2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Kia Sorento is the substantial $6,805 MSRP gap, with the Sorento starting at $32,190 against the Bronco's $38,995. Performance metrics are equally disparate; the Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Fuel economy also reflects this performance divide, showing a 7 MPG combined efficiency advantage for the Sorento (26 MPG combined vs. 19 MPG combined). While the Sorento offers better mileage and a lower entry price, the Bronco provides superior off-road capability with its standard four-wheel drive and a 7-speed manual transmission, contrasting with the Sorento's FWD and 8-speed automatic setup. Additionally, the Bronco is slightly shorter in length (173.7 inches vs. 189.6 inches) but offers a greater primary cargo volume at 20.6 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior 26 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG and its use of regular unleaded fuel.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento is favored for families because its lower $32,190 MSRP makes it significantly more accessible than the $38,995 Bronco.
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Ford Bronco is the enthusiast choice, offering 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and a 7-speed manual transmission.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento provides superior value metrics through a $6,805 lower starting price and 33% better fuel efficiency.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You require substantial power, evidenced by the 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque output.
- You prioritize off-road capability demonstrated by standard four-wheel drive and a 7-speed manual transmission.
- You need the higher utility of 20.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity when the rear seats are in use.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Your primary goal is maximizing fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
- Your budget requires a lower entry point, with an MSRP of $32,190 compared to the Bronco's $38,995.
- You prefer the ease of driving an 8-speed automatic transmission in a front-wheel-drive configuration.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 189.6" |
| Width | 75.9" | 74.8" |
| Height | 71.9" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and 2026 Kia Sorento.
What is the primary performance difference between the two SUVs?
The 2025 Ford Bronco significantly outperforms the 2026 Kia Sorento in raw power metrics, delivering 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
How much more will the Ford Bronco cost annually to fuel compared to the Kia Sorento?
The Bronco, achieving 19 combined MPG and recommending premium unleaded, will cost substantially more to operate than the Sorento, which achieves 26 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel, representing a 7 MPG difference.
Is the Ford Bronco larger or smaller than the Kia Sorento?
The Sorento is longer at 189.6 inches compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches, but the Bronco is notably taller at 71.9 inches versus the Sorento's 66.7 inches.
Which vehicle is better suited for light hauling or cargo transport?
The 2025 Ford Bronco offers a larger standard cargo volume of 20.6 cubic feet, compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento’s 12.6 cubic feet, indicating superior practical space behind the rear seats.
What drivetrain configuration distinguishes these two models?
The Bronco comes standard with a robust four-wheel-drive system paired with a 7-speed manual transmission, while the Sorento utilizes a standard front-wheel-drive setup mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
What is the base MSRP gap between the two vehicles?
There is a significant $6,805 price difference, with the base Kia Sorento starting at $32,190, making it considerably more budget-friendly than the $38,995 entry price for the Ford Bronco.
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