The Quick Answer
- Sorento wins on price: from $32,590 versus $42,395, and AWD from $37,490 versus $44,495.
- Pilot wins on space: eight seats on most trims, 32.5 in. of third-row legroom versus 29.6, and 18.6 cu ft behind the third row versus 12.6.
- Pilot wins on towing: 5,000 lbs with AWD versus up to 4,500 on the Sorento X-Pro.
- Sorento wins on mileage: 26 mpg combined (2.5L) or 23 (turbo) versus 21 to 22 for the Pilot, plus a 37-mpg hybrid Honda doesn't offer.
- Warranty: 10 years/100,000 miles on the Sorento powertrain versus 5 years/60,000 miles for the Pilot.
Sorento vs. Pilot: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sorento | 2026 Honda Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $32,590 (LX FWD) | $42,395 (Sport 2WD) |
| AWD from | $37,490 (S AWD) | $44,495 (Sport AWD) |
| Engine | 2.5L, 186 hp; 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft, 8-speed DCT | 3.5L V6, 285 hp / 262 lb-ft, 10-speed automatic |
| EPA combined | 26 (2.5L FWD); 25 (2.5L AWD); 23 (turbo) | 22 (2WD); 21 (AWD); 20 (TrailSport) |
| Hybrid / plug-in | Both available | Neither |
| Seats | 6 or 7 | 8 (TrailSport 7) |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs (X-Pro); 3,500 (turbo EX, X-Line) | 5,000 lbs (AWD); 3,500 (2WD) |
| 3rd-row legroom | 29.6 in. | 32.5 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd row / max | 12.6 / 38.5–45.0 / 75.5 cu ft | 18.6 / 48.5 / 87.0 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in. FWD; 8.2 in. AWD | 7.3 in. (TrailSport 8.3 in.) |
| Standard touchscreen | 12.3 in. | 12.3 in. with Google built-in |
| Length | 189.6 in. | 200.1 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,595 |
2027 Sorento data from Kia; 2026 Pilot data from Honda's September 2026 pricing release and 2026 specifications; Honda warranty terms from Edmunds. As of October 2026, Honda has not announced a 2027 Pilot. MSRP excludes destination. EPA estimates; actual results vary. Honda cargo figures are its standard (SAE) measurements.
Price and Value
The Sorento starts $9,805 below the Pilot and $7,005 below with AWD. At the Pilot's AWD entry price, a Sorento X-Line SX ($44,290) brings the turbo, dual 12.3-in. displays, a 360-degree camera, ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof.
Honda includes more as standard on its base Sport: Google built-in, a power tailgate, adaptive cruise and blind-spot information. The Sorento LX includes Smart Cruise with Stop & Go and blind-spot collision warning, and adds a power liftgate on the EX.
Power and Fuel Economy
The Pilot's 285-hp V6 makes 11 more horsepower than the Sorento turbo, but the Sorento makes 49 lb-ft more torque, available from 1,700 rpm, which helps on mountain grades.
The Sorento turbo is rated 23 mpg combined versus 21 for an AWD Pilot, and the 2.5L Sorento 26. Honda doesn't offer a hybrid Pilot; the Sorento Hybrid gets 37 mpg with FWD and 34 with AWD.
Space and Seating
The Pilot is 10.5 in. longer, and it's the roomier family hauler. It seats eight on every trim except the TrailSport, its third row has 2.9 in. more legroom, and it has 6 cu ft more behind the third row and 11.5 cu ft more max cargo.
The Sorento seats six or seven, with 41.7 in. of second-row legroom versus the Pilot's 40.8. If you rarely use the third row, the Sorento's smaller size is easier to live with. If you need eight seats or adult-sized third-row room, look at the Pilot or our own Telluride.
Off-Road Trims: Sorento X-Pro vs. Pilot TrailSport
| Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige | Pilot TrailSport | |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $47,990 | $50,595 |
| Ground clearance | 8.2 in. | 8.3 in. |
| Tires | All-terrain | All-terrain |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Extras | Leather, HDA 2, Digital Key 2.0, heated 2nd-row seats | Steel skid plates, full-size spare, standard hitch, Trail Torque Logic |
Kia and Honda specifications as of October 2026.
The TrailSport is the more trail-ready of the two; the X-Pro costs $2,605 less and comes with Kia's full Prestige luxury and tech features.
Warranty
Kia covers the Sorento for 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner. Honda covers the Pilot for 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles.
Where the Pilot Wins
An honest comparison names the Honda's advantages:
- Eight seats on most trims and a roomier third row.
- More cargo space behind every row.
- 5,000 lbs of towing with AWD.
- A smooth V6 with a little more horsepower.
- Google built-in and a power tailgate on every trim.
- The TrailSport's skid plates and full-size spare.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sorento if…
You want the lower price, better mileage, a hybrid or plug-in option, a size that's easier to park or the longer warranty.
Choose the Pilot if…
You need eight seats, adult-sized third-row room, maximum cargo or 5,000 lbs of towing, and the higher price fits your budget.
Compare the Sorento at Emich Kia
We stock the Sorento, Sorento Hybrid and Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. Bring your Pilot quote and we'll compare equipment line by line.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Sorento vs. Pilot: FAQ
Is the Honda Pilot bigger than the Kia Sorento?
Yes. The Pilot is 10.5 inches longer, seats up to eight and has 32.5 inches of third-row legroom versus 29.6, plus 87.0 cubic feet of max cargo versus 75.5.
Which is cheaper, the Sorento or the Pilot?
The Sorento, by a lot: it starts at $32,590 versus $42,395 for the Pilot, and at $37,490 versus $44,495 with AWD.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Sorento. Its 2.5L is rated 26 mpg combined and its turbo 23, versus 21 to 22 for the Pilot. The Sorento Hybrid gets up to 37 mpg; there is no Pilot hybrid.
How much can the Sorento and Pilot tow?
The Pilot tows 5,000 lbs with AWD and 3,500 with 2WD. The Sorento tows 4,500 lbs on the X-Pro SX Prestige and 3,500 lbs on turbo EX and X-Line trims.
How many seats do the Sorento and Pilot have?
The Pilot seats eight on every trim except the seven-seat TrailSport. The Sorento seats seven with a bench or six with captain's chairs.
Which has the better warranty?
The Sorento: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain, versus 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles for the Pilot.
Drive the 2027 Sorento
Shop the Sorento in stock at Emich Kia, then drive one back to back with the Pilot.
Shop Sorento View Sorento Specials