2020 Kia Sorento vs. 2020 Kia Telluride

When it comes to SUVs that offer superior performance, keep your family safe, and turn heads wherever you go, Kia delivers. Whether you prefer the midsize Sorento or the larger Telluride, Kia SUVs have the features you want for a price you like. Compare the 2020 Kia Sorento vs. Telluride SUVs here at Tom Kadlec Kia, serving customers in Stewartville and Rochester.

Engine Performance and Towing Capacity

Whether you want an SUV that handles beautifully or a vehicle that can tow all your gear, you can rely on the Sorento or the Telluride. Take a closer look at the performance and towing specs for the two 2020 Kia SUVs.

The Kia Sorento comes with two engine options. The L and the LX trim levels have a 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine, while the S V6, EX, and SX trim levels feature a 3.3 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine. With the exception of the L trim, each Sorento option is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).

The 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine offers 185 horsepower, while the 3.3 liter DOHC 24-valve V6 engine offers 290 horsepower.

But what about the Sorento’s towing capacity?

Depending on the trim level and powertrain you choose, the Kia Sorento towing capacity can reach up to 5,000 lbs. In order to obtain that 5,000-lb. towing capability, you’ll need to choose one of the Sorento trims with a V6 engine and all-wheel drive.* Should you choose the lowest Sorento configuration and the 2.4 liter I-4 engine, you can expect the Sorento to tow 2,000 lbs.

The Kia Telluride comes in four trim levels, unlike the Sorento’s five. Each Telluride version comes with a 3.8-liter V6 engine. Each trim boasts 291 horsepower and comes standard with FWD and active on-demand AWD.

Whether you choose the LX, S, EX, or SX trim, the Kia Telluride towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. The EX and SX also come with an optional tow hitch.

Fuel Economy

Whether you're in the market for an eco-friendly ride or you're concerned about fuel costs, it's important to know the MPG standards for your vehicle. You can expect the following Kia Sorento MPG and Kia Telluride fuel economy specs.

2020 Kia Sorento:

• Kia Sorento FWD with 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve I-4: 22 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined.
• Kia Sorento FWD with 3.3 liter DOHC 24-valve V6: 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
• Kia Sorento AWD with 2.4 liter DOHC 16-valve I-4: 21 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.
• Kia Sorento AWD with 3.3 liter DOHC 24-valve V6: 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.

2020 Kia Telluride:

• Kia Telluride AWD: 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined.
• Kia Telluride FWD: 20 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway, and 23 mpg combined.

Seating and Cargo Space

From school drop-offs and work carpools to errand runs and road trips, you need plenty of space for your crew and cargo. These 2020 Kia SUV models have tons of room for everyone and everything.

2020 Kia Sorento:

The Kia Sorento has third row seating and seats seven passengers comfortably. That’s right, whether you’re taking a family trip to the Twin Cities on a visit to the Mall of America or you’re looking to road trip with a few buddies, the Sorento won’t disappoint.

All trims of the Sorento offer 44.1 inches of legroom for the driver and front passenger, 39.4 inches of legroom for the second row, and 31.7 inches of legroom for the third row. In short—you (or your passengers) won’t feel cramped.

Behind the first row, all Sorento configurations have 73 cubic feet of cargo space. Behind the second row, 38. And the third row, 11.3.

2020 Kia Telluride:

When it comes to Kia Telluride seating capacity, this large SUV doesn't disappoint. This model, like the Kia Sorento, has three rows of seating. The Telluride seats eight comfortably. The LX trim has 40.9 inches of interior headroom, while the other three trims have 39.5 inches of headroom. All trims offer 41.4 inches of legroom for the driver and front passenger, 42.4 inches for the second row, and 31.4 inches for the third row.

Thanks to its larger size, the Kia Telluride also has ample cargo space. You'll get 21 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet when you flatten the third row, and 87 cubic feet with both the second and third rows flat.

Interior Features and Technology

When it comes to sleek interior design and ample infotainment options, neither the Kia Sorento nor the Kia Telluride disappoints. Get a glimpse of the top interior and technology features for these two SUVs.

Standard Kia Sorento interior features include comfort-focused details like second-row adjustable headrests for all trims, and a 14-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for the SX configuration. The LX trim comes with optional heated seats, while heated seats are standard on the S V6, EX, and SX trim levels.

Whether you want to listen to the play-by-play on the way home from the game or just catch up on the news, you’ll appreciate the Kia Sorento’s audio quality. L, LX, S V6, and EX trims come standard with a six-speaker audio system, while the SX features a Harman/Kardon® 10-speaker surround sound system. All trims have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility so you can stream music and podcasts.

All Kia Sorento trims also come standard with Rear-Camera Display so you can easily see the area behind the vehicle when in reverse. Standard steering wheel-mounted and hands-free controls help you keep your focus on the road, no matter your destination.

Standard Kia Telluride interior features include standard second-row captain's chairs for the S and SX trims and 50/50 or 60/40 split-folding second-row seats. All trims come standard with a dual-level cargo floor for added convenience.

The LX and S trims have an 8-inch touch screen display, and all models connect with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. All trims include standard safety technology like Forward Collision Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, while the SX trim also has Blind Spot View Monitor and Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Homelink. Each Kia Telluride trim has Bluetooth connectivity so you can keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.

At the end of the day, the Telluride or the Sorento will both deliver premium technology features for you and your family.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)

No matter your budget, there's a Kia SUV for you. The 2020 Kia Sorento price starts at $26,990, while the 2020 Kia Telluride price starts at $31,890.** You can upgrade to a higher trim level or build on optional features like larger wheels, high-end seating, and advanced technology for a standard additional rate.

Eager to take these 2020 Kia SUVs for a spin? Explore our inventory of Telluride SUVs or Sorento SUVs before you visit Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester to compare the Telluride vs. Sorento for yourself. Give us a dial to schedule your appointment.

     

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*5,000-lb. towing capacity requires All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and V6 engine. Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions, and warnings. Always use caution while towing.

**"Starting MSRP" price is manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest model trim. MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Actual price set by dealer and may vary. See "Build and Price" section for MSRP of model shown and applicable destination and handling charges. Vehicles shown with optional equipment. Some features only available as part of packages. See "Features & Specifications" and "Options" pages for details. Kia Motors reserves the right to make changes at any time as to vehicle availability, destination, and handling fees, colors, materials, specifications, features, accessories, packages, and models.

Featured images via Kia Dot Com.