2021 Kia Sorento vs the 2021 Ford Explorer

Which to Choose: the 2021 Kia Sorento or the 2021 Ford Explorer

The new 2021 Kia Sorento offers the versatility, modern comfort, and capable performance that you look for in a mid-size crossover. With everything from cutting-edge technology to a sleek appearance, the new Sorento is as remarkable on the outside as it is on the inside. Even with the Kia Sorento's impressive features and capabilities, there are still competitors like the new Ford Explorer. To give you a better sense of which SUV might meet your needs best, we have the Kia Sorento and Ford Explorer go head-to-head to compare their most important aspects. Consider our comparison of each model to see which suits you.

2021 Kia Sorento
vs.
2021 Ford Explorer

Both of these models are three-row mid-size SUVs that come with front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Explorer emphasizes on power and cargo space while the Sorento focuses on reliability, technology, and everyday practicality. Let's see how these two SUVs compare in each of the most important categories. PerformanceThe Explorer put its eggs in the performance basket with a standard 300-horsepower engine. The Sorento comes with a standard 191-horsepower engine and an available 281-horsepower engine. While the Explorer certainly puts an emphasis on power and performance, it doesn't offer as efficient capability as the powertrain underneath the hood of the Kia Sorento. The 2021 Sorento enjoys 24/29 mpg city/highway, better than the Explorer's 21/18 mpg city/highway.

Design

Looking for a spacious vehicle that can handle your busy, everyday driving experience? Both models are suited to offering you just that, but you might find the Kia Sorento is better suited for your second-row passengers. The Sorento offers more second-row legroom than the Explorer, providing a bit more room to stretch out. While both models also offer plenty of amenities, including heated front seats, power-adjustable front-row and sliding seats, and more, you'll need to spend quite a bit more to get them all with the Explorer. The Ford SUV's top trim costs nearly $14,000 more than the top of the line Kia Sorento.

Making the most of your drive should be a convenient experience no matter which SUV you find yourself in. If you're looking to add convenience from the start, the Kia Sorento offers plenty to explore. Its infotainment system comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, a match for the standard SYNC® infotainment system in the Ford Explorer. Both also offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration. However, the Kia Sorento holds an advantage when you upgrade trim levels. You will find a 10.25-inch screen, just larger than the available 10.1-inch screen in the Explorer. Of course, you will also be able to enjoy these features at a much more affordable cost. The base Sorento starts at $29,390 - almost $3,000 less than the Explorer. The Kia Sorento also offers Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, and Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian Detection - the Explorer won't offer these features with its base model.

Warranty

The Sorento nearly doubles the powertrain warranty of the Explorer with a 100,000-mile, 10-year warranty to the Explorer's 60,000-mile, 5-year warranty. The Sorento's warranty gives you the peace of mind that you need, knowing that your Sorento will have warranty coverage when you need it.

The Results

As you can see, there are areas where one SUV takes the lead over the other, but where it counts, and more consistently, the new 2021 Sorento delivers the features and capabilities that matter most. If you want to learn more about the impressive design of the new Sorento, schedule a test drive today!