Kia Sportage vs Kia Sorento: Which Is More Suitable For You?
23rd May 2025
The Kia Sportage and Sorento are two of the most popular SUVs within the manufacturer’s lineup. While the Sportage is regarded as a practical small SUV that excels in urban performance, the Sorento enhances the driving experience in a mid-size SUV through premium materials and advanced technology.
This article will explore each vehicle’s performance, practicality, and technology package, highlighting their similarities and differences so you can make an informed decision about which is the best option for you.
- Introduction and Design
- Versions and Performance
- Interior and Technology
- Practicality
- Value and Final Thoughts
Introduction and Design
Looking to enter the ever-growing compact SUV market, Kia launched the Sportage in 1993 with a design focused on practicality and versatility. Sporting a modern look, the uniqueness of this new addition to Kia’s lineup is complemented by cutting-edge technology.
The Sportage has undergone several design updates over the years. With a dramatic high-tech exterior, the latest version stands out from competitors thanks to a more expressive design, distinctive styling and better onboard technology.
Nearly a decade later, in 2002, the Sorento was introduced as a larger SUV alternative, positioned within Kia’s mid-size SUV lineup. Known for being well-equipped and offering near-premium quality at an affordable price, the Sorento offers a variety of powertrains, high-end features and a sportier design compared to its main competitors.
Featuring a modern, sleek and upscale aesthetic, the Sorento has been reimagined to deliver a muscular yet refined design. With sharp lines, Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and a slightly sloped roof line, the latest model exudes a sporty, premium look.
Versions and Performance
Available with petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, the Sportage caters to a wide range of drivers. If you’re looking for a model that offers solid performance at an affordable price, the mild-hybrid 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 48V hybrid system is a good entry-level option. It produces 157bhp and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 10.3 seconds.
If your main focus is performance, the range topping 1.6-litre PHEV produces 261bhp and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in only 7.9 seconds. It offers an electric-only 43 miles of range, which can increase to 48 miles when driven in urban settings.
The Sorento is available with four powertrains: petrol, diesel, hybrid and PHEV. The 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 281bhp and goes from 0 to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, making it the fastest trim available, ideal for those seeking a high-performance SUV.
For those considering a PHEV, the 1.6-litre petrol-powered model offers a strong performance. It produces 261bhp and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds, with an electric-only range of 43 miles, comparable to the Sportage’s PHEV version.
Interior and Technology
Looking at the cabin and onboard technology, the Sportage displays a clean design, with multi-colour ambient lighting, and a selection of materials such as cloth, leatherette, suede, and quilted leather, depending on the trim. To enhance the upscale feel, the panoramic sunroof, available on higher trims, adds a sportier touch to the car.
As for the Sorento, its interior is designed using premium materials to rival luxury SUVs in its segment. Soft-touch surfaces combined with satin chrome accents create a modern-looking interior that can be upgraded to feature quilted patterns in higher trims. The cabin also includes features that enhance the ambience, such as customisable lighting, a sunroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
Both vehicles offer a range of screen sizes, with an 8-inch infotainment system as standard and a 12.3-inch screen available on higher models. A variety of apps and features are included, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity, as well as 3D maps, real-time traffic updates, voice control, and Kia connect (technology that enables remote start, climate control and vehicle tracking).
The main difference between the two vehicles is that the Sorento offers head-up display, a feature that projects data on the windscreen, and remote parking assist as standard, which allows the car to park itself while the driver is standing outside. Both features are available in higher-spec Sorento models but aren’t offered on the Sportage.
Practicality
Both vehicles are designed to offer practicality and versatility for everyday driving. While the Sportage is a small SUV that seats up to five people, the Sorento is slightly larger, offering two size options, 5 and 7-seat configurations.
When comparing the Sportage to the five-seater version of the Sorento, it comes as no surprise that the latter offers more storage space. With a 616-litre boot that can be expanded to 2,011 litres by folding down the rear seats, the Sorento is capable of accommodating large items, including suitcases.
The Sportage has a 587-litre boot, which can also be expanded to 1,870 litres with the back seats folded down. Overall, there’s a 141-litre difference between the two vehicles, which could be a deciding factor depending on your needs.
If additional space is required, the seven-seat version of the Sorento might not be the best option. The third row, positioned at the rear of the vehicle, leaves only 179 litres of storage space. However, this can be increased to 1,988 litres when all rear seats are folded down.
Value and Final Thoughts
Choosing between the Kia Sportage and Sorento will depend on your preferences and needs. While the Sorento offers a premium experience with higher-quality materials and a design intended to compete with luxury SUVs in its segment, the Sportage focuses on versatility with a smaller size that allows for easier driving in urban areas.
Both vehicles offer a decent standard tech package, but the Sorento provides the option of additional features, with advanced technology that enhances the driving experience. In terms of the infotainment system, both models offer the same screen sizes, with an 8-inch display provided as standard.
An advantage the Sorento has over the Sportage is the option to choose between extra storage space or additional seating. If a larger boot is what you’re after, the 5-seat version of the Sorento will better suit your lifestyle, while the seven-seat option allows you to carry an extra couple of passengers.
Find your perfect used car at Evans Halshaw
Whether you’re looking for a sporty, versatile small SUV like the Sportage, or a lavish mid-size SUV with extra amenities like the Sorento, we at Evans Halshaw can support your car-buying journey with a range of helpful guides and a dedicated blog providing relevant automotive information.
Alternatively, you can explore our extensive range of used vehicles and contact your local Evans Halshaw dealership to enquire about the models available.
