2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. This transformation included a robust new front end, enhanced taillights, and a more sophisticated interior. The exterior featured a prominent grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more assertive presence. The rear received subtle updates, with higher trims boasting elegant LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, with the SX-Prestige available only as an X-Line or the new X-Pro. The X-Pro trim offered a more aggressive look with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

Inside, the Sorento featured a redesigned dashboard with a horizontal layout reminiscent of the EV9, creating a cleaner and more upscale appearance. The gauge cluster and infotainment displays were integrated under a single pane of glass, with SX and SX-Prestige models boasting twin 12.3-inch displays. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. Optional green and brown interior colors added character, and the overall build quality felt more upscale than some competitors. The 2024 Sorento offered a solid and refined driving experience, appealing to those seeking a stylish and well-crafted midsize SUV.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued its sleek design with a refreshed front end, giving it a wider and more rugged appearance. The rear featured new LED taillights that seamlessly integrated into the liftgate, connected by a trim strip displaying the SUV's name. The Explorer's interior received significant updates, enhancing its overall ambiance. The colors, materials, and design were competitive within the segment, eliminating reasons to choose other models. Ford reduced the available trim levels from eight to four, including the new base trim called Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding the destination charge.

During a Ford-sponsored driving event in Michigan, the Explorer's performance was put to the test. The ST-Line with rear-wheel drive, Vapor Blue paint, a Premium Package, and an ST-Line Street Pack was the focus of the drive. It showcased the Explorer's capabilities on winding country roads and highways, offering a delightful ride and handling experience. The Explorer's turbocharged four-cylinder engine provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic transmission delivered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's larger wheels and performance brakes enhanced its performance, while the Explorer ST demonstrated its prowess on an autocross course. The Explorer Platinum, equipped with the twin-turbo V6, offered fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. The Explorer Active handled off-road trails with ease, but for serious off-roading, Ford recommended the Bronco.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish acceleration. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain offered improved performance, with zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with the X-Pro featuring 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires for better grip on loose terrain. The Sorento's towing capacity varied, with the X-Pro rated at 4,500 pounds.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and Platinum trims had a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 generating 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers came with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic delivered smooth shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes, while the Explorer ST showcased its capabilities on an autocross course. The Explorer Platinum's twin-turbo V6 offered fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. The Explorer Active handled off-road trails with ease, but Ford recommended the Bronco for serious off-roading.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, offering comfort in the first two rows but limited space in the third row. With 41.4 inches of legroom in the front seats and 41.7 inches in the second row, the Sorento provided ample space compared to two-row SUVs. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row increased cargo capacity to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, depending on the trim. With all seats down, the Sorento offered up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Higher trims featured a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line trim featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the optional Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massage seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The Explorer's front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric and supportive design. The second-row captain's chairs were equally comfortable, with manual rear side window shades for added convenience. The third row was less comfortable for adults, but suitable for children. The Explorer offered competitive cargo space, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All models had a 12.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard, with SX and SX-Prestige models featuring a second 12.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento offered USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack for older audio devices. SX-Prestige models featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and sharing.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Explorer was equipped with Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps integration and app downloads through Google Play. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with the ST-Line featuring 10 speakers and the Platinum and ST boasting 14 speakers and 980 watts of power.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured the Drivewise suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behavior and offered precise distance control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated the Sorento "Good" in several tests, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist and other driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, but required driver intervention in certain situations. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings. The IIHS had not published ratings for the 2025 model.