
The redesigned version of the Kia Sorento that made its debut this past year is quite different than previous models; here, the Korean automaker targeted German luxury crossovers, plus the Jeep Grand Cherokee for its on-road manners, and for the entire group's refinement and feel of solidity.
The mission was successful, as the Sorento emulates the look and feel of most of these vehicles, with a far more mature, refined ride and well-detailed interior.
Compared to the Sorento, the Toyota Highlander feels busier and less refined from inside, as well as somewhat less responsive, and its odd truck-like aesthetic (despite its carlike driving manners) can be off-putting.
The Honda Pilot was also completely new this past year and makes a little more use of its space, with three rows of seating and some awesome versatility for cargo and gear.
The Hyundai Santa Fe is a close cousin, sharing much of the Sorento’s underpinnings.
The Ford Edge sticks with a five-seat layout, with an emphasis on performance and technology.
The Nissan Murano is an almost polar opposite of the Sorento, as it appeals to empty-nester adults rather than families, with bigger, better contoured second-row seats and more of an emphasis on comfort as much for those in back as for the driver.
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Quick Specs | |||||
The 2017 Kia Sorento stays true to its high-value roots, but it's grown up in refinement and comfort. |
The 2017 Ford Edge skips third-row seats for better road manners, but it could stand a round of comfort and safety upgrades. |
The 2017 Honda Pilot is a capable, refined crossover SUV with all the goodness of a minivan, save for the sliding doors. |
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a benchmark SUV; it's a luxury vehicle, a talented off-roader, a scalding-hot track runner, and a family wagon extraordinaire. |
The 2017 Nissan Murano is smooth and polished—and that may be just the ticket for buyers who want a high seating position and the availability of all-wheel drive. |
The Toyota Highlander gets a stronger, more responsive powertrain for 2017, but the main strengths are the ride quality, the cabin refinement, and the space for eight. |
MSRP From | |||||
$25,600 | $28,950 | $30,745 | $30,395 | $29,740 | $30,630 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
17 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 13 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 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 SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Standard SUV 2WD | Midsize Station Wagons | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
L FWD | SE FWD | LX 2WD | 75th Anniversary Edition 4x2 *Ltd Avail* | FWD S | LE I4 FWD (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 | |||||
2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Ford Edge | 2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Honda Pilot | 2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Nissan Murano | 2017 Kia Sorento vs. 2017 Toyota Highlander |