2025 Hyundai Palisade vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial differentiator between the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Kia Sorento is the $5,010 MSRP gap, with the Sorento starting at $32,190 versus the Palisade's $37,200. This price premium for the Palisade correlates directly with a substantial power increase: 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. Conversely, the Sorento excels in efficiency, achieving a 26 MPG combined rating, surpassing the Palisade's 22 MPG combined rating by 4 MPG. In terms of size, the Palisade offers superior bulk, measuring 196.7 inches in length versus the Sorento's 189.6 inches, resulting in greater utility with 18.0 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. Both vehicles utilize a front-wheel-drive platform with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but the power disparity dictates differing driving dynamics across the model line.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 26 MPG combined versus the Palisade's 22 MPG combined.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The 2025 Hyundai Palisade provides substantially more utility with 18.0 cu ft of cargo capacity, compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade offers significantly higher performance credentials, generating 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque over the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Sorento is the clear value choice, costing $5,010 less than the Palisade while still delivering 26 MPG combined.
Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...
- You require the higher performance figures of 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximum utility is critical, evidenced by its 18.0 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- The larger exterior footprint (196.7 inches in length) is necessary for your needs.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Achieving better fuel economy is a priority, given its 26 MPG combined rating.
- A lower entry price point of $32,190 is essential for budgeting.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle profile being 6.2 inches shorter than Car 1.
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 | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| 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) | — | ✓ |
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 2026 Kia Sorento.
What is the primary mechanical difference affecting driving experience between these two crossovers?
The primary difference is engine output. The Palisade (Car 1) produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Sorento (Car 2) produces only 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, resulting in significantly faster acceleration for the Palisade.
How much more expensive is the entry-level 2025 Hyundai Palisade compared to the 2026 Kia Sorento?
The MSRP difference is $5,010; the Palisade starts at $37,200 while the Sorento has a lower base price of $32,190.
Does the size difference impact real-world cargo usability?
Yes, the Palisade is larger in every dimension and offers 18.0 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft, providing 5.4 more cubic feet of storage volume.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for highway driving?
The 2026 Kia Sorento (Car 2) is more efficient on the highway, rated at 31 MPG highway, outpacing the Palisade’s 26 MPG highway rating.
Are both vehicles powered by regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Palisade and the 2026 Kia Sorento are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel type.
Do these models offer different driving layouts or transmission types?
Both vehicles come standard with front-wheel drive and feature an 8-speed automatic transmission, although the Palisade specifies a 'shiftable automatic' variant.
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