The Quick Answer
- Sorento for value: from $32,590 versus $39,190, and AWD from $37,490 versus $44,090.
- Telluride for space: 32.1 in. of third-row legroom versus 29.6, 22.3 cu ft behind the third row versus 12.6, and up to eight seats versus seven.
- Same turbo engine: both offer a 274-hp 2.5L turbo. The Sorento turbo is rated 23 mpg combined; the Telluride 20 to 22.
- Towing: 5,000 lbs on every gas Telluride versus up to 4,500 on the Sorento X-Pro.
- Electrified: both offer a hybrid; only the Sorento offers a plug-in hybrid.
Sorento vs. Telluride: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sorento | 2027 Kia Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $32,590 (LX FWD) | $39,190 (LX FWD) |
| AWD from | $37,490 (S AWD) | $44,090 (S AWD) |
| Seats | 6 or 7 | 7 or 8 |
| Engines | 2.5L, 186 hp (LX, S); 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft (EX and up) | 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft (all gas trims) |
| EPA combined (gas) | 26 (2.5L FWD); 23 (turbo) | 22 FWD; 20 AWD; 19 X-Pro |
| Hybrid | From $39,090; 232 hp; 37 mpg FWD / 34 AWD | From $46,490; 329 hp; 35 mpg FWD / 31 AWD |
| Plug-in hybrid | Yes | No |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs (X-Pro); 3,500 (turbo EX, X-Line) | 5,000 lbs (every gas trim, with Towing Package) |
| 3rd-row legroom | 29.6 in. | 32.1 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd row / max | 12.6 / 38.5–45.0 / 75.5 cu ft | 22.3 / 48.7 / 89.3 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in. FWD; 8.2 in. AWD | 7.4 in. (X-Pro 9.1 in.) |
| Length | 189.6 in. | 199.2 in. |
| Off-road trim | X-Pro SX Prestige, $47,990 | X-Pro SX, $53,690 |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K |
Kia specifications and MSRP as of October 2026, excluding destination ($1,495 Sorento, $1,545 Telluride). EPA estimates; actual mileage varies. Kia's Telluride cargo figures include the space under the cargo floor.
Size and Space
The Telluride is 9.6 in. longer, and you notice it in the back: 2.5 in. more third-row legroom, nearly twice the cargo space behind the third row and about 14 cu ft more with both rear rows folded. Adults can ride in the Telluride's third row on longer trips; the Sorento's is best for kids.
The Sorento's smaller footprint is easier in tight garages and downtown parking, and its second row has 41.7 in. of legroom, which Kia rates as class-leading. Both offer second-row captain's chairs; only the Telluride offers eight seats. See every Kia with captain chairs.
At About the Same Price
Around $43,000 to $44,000, you're choosing between a loaded Sorento and an entry AWD Telluride:
| Sorento X-Line SX AWD ($44,290) | Telluride S AWD ($44,090) | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 6 | 7 |
| Engine | 274-hp turbo | 274-hp turbo |
| Highlights | Dual 12.3-in. displays, Surround View Monitor, ventilated front seats, heated wheel, panoramic sunroof, Bose audio | 20-in. wheels, heated front seats, power sunroof, smart power liftgate, Highway Driving Assist |
| Max towing | 3,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Same engine and price: the Sorento gives you more features, the Telluride more room and towing.
Power, Fuel Economy and Towing
- Same turbo: 274 hp and 311 lb-ft in both. The lighter Sorento is rated 23 mpg combined versus 20 to 22 for the Telluride.
- Hybrids: the Telluride Hybrid makes 329 hp and tows 4,500 lbs; the Sorento Hybrid makes 232 hp, tows 2,000 lbs and gets better mileage (34 vs. 31 mpg with AWD).
- Plug-in: only the Sorento offers one. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid drives about 30 miles on electricity.
- Towing: every gas Telluride tows 5,000 lbs with the Towing Package. The Sorento tows 3,500 lbs on turbo EX and X-Line trims and 4,500 on the X-Pro.
Colorado Driving and Off-Road Trims
- Telluride X-Pro: 9.1 in. of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip differential and a center diff lock, from $53,690.
- Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige: all-terrain tires and 8.2 in. of clearance with 4,500 lbs of towing, for $47,990.
- AWD with Terrain Mode is available on both. On regular AWD trims, the Sorento sits higher (8.2 vs. 7.4 in.).
- Tax savings: the gas Sorento and every Telluride are U.S.-assembled and can qualify for the car loan interest deduction.
Where the Telluride Wins
Where the bigger Kia comes out ahead:
- A roomier third row (32.1 vs. 29.6 in.) and far more cargo space behind it.
- Up to eight seats.
- 5,000 lbs of towing on every gas trim.
- The 274-hp turbo on every gas trim, including the base LX.
- A more capable X-Pro with 9.1 in. of clearance and a locking center differential.
- A more powerful hybrid (329 hp) that tows 4,500 lbs.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sorento if…
You want three rows for less money, use the third row mainly for kids, want the best mileage or a plug-in hybrid, or need something easier to park.
Choose the Telluride if…
Adults ride in the third row, you need eight seats or 5,000 lbs of towing, or you want the most space for road trips.
Drive Both at Emich Kia
The Telluride and Sorento are two of our best-stocked models, including hybrid, X-Line and X-Pro trims, so you can sit in both third rows in one visit.
- 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. Telluride: FAQ
What's the difference between the Kia Sorento and Telluride?
The Telluride is the larger SUV: 9.6 inches longer, with up to eight seats, a roomier third row and 5,000 lbs of towing. The Sorento costs $6,600 less to start, is easier to park, gets better mileage and offers a plug-in hybrid.
Is the Sorento third row big enough for adults?
It's best for kids and short trips, with 29.6 inches of legroom. The Telluride's third row has 32.1 inches and is more comfortable for adults.
Do the Sorento and Telluride have the same engine?
Both offer the same 274-hp, 311 lb-ft 2.5L turbo. It's standard on every gas Telluride and on the Sorento EX and up; the Sorento LX and S use a 186-hp 2.5L.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Sorento. Its turbo is rated 23 mpg combined versus 20 to 22 for the Telluride, and the Sorento Hybrid gets up to 37 mpg versus 35 for the Telluride Hybrid.
Which tows more?
The Telluride: 5,000 lbs on every gas trim with the Towing Package. The Sorento tows up to 4,500 lbs on the X-Pro SX Prestige.
How much more is a Telluride than a Sorento?
$6,600 to start ($39,190 vs. $32,590) and $6,600 with AWD ($44,090 vs. $37,490).
Compare the Sorento and Telluride in Person
Shop both in stock at Emich Kia in Denver.
Shop Sorento Shop Telluride