Explorer vs Sorento
Shopping across brands means comparing different philosophies. The Explorer and the Sorento show how Ford and Kia each approach the three-row suv class. The honest headline: the Explorer and the Sorento are evenly matched in most of the areas we compared.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Explorer wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance6.3
- Engine & Performance0.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Explorer has 109 hp more power
Put simply, the Explorer is far ahead here: 300 hp compared with 191 hp. More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
-
The Explorer has 129 lb-ft more torque
The Explorer’s 310 lb-ft leaves the Sorento’s 181 lb-ft well behind, so if this spec matters to you, the choice is easy. The Explorer’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Explorer leads
Here the Explorer opens up one of its biggest leads in the comparison. The Explorer adds 109 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. On engine & performance alone, the Explorer gets the nod.
Total system output
Explorer: 300 hp Sorento: 191 hp The Explorer’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
Torque
Explorer: 310 lb-ft Sorento: 181 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
On paper, the space & practicality comparison ends all square. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On off-road & towing, both deliver about the same. So off-road & towing is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Safety & Tech
For safety & tech, the differences are in the specifics (component names and types), so the table is the place to look.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 300 hp (winner) | 191 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (winner) | 181 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 29 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,600 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.2 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Height | 69.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 119.1 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Explorer | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,050 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Explorer if…
- you want more power (300 hp vs 191 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (310 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to Ford and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Explorer or the Sorento?
On the specs compared here, the Explorer makes more sense for most buyers; the Sorento doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
I read both spec sheets (the Explorer’s and the Sorento’s) so you don’t have to. Here’s what matters most to me: the Explorer offers 109 hp more power.
Put simply, the Explorer suits people who care about engine & performance, while the Sorento suits people who put the things a spec sheet can’t capture first.
My pick: the Explorer.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.