2020 Kia Sportage vs. 2020 Kia Sorento

 

If you're looking for an SUV that offers excellent value for money, you may find yourself contemplating between the compact 2020 Kia Sportage and the midsize 2020 Kia Sorento. It can be challenging to choose between these two crossovers because they're similar in many ways. They both come with an attractive exterior styling, comfortable cabin, excellent infotainment system, and superior ride quality. Nonetheless, they have many differences that make them more or less suitable for certain SUV buyers. Take a look at this detailed comparison between the 2020 Kia Sportage and 2020 Kia Sorento.

Trim Levels

The 2020 Kia Sportage is offered in four trim levels: the base LX, S, EX, and the range-topping SX Turbo. The lower trims are equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 181 horsepower, while the performance-oriented SX Turbo features a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that puts out 240 horsepower. Both engines work with a six-speed automatic transmission.

On the other hand, the 2020 Kia Sorento comes in five trim levels: the base L, LX, S, EX, and the top-of-the-line SX. The L and LX use a 2.4-liter inline-four engine that produces 185 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. If you want more power, you can opt for the S, EX, or SX. These models offer a significantly more thrilling driving experience with their potent 3.3-liter V-6 engine that produces 290 horsepower. This engine is mated to a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

Price

Since it's a compact SUV, the Kia Sportage is more affordable than its bigger sibling. The base LX starts at $23,990, while the SX Turbo will set you back $33,590. Each of the three lower trims has an optional package that adds a variety of comfort, entertainment, and advanced safety features. Also available in the SX Turbo, these packages cost $1,595 to $4,500. All-wheel drive is available at a price of $1,500 in the LX, EX, and SX Turbo or $1,700 in the S.

The L trim level of the Kia Sorento goes for $26,690. If you decide to get the V-6 engine, you have to fork out at least $32,990, which is the starting price of the S trim. The SX retails for $39,990, but it offers many more features than the other models. All trims except the base L can be fitted with the optional all-wheel drive, which costs $1,800.

Gas Mileage

When it comes to fuel economy, the 2020 Kia Sportage (with its standard engine) delivers an EPA-estimated 23/30 mpg (city/highway) with front-wheel drive and 22/26 mpg with all-wheel drive. If you choose the SX Turbo, you'll get 20/28 mpg with front-wheel drive and 19/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

In contrast, the 2020 Kia Sorento is more fuel-efficient than most SUVs in its class. It achieves an EPA rating of 22/29 mpg when it's equipped with the four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Upgrading to all-wheel drive reduces the figures to 21/26 mpg. Models with the V-6 engine are even thirstier, managing 19/26 mpg with front-wheel drive and 18/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Dimensions

On the outside, the Kia Sportage measures 65.2 inches tall, 176.4 inches long, and 73 inches wide without mirrors. Its smaller exterior dimensions translate to a relatively small cabin with a total passenger volume of 98.6 cubic feet. Front occupants feel comfortable and relaxed with 39.3 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom, while rear passengers get 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom. Additionally, the crossover provides 30.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats upright and 60.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The Kia Sorento is 66.5 inches tall, 189 inches long, and 74.4 inches wide. On the inside, it offers 154.2 cubic feet of passenger space. The front seats have 39.3 inches of headroom and 41.5 inches of legroom, while the second-row seats provide 39.1 inches of headroom and 38.2 inches of legroom. The third-row seats offer only 36.3 inches of headroom and 31.7 inches of legroom, making them too small for adults. As for cargo space, you'll get 11.3 cubic feet with all seats upright, 38 cubic feet behind the second-row seats, and 73 cubic feet behind the front seats.

Interior

The 2020 Kia Sportage can seat five people comfortably. The SUV features comfy, roomy seats and premium materials throughout the cabin, making it a pleasure to ride in. It comes standard with cloth upholstery, but you can upgrade to a higher trim or opt for a package to get more features. Available comfort and convenience features include synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery, eight-way or 10-way power driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, push-start button, proximity keyless entry, and a panoramic sunroof.

As for tech features, the Kia Sportage offers an intuitive infotainment system with an 8-inch touch-screen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and a six-speaker sound system as standard equipment. If you want a better experience, you can get available features such as navigation, satellite radio, a second USB port, wireless device charger, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2020 Kia Sorento can accommodate seven people in three rows. It has a well-built interior with plenty of soft-touch materials, which is comparable to the cabins of some luxury SUVs. The base model is fitted with stain-resistant cloth upholstery and remote keyless entry, but you can enjoy better comfort and convenience with a wide array of available features. These features include dual-zone automatic climate control, third-row air-conditioning controls, leather upholstery, 10-way power driver's seat, 14-way power driver's seat with memory settings, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, push-start button, panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.

The base model of the Kia Sorento comes standard with tech features such as a UVO infotainment system with a 7-inch touch-screen display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB port, and a six-speaker sound system. Available features include navigation, HD radio, satellite radio, two additional USB ports, wireless device charger, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

If you want to know for sure whether the 2020 Kia Sportage or 2020 Kia Sorento suits you better, feel free to schedule a test drive with Tom Kadlec Kia today.

If you'd prefer to buy online, no worries at all! With our express store and home delivery options, we'll happily deliver your next Kia SUV to your doorstep.

Featured images via Kia Dot Com.