2026 Kia Sportage Vs. Kia Sorento: Specs, Dimensions & More

If you're looking for a fuel-efficient Kia SUV model with a roomy interior, consider comparing the Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento at your local Kia dealer. Both offer spacious, high-tech cabins and efficient engines, along with multiple powertrain configurations to find the right fit for your drive. See the details below, and test-drive both iterations at Wallace Kia of Bristol.

What Is the Difference Between Kia Sportage & Kia Sorento SUVs?

Whether you're a first-time SUV shopper or deciding between the Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento, Wallace Kia of Bristol has you covered. Our Kia dealer in Bristol, TN, provides a detailed comparison of the 2026 Kia Sportage vs. 2026 Kia Sorento across key areas, including performance, gas mileage, and dimensions.

Kia Sorento vs. Kia Sportage Specs

Three powertrain types are available for both the Kia Sportage and Sorento models, including gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options. For this matchup, however, we're focusing on the gasoline iterations.

To start, the new Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento both feature a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and FWD.

The new Sportage delivers 187 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque, just shy of the Sorento and its standard 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth and efficient acceleration in both models. Furthermore, an AWD system is available on both SUVs, enhancing stability and grip while increasing ground clearance to 8.3 inches (up from 7.1 inches) in the Sportage and 8.2 inches (up from 6.9 inches) in the Sorento.

The Sorento can also take it up a notch with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is available in higher trim levels. It delivers 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Sportage carries the same 187-horsepower engine in all trim levels.

Kia Sorento vs. Kia Sportage Comparison Chart

	2026 Kia Sportage	2026 Kia Sorento
Engine	2.5L 4-cyl	2.5L 4-cyl / 2.5L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower	187	191 / 281
Torque	178 lb-ft	181 / 311 lb-ft
Max Towing Capacity	2,500 lbs1	4,500 lbs1
Seating Capacity	5	6 / 7
Length	184.4 in	189.6-189.8 in
Width	73.4 in	74.8 in
Height	65.4-66.9 in	66.9-70.3 in
Ground Clearance	7.1 / 8.3 in (FWD / AWD)	6.9 / 8.2 in (FWD / AWD)
Max Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd row)	39.6 / 39.4 in	40.3 / 39.1 / 36.8 in
Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd row)	41.4 / 41.3 in	41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in
Cargo Space (Behind 1st / 2nd / 3rd row)	74.1 / 39.6 cu ft	75.5 / 38.5-45 / 12.6 cu ft

Kia Sportage vs. Sorento Gas Mileage

In terms of fuel economy, the new Kia Sportage edges out the 2026 Kia Sorento by a small margin. The Sportage returns up to an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)² on its base trim. The base Sorento isn't far behind, earning up to an EPA-estimated 23/31/26 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).²

While the smaller Sportage model achieves better fuel economy, the larger Sorento comes with a bigger gas tank, holding 17.7 gallons compared to 14.3 gallons in the Sportage. This means the Sorento can travel longer distances between fill-ups, even if it uses more fuel per mile.

Kia Sorento vs. Sportage Size

We've already noted that the Kia Sorento is the larger of these two SUVs, but by how much? The 2026 Kia Sorento measures up to 189.8 inches long and 74.8 inches wide. It also rides on a 110.8-inch wheelbase, which is longer than the smaller Sportage SUV's 108.5-inch wheelbase.

The Sportage is 184.4 inches long and 73.4 inches wide and features a two-row interior for five occupants. The larger Sorento gets an additional row of seating, enabling you to carry up to seven occupants comfortably. This three-row SUV model is also available with second-row captain's chairs, bringing ample versatility to the cabin while accommodating six people.

Kia Sportage vs. Kia Sorento Cargo Space

If you want to maximize cargo capacity, both Kia SUVs are excellent options. The Sportage and Sorento are neck and neck when it comes to maximum cargo volume, so choosing between these models might come down to other aspects, such as your preferred number of rows and seating capacity.

The 2026 Kia Sportage SUV holds up to 74.1 cubic feet of cargo with its second-row seating lowered – a class-leading amount.³ Fold the third and second rows in the larger Kia Sorento midsize SUV, and you get up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space.

For standard cargo capacity behind the rear-most seat, the Sportage has 39.6 cubic feet, and the Sorento features 12.6 cubic feet.

Whether you're after a new SUV with five, six, or seven seats, the Kia lineup has you covered with the Sportage and Sorento models. You can shop all new Kia inventory now or search by body style or your preferred Kia model to find your next vehicle with the seating space for your crew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is bigger: the Kia Sportage or the Kia Sorento?

The Kia Sorento is bigger than the Kia Sportage, but not by a wide margin. The Sorento measures up to 189.8 inches long, while the Sportage is 184.4 inches long. Additionally, the Sorento is taller and wider than the Sportage. Its bigger size enables the Sorento to fit an additional row of seating for up to seven, versus the two-row, five-passenger Sportage. Tour these SUVs today.

How many passengers can the Kia Sportage and Kia Sorento seat?

The 2026 Kia Sportage subcompact SUV can seat five occupants in its spacious two-row interior. The 2026 Kia Sorento midsize SUV offers a third row, accommodating up to seven people when equipped with bench seating in its second row. Opt for the available second-row captain's chairs, and the seating capacity changes to six. Explore these SUV configurations at our Kia dealership today.

What are the pros and cons of choosing the Kia Sportage over the Sorento?

The Kia Sportage has various pros and cons compared to the Sorento. The Sportage is more fuel-efficient and agile, but has a smaller gas tank. It's not quite as powerful as the Sorento, but it's more affordable and has a sportier driving feel. The Sportage is a great option for a five-passenger SUV, but if you want a larger cabin, opt for the Sorento and its three rows.

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¹Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner's Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.

²Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle's condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

³Class-leading cargo room: Comparison based on publicly available data regarding cargo room behind the 2nd row of seats with rear seats folded in 2025 Sub-Compact SUVs as of March 2025. Sub-Compact SUV class as defined by Kia segmentation. All cargo should be evenly distributed and properly secured, and never piled higher than the seatback.