Acadia vs Sorento
Choosing between GMC and Kia often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the three-row suv class, that pair is the Acadia and the Sorento. Neither side dominates. Only a few of the compared specs differ by enough to matter day to day.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Acadia wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Engine & Performance7.6
- 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 Acadia has 137 hp more power
When it comes to total system output, the Acadia wins comfortably with 328 hp against 191 hp. The Acadia’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Acadia has 145 lb-ft more torque
It’s a lopsided result (326 lb-ft for the Acadia, 181 lb-ft for the Sorento) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. The Acadia’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Engine & Performance
Acadia leads
In this area the Acadia has a lead the Sorento can’t close. The Acadia comes with 137 hp more power. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels. Prioritize engine & performance, and the Acadia is where you should land.
Total system output
Acadia: 328 hp Sorento: 191 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
Acadia: 326 lb-ft Sorento: 181 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the space & practicality section. If space & practicality was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
The off-road & towing section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The takeaway: off-road & towing is not where these two differ.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech comparison is about what’s inside rather than how much. See the table for the Acadia’s and the Sorento’s entries.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo I4 | 2.5L I4 |
| Total system output | 328 hp (winner) | 191 hp Least powerful in class |
| Torque | 326 lb-ft (winner) | 181 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD (AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 seats | 7 seats |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 23 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 97.5 cu ft | N/A (not specified) |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | N/A (not specified) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 15 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Driver-assist suite | GMC Pro Safety | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 120.9 in | N/A (not specified) |
Price
| Spec | Acadia | Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $43,000 | 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 Acadia if…
- you want more power (328 hp vs 191 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (326 lb-ft vs 181 lb-ft of torque)
- you’re loyal to GMC and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Acadia or the Sorento?
On the specs compared here, the Acadia makes more sense for most buyers; the Sorento doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Executive Summary
Here’s my take on GMC’s Acadia versus Kia’s Sorento. The Acadia earns my vote first and foremost with 137 hp more power.
The Acadia is built for people who weigh engine & performance heavily, and the Sorento for people who weigh the things a spec sheet can’t capture.
My pick: the Acadia.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.