The 2016 Ford Edge has everything you might want in a tech-focused, stylish crossover—as long as you don't require third-row seating or a luxury badge. |
The 2016 Honda Pilot has axed its hard edges: it's once again a smooth, capable family wagon, one that raises the bar for refinement. |
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a lot more than first appearances might suggest: a true luxury vehicle, a capable off-roader, and a fuel-efficient diesel highway hauler—potentially all in the same build. |
Smooth, quiet and comfortable, the 2016 Nissan Murano is a stylish choice for empty-nesters who aren't concerned with sportiness or off-road capability. |
The 2016 Toyota Highlander isn't all that exciting to look at or to drive, but it's very versatile and handsome enough to be a great minivan alternative. |
MSRP From | |||||
$25,100 | $28,700 | $30,345 | $29,995 | $29,740 | $30,490 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded V-6 | Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Mid-Size Station Wagon | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door 2.4L L | 4-Door SE FWD | 2WD 4-Door LX | RWD 4-Door 75th Anniversary | FWD 4-Door S | FWD 4-Door I4 LE (GS) |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 8 | 5 | 5 | 8 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | CVT w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Kia Sorento vs. 2016 Ford Edge | 2016 Kia Sorento vs. 2016 Honda Pilot | 2016 Kia Sorento vs. 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2016 Kia Sorento vs. 2016 Nissan Murano | 2016 Kia Sorento vs. 2016 Toyota Highlander |