2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Nissan Pathfinder
Comparison Overview
The most significant disparity between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is power, with the Pathfinder boasting 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque, an advantage of 93 hp over the Sorento's 191 hp. This power deficit in the Sorento ($31,990 MSRP) is balanced by superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Pathfinder's 23 combined MPG, despite the Sorento being notably smaller (189.6 inches long vs. 197.7 inches). The Pathfinder offers substantial increases in utility, providing 16.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft, though it demands a higher starting price of $36,400. Furthermore, the Pathfinder utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the Sorento uses an 8-speed unit. Buyers must weigh the Sorento's $4,410 initial cost savings and better efficiency against the Pathfinder's substantial 93 hp advantage and larger physical footprint.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento
The Sorento offers 3 MPG better combined efficiency (26 MPG vs. 23 MPG) and a lower entry price point for daily driving.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder provides superior utility with a larger physical size and 16.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder delivers substantially more performance, generating 284 hp and 259 lb-ft of torque versus the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Sorento provides adequate performance (191 hp) while carrying a $4,410 lower MSRP and offering better fuel economy.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing initial outlay, given the Sorento's $31,990 MSRP compared to the Pathfinder's $36,400.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, as the Sorento achieves 26 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel.
- You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle measuring 189.6 inches in length for easier urban maneuverability.
Choose the Nissan Pathfinder if...
- You require maximum output, as the Pathfinder generates 284 horsepower, a 93 hp advantage.
- More utility space is necessary, evidenced by the Pathfinder's 16.6 cu ft cargo capacity, 4.0 cu ft larger than car 1.
- You prefer the slightly more advanced gearing of the Pathfinder's 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento | Nissan Pathfinder |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 197.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 77.9" |
| Height | 66.7" | 70.9" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 114.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 3.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 284 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 259 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 20/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 23 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 407.1/548.7 mi. | 370.0/499.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 42.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 44.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 60.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 58.3 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 | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 35.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 59.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 255/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Nissan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 24000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Nissan Pathfinder.
What is the primary financial difference between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2025 Kia Sorento has a base MSRP of $31,990, which is exactly $4,410 less than the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder's starting price of $36,400. This upfront cost savings is the largest quantifiable difference between the two models.
How does the performance gap affect real-world driving between the two crossovers?
The Pathfinder offers a significant power boost with 284 hp compared to the Sorento's 191 hp, meaning the Pathfinder will accelerate with noticeably more authority. However, this comes at the cost of efficiency, as the Sorento is rated at 26 combined MPG while the Pathfinder manages 23 combined MPG.
Which vehicle is better suited for moving large amounts of cargo?
The 2025 Nissan Pathfinder is superior for cargo hauling, offering 16.6 cubic feet of storage space. The 2025 Kia Sorento is more limited, providing only 12.6 cubic feet in the same configuration.
Do both vehicles use the same transmission type?
No, while both use automatic transmissions, the Sorento is equipped with an 8-speed automatic, whereas the Pathfinder utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Are there significant differences in exterior size affecting parking or garage fitting?
Yes, the Pathfinder is substantially larger across all dimensions; it is 8.1 inches longer (197.7 in vs 189.6 in) and 4.2 inches taller (70.9 in vs 66.7 in) than the Sorento, which impacts maneuverability and storage.
Are both crossovers rated for the same fuel type?
Both the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Nissan Pathfinder are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, preventing the need for premium gasoline in either FWD configuration.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool