2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Kia Sorento

$40,150 · Crossover

$32,190 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Trying to decide between the rugged utility of the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the mainstream efficiency of the 2026 Kia Sorento can be tricky when balancing needs and budget. The key difference boils down to capability versus cost-effectiveness. The Ridgeline, starting at $40,150, offers a beefier 280 hp, though it sacrifices fuel economy, achieving only 21 MPG combined compared to the Sorento's 26 MPG combined. Conversely, the Sorento undercuts the Honda by a significant $7,960 margin, retailing at $32,190, and provides better city driving range with 23 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 18 MPG city rating. While the Ridgeline is longer at 210.2 inches, suggesting more presence, the Sorento surprisingly offers nearly 50% more enclosed cargo space at 12.6 cu ft versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft. Your final choice hinges on whether you prioritize power and truck-like amenities or superior running costs and inherent crossover practicality.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento

The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its significantly better combined fuel economy of 26 MPG versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Sorento

Families benefit more from the Sorento's larger enclosed cargo capacity of 12.6 cubic feet compared to the Ridgeline's 7.3 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Honda Ridgeline

The 2025 Honda Ridgeline appeals to enthusiasts with 89 more horsepower, delivering 280 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento

The Sorento offers superior overall value by being $7,960 less expensive than the Ridgeline while delivering better efficiency.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You need the extra performance provided by the 280 hp engine for towing or spirited driving.
You prefer the versatility associated with the Ridgeline's unique, though smaller, 7.3 cu ft cargo bed design.
You require the slightly larger footprint provided by its 210.2-inch overall length.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Saving money upfront is crucial, as the Sorento starts at $32,190, nearly $8,000 less than Car 1.
Maximizing enclosed storage is a priority, given the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You value stretching fuel further, benefiting from the Sorento's superior 31 MPG highway rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda Ridgeline	Kia Sorento
Length	210.2"	189.6"
Width	78.6"	74.8"
Height	70.8"	66.7"
Wheelbase	125.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front 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	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	280 hp @ 6000 rpm	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Single overhead cam (SOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	✓	—

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Kia
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/24 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	21 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	351.0/468.0 mi.	407.1/548.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.5 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	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	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Kia
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	215W	—
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
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	Honda	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Front Head Room	40.1 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	62.0 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	59.1 in.	55.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	8-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.8 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.7 in.	41.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	61.5 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	56.6 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Kia
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Kia Sorento.

How significant is the power difference between the Ridgeline and the Sorento?

The difference is substantial; the 2025 Honda Ridgeline boasts 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, easily outgunning the 2026 Kia Sorento, which produces 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. This 89 hp advantage means the Ridgeline will feel quicker off the line.

Which crossover will cost less to fuel on a daily commute?

The Kia Sorento is the clear winner for fuel economy, offering 26 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. This efficiency difference, along with the Sorento achieving 31 MPG on the highway, translates to fewer stops at the pump.

Does the smaller cargo area of the Ridgeline mean less overall utility?

Yes, in terms of enclosed space, the Sorento wins easily with 12.6 cu ft compared to the Ridgeline’s 7.3 cu ft. However, the Ridgeline offers an open-bed utility typically unavailable in a standard crossover like the Sorento.

Is the higher price tag of the Ridgeline ($40,150) justified by its features over the Sorento ($32,190)?

Based purely on the provided data, the Sorento offers better fundamental value by saving you $7,960 while still being an AWD crossover option. The Ridgeline demands that premium for its higher power output and unique truck-like engineering.

How does the drivetrain affect driving experience in these two vehicles?

The Ridgeline comes standard with AWD and a 9-speed automatic, suggesting better traction control in slippery conditions. The Sorento, in its base configuration here, is Front Wheel Drive with an 8-speed automatic, which is perfectly adequate for dry commuting but less capable in severe weather than AWD.

Are the sizes comparable, or is one significantly larger than the other?

The Ridgeline is noticeably larger; it is 210.2 inches long and 78.6 inches wide. The Sorento is a more compact vehicle, measuring 189.6 inches in length and 74.8 inches in width, making it slightly easier to maneuver and park.