2025 Acura ADX vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Acura ADX leaps forward with a focus on efficiency and modern polish, offering 190 horsepower and a brisk 28 MPG combined. This crossover feels taut and premium, leaning into its higher-revving nature despite employing a continuously variable transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento brings raw utility and brute force to the entry-level fray, boasting 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, slightly edging out the Acura in immediate grunt, all while running happily on regular unleaded fuel. Kia champions practicality with a taller stance (66.7 inches high) and substantially more raw cargo space at 12.6 cu ft versus Acura's 24.4 cu ft, though the ADX is narrower at 72.5 inches. Pricing anchors the battle, with the Sorento starting at a significantly lower $32,190 compared to the ADX's $35,000 entry point, offering 8-speed automatic refinement against Acura's CVT.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Acura ADX
The Acura ADX achieves a superior combined 28 MPG and recommends premium fuel, suggesting a more refined, efficient highway glide.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento offers substantially greater cargo capacity at 12.6 cu ft and a taller, wider footprint for potentially easier loading.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento’s 8-speed automatic transmission and slightly higher 181 lb-ft of torque suggest a more engaging, traditional performance feel than the ADX's CVT.
2026 Kia Sorento
Starting $2,810 cheaper while offering slightly more horsepower and torque makes the Sorento the clear financial winner.
Choose the Acura ADX if...
- Premium driving refinement and higher city MPG (26 MPG) are top priorities.
- A more compact exterior length of 185.8 inches is preferred for tight urban parking.
- Buyers prioritize Acura's badge appeal and handling philosophy, even with the CVT.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Lower running costs are essential, leveraging regular unleaded fuel.
- Maximum usable cargo volume of 24.4 cu ft and a roomier cabin width (74.8 inches) are non-negotiable.
- A more traditional 8-speed automatic transmission experience is desired over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Acura ADX | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 185.8" | 189.6" |
| Width | 72.5" | 74.8" |
| Height | 63.8" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 104.5" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 190 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 179 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/31 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/434.0 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.0 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 8 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Moonroof Type | 1st Row Power Glass | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.4 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.0 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/55R H | 235/65R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Acura | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Acura ADX and 2026 Kia Sorento.
Which crossover provides better fuel economy for the long haul?
The 2025 Acura ADX boasts a combined 28 MPG rating, noticeably higher than the 2026 Kia Sorento's 26 MPG combined, offering better range for highway trips.
Is the power difference between these two significant enough to notice?
The Sorento produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, slightly eclipsing the ADX's 190 hp and 179 lb-ft; however, the Sorento's traditional 8-speed gearbox may translate this power more immediately.
Why does the Acura ADX recommend premium fuel if its horsepower is lower than the Kia's?
Acura often mandates premium fuel to achieve optimal performance and efficiency from its engine tuning, ensuring the 190 hp figure is reliably met in all conditions.
How much interior space advantage does the Kia Sorento have over the Acura ADX?
While the provided cargo numbers seem reversed in the direct comparison, the Sorento is physically larger in overall dimensions (189.6 inches long and 66.7 inches high) compared to the ADX, suggesting a roomier feel overall.
What is the primary transmission difference affecting the driving feel?
The 2025 Acura ADX uses a continuously variable-speed automatic, resulting in smooth, gearless acceleration, whereas the 2026 Kia Sorento utilizes a more conventional 8-speed automatic transmission.
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