2016 Kia Sorento vs. Its Competition

Bengt Halvorson Senior Editor

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.