The Quick Answer
- The third row is the big difference: the Sorento seats six or seven; the Sportage seats five.
- Sportage for value and mileage: from $28,990 versus $32,590, and 28 mpg combined (FWD) versus 26. The Sportage Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg; the Sorento Hybrid up to 37.
- Sorento for power and towing: a 274-hp turbo on the EX and up, and up to 4,500 lbs of towing on the X-Pro versus 2,500 for the Sportage.
- Cargo is closer than you'd think: with the Sorento's third row folded, it has 38.5 to 45.0 cu ft versus 39.6 in the Sportage; max cargo is 75.5 versus 74.1.
- Both come as gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Every gas Sorento and most gas Sportages are assembled in the U.S.
Sportage vs. Sorento: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sportage | 2027 Kia Sorento | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,990 (LX FWD) | $32,590 (LX FWD) |
| AWD from | $30,790 (LX AWD) | $37,490 (S AWD) |
| Seats | 5 | 6 or 7 |
| Engines | 2.5L, 187 hp / 178 lb-ft | 2.5L, 186 hp / 178 lb-ft (LX, S); 2.5L turbo, 274 hp / 311 lb-ft (EX and up) |
| EPA combined | 28 FWD; 26 AWD | 26 FWD (2.5L); 25 AWD (2.5L); 23 turbo |
| Hybrid | From $30,590; 232 hp; up to 41 mpg | From $39,090; 232 hp; up to 37 mpg |
| Max towing | 2,500 lbs | 4,500 lbs (X-Pro); 3,500 lbs (EX, X-Line) |
| 2nd-row legroom | 41.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| 3rd-row legroom | – | 29.6 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 39.6 / 74.1 cu ft | 38.5–45.0 / 75.5 cu ft (12.6 behind 3rd row) |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in. FWD; 8.3 in. AWD | 6.9 in. FWD; 8.2 in. AWD |
| Length | 184.4 in. | 189.6 in. |
| Off-road trim | X-Pro Prestige, $39,890 | X-Pro SX Prestige, $47,990 |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K |
Kia specifications and MSRP as of October 2026, excluding the $1,495 destination charge. EPA estimates; actual mileage varies. Towing requires additional equipment.
At About the Same Price
For roughly $37,500 to $38,500 you can have a well-equipped Sportage or an entry-level AWD Sorento:
| Sportage SX Prestige AWD ($38,390) | Sorento S AWD ($37,490) | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Engine | 187-hp 2.5L | 186-hp 2.5L |
| Highlights | Ventilated front seats, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Digital Key 2.0, Harman Kardon audio | Third row, heated SynTex seats, 10-way power driver's seat, dual-zone climate, AWD with Terrain Mode |
| Max towing | 2,500 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
If you'll use the third row, the Sorento is the better buy. If you won't, the Sportage gives you more features for the money.
Space and Seating
The Sorento is 5.2 in. longer and adds a third row with 29.6 in. of legroom, best for kids and short trips. Its second row has 41.7 in. of legroom, which Kia rates as class-leading; the Sportage's rear seat is close at 41.3 in.
With the third row folded, the two carry about the same: 38.5 to 45.0 cu ft behind the Sorento's second row versus 39.6 in the Sportage. If you mostly carry five people and gear, the Sportage does the job in a smaller, easier-to-park package. The captain chairs guide shows which Sorentos seat six.
Power, Fuel Economy and Towing
- Base engines match: both use a non-turbo 2.5L with 186 to 187 hp. The gas Sportage is rated 2 mpg better with FWD and 1 mpg better with AWD.
- The Sorento's turbo (EX and up) adds 87 hp and 133 lb-ft, a big help on I-70 grades and when the car is full. It's rated 23 mpg combined.
- Hybrids: the Sportage Hybrid gets 41 mpg FWD and 35 AWD; the Sorento Hybrid 37 and 34. Both make 232 hp and tow 2,000 lbs.
- Towing: 2,500 lbs for the Sportage; 3,500 for turbo EX and X-Line Sorentos with towing equipment and 4,500 for the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige.
Colorado Driving
- Both offer AWD with Terrain Mode and about 8.2 to 8.3 in. of ground clearance with AWD.
- X-Pro trims: the Sportage X-Pro Prestige ($39,890) and Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige ($47,990) both add all-terrain tires. The Sorento's turbo and 4,500-lb rating make it the better trailer and camper hauler.
- Tax savings: the gas Sorento and most gas Sportages are U.S.-assembled and can qualify for the car loan interest deduction.
Where the Sorento Wins
Where the bigger Kia comes out ahead:
- A third row, for six or seven seats.
- A 274-hp turbo on the EX and up.
- Up to 4,500 lbs of towing on the X-Pro SX Prestige.
- Slightly more second-row legroom and max cargo space.
- Captain's chairs available.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sportage if…
You carry five or fewer, want the lower price and better mileage, or want a smaller SUV that's easier to park.
Choose the Sorento if…
You need a third row even occasionally, tow more than 2,500 lbs, or want turbo power for the mountains.
Drive Both at Emich Kia
We stock the Sportage and Sorento, including hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, so you can compare them back to back 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.
Sportage vs. Sorento: FAQ
What's the difference between the Kia Sportage and Sorento?
The Sorento is a three-row midsize SUV that seats six or seven, with an available 274-hp turbo and up to 4,500 lbs of towing. The Sportage is a two-row compact SUV that seats five, costs $3,600 less to start and gets better mileage.
Is the Sorento much bigger than the Sportage?
It's 5.2 inches longer and adds a third row. With the third row folded, cargo space is similar: 38.5 to 45.0 cubic feet behind the Sorento's second row versus 39.6 in the Sportage.
Does the Kia Sportage have a third row?
No. The Sportage seats five. For a third row, look at the Sorento (six or seven seats) or Telluride (seven or eight).
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Sportage: 28 mpg combined with FWD versus 26 for the Sorento's 2.5L. Among hybrids, the Sportage Hybrid gets up to 41 mpg and the Sorento Hybrid up to 37.
Which tows more, the Sportage or Sorento?
The Sorento. Turbo EX and X-Line models tow 3,500 lbs with towing equipment, and the X-Pro SX Prestige tows 4,500 lbs. The gas Sportage tows 2,500 lbs.
How much more is a Sorento than a Sportage?
$3,600 to start with FWD ($32,590 vs. $28,990). With AWD, the Sorento starts at $37,490 versus $30,790.
Compare the Sportage and Sorento in Person
Shop both in stock at Emich Kia in Denver.
Shop Sportage Shop Sorento