Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento: A Comprehensive Comparison

Compare Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento – The SUV market is highly competitive, and two models that have been making waves recently are the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 KIA Sorento.

Both vehicles offer impressive features and capabilities, making them popular choices for those in the market for a new SUV.

In this article, we’ll compare the 2023 Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento to help you decide which one is the better buy.

What is The Main Difference Between Ford Escape and KIA Sorento?

Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento
Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento

The main difference between the 2023 KIA Sorento and the 2023 Ford Escape is their size. The Ford Escape is classified as a compact SUV, while the KIA Sorento is classified as a midsize SUV.

The Ford Escape is a two-row vehicle with seating for up to five passengers, while the KIA Sorento has three rows of seats and can seat up to seven passengers.

Now, let’s dive into the specific areas where the 2023 Ford Escape and 2023 KIA Sorento differ.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Chevy Equinox

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2023 Ford Escape starts at a base price of $29,495 for the S trim, while the range-topping Titanium trim starts at $37,320.

On the other hand, the 2023 KIA Sorento starts at a base price of $30,090 for the LX trim, while the top-of-the-line SX Prestige X-Line trim starts at $43,690.

While the KIA Sorento is more expensive than the Ford Escape, it offers more space, more features, and a more powerful engine.

However, if you are on a tight budget or do not need the extra space and features offered by the KIA Sorento, the Ford Escape is still a great choice, especially in terms of fuel economy.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2023 Ford Escape comes with three engine options, a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and a hybrid powertrain.

The base engine produces 181 horsepower, while the most powerful engine produces 250 horsepower.

The KIA Sorento also comes with three engine options, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and a hybrid powertrain.

The base engine produces 191 horsepower, while the most powerful engine produces 281 horsepower.

Both vehicles come with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the Ford Escape offers an optional all-wheel-drive system, while the KIA Sorento comes standard with all-wheel drive on some trims.

In terms of performance, both vehicles offer smooth and comfortable rides, with the KIA Sorento having a slight edge in acceleration and power.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Honda CRV

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel economy is an important consideration for anyone in the market for an SUV, and both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 KIA Sorento offer impressive efficiency.

The Ford Escape’s base engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid powertrain gets an impressive 44 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

The KIA Sorento’s base engine gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the hybrid powertrain gets an estimated 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

In real-world driving, both vehicles are likely to get slightly lower mileage, but the difference in fuel economy is not significant enough to sway a buying decision.

Exterior Dimensions

As mentioned earlier, the 2023 Ford Escape is a compact SUV, while the 2023 KIA Sorento is a midsize SUV. This means that the KIA Sorento is larger than the Ford Escape in almost every aspect.

The KIA Sorento is about 8 inches longer, 2 inches wider, and 3 inches taller than the Ford Escape. This translates into more interior space for passengers and cargo in the KIA Sorento, especially in the third row.

Interior and Comfort

When it comes to interior quality, both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 KIA Sorento are top contenders. Both vehicles have comfortable and spacious cabins, with high-quality materials and modern features.

However, the KIA Sorento offers more space overall, especially in the third row, which is not available in the Ford Escape.

The KIA Sorento also offers more cargo space, with up to 75.5 cubic feet of space with the second and third rows folded down, compared to the Ford Escape’s maximum of 65.4 cubic feet.

Read also: 2023 Ford Escape vs Toyota RAV4

Infotainment

Both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 KIA Sorento come with modern infotainment systems that are intuitive and easy to use.

The Ford Escape comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen display, while the KIA Sorento comes with a standard 8-inch touchscreen, with a larger 10.25-inch display available on higher trims.

Both vehicles offer standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as features like Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi hotspot, and satellite radio.

However, the KIA Sorento offers more advanced features like wireless charging, a head-up display, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Both the 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 KIA Sorento come with a wide range of standard and available safety features.

The Ford Escape comes with standard features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera.

The KIA Sorento comes with standard features like forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and a rear-seat reminder.

Both vehicles also offer advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.

However, the KIA Sorento offers more driver-assistance features like a surround-view camera system, a blind-spot camera, and automatic high-beam headlights.

Read also: Ford Escape vs Hyundai Tucson

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a Ford Escape the same size as a KIA Sorento?

No, the Ford Escape is a compact SUV, while the KIA Sorento is a midsize SUV. The KIA Sorento is larger than the Ford Escape in almost every aspect.

What is the KIA equivalent to the Ford Escape?

The KIA equivalent to the Ford Escape is the KIA Sportage, which is also a compact SUV.

Which is bigger, Ford Explorer or KIA Sorento?

The Ford Explorer is larger than the KIA Sorento. The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV, while the KIA Sorento is a midsize SUV.

What SUV is comparable to KIA Sorento?

What is a KIA Sorento comparable to? The KIA Sorento can be compared to other midsize SUVs such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer.

These SUVs offer similar features and capabilities, but ultimately the choice between them comes down to personal preference and specific needs.

Where does KIA Sorento rank in SUVs?

The KIA Sorento ranks high in the midsize SUV category, with strong safety ratings, a spacious and comfortable cabin, and impressive features.

Are KIA Sorentos reliable?

KIA Sorentos have been known for their reliability, with the 2022 model receiving a 4 out of 5 reliability rating from J.D. Power. The 2023 model is not yet rated, but it is expected to continue the trend of strong reliability.

What year KIA Sorento is most reliable?

According to J.D. Power, the most reliable year for the KIA Sorento is the 2019 model, which received a 5 out of 5 reliability rating. However, the 2020 and 2021 models also received high ratings, with a 4 out of 5 ratings.

Read also: Ford Escape PHEV vs RAV4 Prime

Customer Reviews

Here are some customer reviews on the comparison between the KIA Sorento and Ford Escape 2023:

“I recently test-drive both the 2023 KIA Sorento and Ford Escape, and while the Escape was more affordable, I ultimately went with the Sorento because of its spacious interior, impressive features, and more powerful engine. It was worth the extra cost for me.” – Sarah M.

“I was torn between the Ford Escape and KIA Sorento, but ultimately went with the Escape because of its fuel efficiency and lower price point. It’s been a great vehicle for me so far.” – John D.

“I bought the KIA Sorento 2023 and couldn’t be happier with my decision. It’s roomy enough for my family and all of our gear, and the features are impressive. The ride is smooth and the engine is powerful. Highly recommend.” – Michelle K.

“I test-drive both the KIA Sorento and Ford Escape, and while the Sorento was impressive, I ultimately chose the Escape because of its compact size and excellent fuel economy. It’s perfect for my daily commute and occasional road trips.” – Alex R.

Overall, customers seem to be happy with both the 2023 KIA Sorento vs Ford Escape, but the ultimate decision between the two comes down to personal preference and specific needs.

Read also: 2023 Ford Escape vs KIA Sportage

Final Verdict

The 2023 Ford Escape and the 2023 KIA Sorento are both great SUVs that offer impressive features and modern designs.

The Ford Escape is a compact SUV that is more fuel-efficient and more affordable, while the KIA Sorento is a midsize SUV that offers more space, more features, and more power.

If you prioritize fuel economy, a lower price point, and don’t need the extra space and features, the Ford Escape is the better option.

However, if you want a more spacious and luxurious vehicle with more advanced features and more power, the KIA Sorento is the way to go.

Ultimately, the choice between the Ford Escape vs KIA Sorento comes down to personal preference and budget.