2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Acura RDX

$31,990 · Crossover

$45,100 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento offers approachable utility built on sensible foundations, starting at an attractive $31,990 MSRP and achieving a respectable 26 combined MPG. Its 191 horsepower provides adequate momentum for daily errands, powered efficiently through its 8-speed automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2026 Acura RDX steps onto the field as a powerhouse crossover, demanding $45,100 but rewarding drivers with a muscular 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This nearly 81 hp advantage promises genuine enthusiasm when merging onto the highway, backed by standard All-Wheel Drive and a quick 10-speed transmission. While the Sorento stretches further in length at 189.6 inches for added practicality, the RDX dedicates more real estate to dynamic performance, boasting a substantial 29.5 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Sorento's smaller 12.6 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Budget preservation is the top priority; the Sorento saves over thirteen thousand dollars upfront.
Maximizing fuel efficiency, achieving 26 combined MPG, is more important than peak acceleration.
You prefer standard Front Wheel Drive mechanics coupled with a traditional 8-speed automatic setup.

Choose the Acura RDX if...

A commanding 272 horsepower is necessary for confident, energetic driving maneuvers.
Need for maximum in-cabin storage is present, evidenced by its 29.5 cu ft capacity.
Desire for a high-performance AWD platform paired with a premium 10-speed transmission is key.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Acura RDX
Length	189.6"	187.4"
Width	74.8"	74.8"
Height	66.7"	65.7"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	✓	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Acura
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	272 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	280 lb-ft @ 1600 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	Kia	Acura
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Acura
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	21/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	23 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	359.1/461.7 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.1 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Acura
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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Acura
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.2 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	9
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
Subwoofer Count	—	1
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Acura
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Moonroof Type	—	1st Row Power Glass
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	60.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.0 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Acura
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	50.0 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Acura
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	19 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Acura
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2026 Acura RDX.

How significantly different is the driving feel between the two crossovers?

The difference is profound; the 2026 Acura RDX offers 81 more horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, translating to much quicker acceleration compared to the Sorento's 191 hp baseline.

Does the Sorento's lower price translate into better ownership economics?

Yes, the $31,990 MSRP makes the 2025 Kia Sorento far more accessible, although the RDX's use of premium fuel might add slightly to running costs.

Which vehicle provides more usable space behind the second row?

The 2026 Acura RDX is the clear winner here, offering a massive 29.5 cu ft of cargo volume versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

Are both models similar in physical size on the road?

They are close in stature; the Sorento is slightly longer at 189.6 inches, but both share the same 74.8-inch width, meaning parking maneuvers should feel comparable.