The 2019 Kia Sorento Goes Up Against the 2018 Ford Explorer

The Kia Sorento is the most well-stocked model at our dealership, and customer cannot get enough of its versatility, features, and driving ease. Of course, it's not the only three-row, seven passenger option on the road. That's why we want to be proactive and compare the Kia Sorento to the Ford Explorer and prove why ours is still the better option.

Interior

  • Looks are subjective, but we like the more modern layout of the Sorento compared to the Explorer's vertical dash layout that has a lot of plastic
  • We also love that the non-leather Sorento cabins have YES Essentials stain-resistant upholstery and that you can get a leg extender cushion on select trims. Neither options are available on the Explorer.

Performance

  • The Kia Sorento has two engines. There is a 2.4L with 185 horsepower or a 3.3L V6 with 260 horsepower.
  • The Explorer has three engines: a 2.3L with 280 horsepower, a 3.5L V6 with 290 horsepower,  and a 3.5L EcoBoost with 365 horsepower.
  • It's obvious that the Explorer has more power than the Sorento, but that power guzzles a lot of gas. With the Sorento, you trade horsepower specs for better EPA estimated fuel ratings.

Technology

  • Most shoppers these days want a lot of tech, and the Sorento meets their demands by making sure a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ is standard. Yes, even the base trim!
  • With the Explorer you have to go all the way up to the thrid trim until you get their SYNC®3 system, which includes a touchscreen and the smartphone integrations. Before, you only get the SYNC® with voice recognition technology.

Safety

  • Go one trim up from the Sorento's base and you'll get bling spot collision warning with lane change assist and rear cross traffic collision warning. Go up the next trim and you'll get seven more advanced safety features, and these are all standard.
  • To get most advanced safety technologies on an Explorer, you need to add on the Ford Safe and Smart package, which is only standard on the top trim level that costs well over $50k!

Next Steps

The Explorer is a strong contender and its engine lineup does shine. However, we like that the Sorento has more standard convenience and safety technology, a more modern cabin, and that you simply get more features for a lot less. Stop into our dealership with week for a test drive!



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Kia of Dartmouth

143 Faunce Corner Rd.
Directions Dartmouth, MA 02747

  • Sales: (508) 999-2542
  • Service: 508-999-2542
  • Parts: 508-999-2542

Hours

  • Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Tuesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm
See All Department Hours

Dealership Hours

  • Monday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Tuesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Wednesday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Thursday 9:00am - 7:00pm
  • Friday 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Saturday 9:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday 11:00am - 5:00pm

Parts Dept. Hours

  • Monday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM
  • Saturday 8:00AM-3:00PM
  • Sunday Closed

Service Dept. Hours

  • Monday 7:00AM-5:00PM
  • Tuesday 7:00AM-5:00PM
  • Wednesday 7:00AM-5:00PM
  • Thursday 7:00AM-5:00PM
  • Friday 7:00AM-5:00PM
  • Saturday 7:00AM-3:00PM
  • Sunday Closed