2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2025 Kia Sorento

$37,200 · Crossover

$31,990 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade leaps onto the scene offering robust power and a commanding presence, boasting 291 hp and substantial exterior dimensions (196.7 inches long). It screams premium aspirations from its $37,200 starting point. Conversely, the 2025 Kia Sorento punches above its weight with a clear focus on efficiency and affordability, kicking off at just $31,990. The Sorento shines with a superior fuel economy rating of 26 MPG combined, significantly better than the Palisade’s 22 MPG combined. While the Sorento’s 191 hp might feel adequate, the Palisade’s 100 hp advantage makes a significant difference in freeway merging. The $5,210 gulf in MSRP separates these two crossovers, forcing buyers to weigh the Palisade’s extra horsepower and larger footprint against the Sorento’s frugality and lower entry cost. The cargo battle is also close, with the Palisade offering 18 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the Palisade's 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade is better suited for families needing more space, offering 18 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Hyundai Palisade

Enthusiasts seeking immediate responsiveness will favor the Palisade’s significantly higher output of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento provides exceptional foundational utility at a much lower price point, saving buyers $5,210 compared to the Palisade’s starting MSRP.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You prioritize dynamic performance and require 291 horsepower for towing or merging.
You need maximum cargo utility, as the Palisade offers 18 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
You desire the visual presence of a larger vehicle, evidenced by its 196.7-inch length.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Saving money is paramount, given the Sorento's $31,990 MSRP advantage over the Palisade's $37,200.
You frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic and value efficiency, netting 26 MPG combined.
You prefer a slightly nimbler vehicle due to its smaller dimensions (66.7 inches tall vs. 68.9 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Palisade	Kia Sorento
Length	196.7"	189.6"
Width	77.8"	74.8"
Height	68.9"	66.7"
Wheelbase	114.2"	110.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Front 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	✓	✓
Third Row 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	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	3.8 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	V6	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	291 hp @ 6000 rpm	191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	262 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	24	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	19/26 MPG	23/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.2/488.8 mi.	407.1/548.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	18.8 gal.	17.7 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	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	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Power Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speaker System	—	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	2	1
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	40.7 in.	40.3 in.
Front Leg Room	44.1 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	61.2 in.	59.1 in.
Front Hip Room	58.1 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	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.1 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	60.8 in.	58.1 in.
Rear Hip Room	57.7 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	245/60R18	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and 2025 Kia Sorento.

How significant is the performance difference between the 2025 Palisade and Sorento?

The difference is substantial: the Palisade delivers a massive 291 horsepower, which is exactly 100 more than the Sorento's 191 horsepower. This means the Palisade will accelerate with notably more authority when pushed.

Is the higher price of the Palisade justified by better fuel economy?

No, the opposite is true; the Sorento is the thriftier option. The Sorento achieves 26 MPG combined, while the more powerful Palisade only manages 22 MPG combined.

Which vehicle offers more room for luggage or supplies?

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade offers superior cargo volume at 18 cubic feet, significantly outclassing the 2025 Kia Sorento’s 12.6 cubic feet.

What is the starting price difference when comparing the base models?

There is a considerable $5,210 difference in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The Sorento starts at $31,990, while the Palisade starts at $37,200.

Are both crossovers equipped with similar transmissions?

Yes, both vehicles utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission setup, though the Palisade features an 8-speed shiftable automatic for potentially more driver engagement.