2025 Nissan Armada vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual transformation, marking its first major update since the current generation debuted in 2021. Drawing inspiration from its popular siblings, the Telluride and EV9, the Sorento adopted a more cohesive family look with a robust new front end, elegant taillights, and a refined, upscale cockpit. The exterior featured a prominent grille flanked by vertically-stacked LED headlights and wing-like amber daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear updates were more subtle, with higher trims receiving attractive LED taillights and new bumpers across all versions. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, while the new X-Pro trim offered a more aggressive look with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Sorento boasted a new dashboard design with a vast horizontal expanse, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The interior materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching enhancing the cabin's luxurious feel.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a strikingly high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The front fascia appeared taller, aided by the SUV's higher ground clearance and limited lower grille portion. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and exclusive front lighting signature featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's imposing grille made a strong impression, setting it apart from its predecessor. From the side, the third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and Lava Red accents. The rear featured C-shaped DRLs echoed by standard LED taillights, with a fashionable red lightbar on PRO-4X and Platinum Reserve trims. Wheel options varied, with 18-inch wheels standard on the SV and 22-inch rollers on the Platinum Reserve. The Armada's interior offered comfort and luxury, with leather seats and padded center consoles. Higher trims added Espresso accents and unique color combinations, enhancing the cabin's premium feel.

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. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, as the base-model LX weighed 3,814 pounds and took nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. The LX and S trims were equipped with this powerplant and an eight-speed automatic transmission, but their performance was underwhelming. 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. Turbocharged Sorentos achieved zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range, offering lively performance and ample passing power. Sorentos were front-wheel drive by default, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The X-Line setup, available on EX and SX trims, included more aggressive styling, blacked-out 20-inch wheels, and increased ground clearance. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with 17-inch rims and all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain, featuring a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine inspired by the high-performance GT-R. This engine delivered 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 25 horsepower and 103 lb-ft compared to its predecessor. The old seven-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a nine-speed automatic. The PRO-4X trim was 4WD-only, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive. The PRO-4X trim included dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and metal skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided a 33-degree approach angle, 25.5-degree breakover angle, and 24.5-degree departure angle, with 9.6 inches of ground clearance. The Armada's 4WD models featured hill-descent control and an off-road information display. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and a trailer brake controller. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X trim excelled in challenging conditions.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, offering comfort in the first two rows but limited space in the third. Despite this, the Sorento provided advantages over smaller models with optional third-row seats. It offered 41.4 inches of legroom in the front seats and 41.7 inches in the second row, surpassing many two-row SUVs. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, which was competitive for its class. The Sorento's third row was suitable for occasional use, accommodating children or additional passengers when needed. The optional captain's chairs in the second row allowed for easy access to the third row. The Sorento's new dashboard design was ergonomic, with controls within reach and ample small-item storage. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet, but expanded to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet with the third row folded. With all seats down, the Sorento provided up to 72.1 cubic feet of cargo space. Higher trims included a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats offered comfort, with standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment and increased customization on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on Platinum and Platinum Reserve trims. The Armada's third-row seats offered power one-touch folding, providing easier loading and increased cargo space. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 behind the second row, and 97.1 with all seats down. The Armada's headroom varied with the sunroof, with increased front-row legroom at 43.8 inches. The third row gained 4.5 inches of legroom, reaching 32.9 inches. While the Armada's passenger space fell short compared to American rivals, it surpassed Toyota's offering.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays, with all models featuring a 12.3-inch screen. The gauge cluster in lower trims included two dials and a 4.3-inch TFT information display, while SX and SX-Prestige models had a second 12.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system, called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), prioritized popular features on the home screen. Navigation was standard on all but the base-model LX. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with over-the-air updates available. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack. SX-Prestige models featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system. Digital Key 2.0 allowed certain phones or NFC smart cards to lock, unlock, and drive the vehicle without a key.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on the SV and SL trims and 14.3-inch screens on PRO-4X, Platinum, and Platinum Reserve trims. The screens were housed in a single unit, positioned lower in the dash for visibility. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level. The base Armada SV featured a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System was standard on higher trims. The Klipsch system was demonstrated by product specialists, highlighting its audio quality.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured Kia's Drivewise suite of active safety features, with more standard and optional systems than before. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems learned from driver behavior and maintained precise distances. Available options included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror. The Sorento earned "Good" ratings in IIHS tests but received an "Acceptable" rating for its LATCH system. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 Sorento.

The 2025 Nissan Armada included Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The basic version was standard on the SV and PRO-4X trims, while ProPILOT Assist 1.1 was standard on other trims. ProPILOT Assist 2.1, available on higher trims, offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and more. A surround-view camera was standard on the Armada SL, with higher trims featuring Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor. The Armada's camera system was tested with a "blindfold" applied to the windshield, demonstrating its effectiveness in navigating obstacles.