2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport often boils down to size versus rugged capability. If your priority is maximizing interior space for passengers or minimizing fuel stops, the Sorento presents a compelling argument with its overall length of 189.6 inches, offering a traditionally larger footprint. However, the Bronco Sport is the clear efficiency and capability leader here, boasting a slightly better 27 combined MPG versus the Sorento's 26 MPG, and importantly, it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Furthermore, while the Sorento starts at $31,990, the Bronco Sport undercuts it at $31,845, offering better utility from a smaller, taller package (70.2 inches high versus 66.7 inches). Though the Sorento offers more horsepower at 191 hp, the Bronco Sport counters with superior torque at 190 lb-ft, suggesting better pulling power at lower speeds.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its marginally better 27 combined MPG and standard AWD making varied weather conditions easier to handle.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Sorento is better for families needing space, providing a significantly larger 12.6 cu ft cargo capacity behind the third row (implied larger overall capacity given the dimensions).
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Enthusiasts will likely prefer the Bronco Sport's standard AWD and higher 190 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 181 lb-ft.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers better fuel economy and standard AWD for $145 less than the Sorento's MSRP.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- You need a larger vehicle structure, as the Sorento is nearly 7 inches longer than the Bronco Sport.
- You prefer the slightly higher peak horsepower rating of 191 hp.
- You value a traditional crossover shape that trades height for length, despite the lower base MSRP.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Your driving conditions frequently require All-Wheel Drive, which is standard on the Bronco Sport.
- Maximum usable cargo space is critical, as it boasts 32.5 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft measurement.
- You want slightly better fuel efficiency, netting 27 combined MPG versus the Sorento's 26 MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 172.7" |
| Width | 74.8" | 74.3" |
| Height | 66.7" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 407.1/548.7 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 16.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 55.2 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
Which vehicle is better if I need more actual storage room?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner for cargo volume, officially quoting 32.5 cu ft. The Kia Sorento lists a much smaller 12.6 cu ft measurement, suggesting the Sorento might be prioritizing third-row seating space or a slightly different loading floor setup.
How big is the size difference between the Sorento and the Bronco Sport?
The Kia Sorento is substantially larger overall, measuring 189.6 inches long compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches. However, the Bronco Sport is significantly taller at 70.2 inches versus the Sorento’s 66.7 inches.
If I commute daily, which crossover will save me more at the pump?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport will save you a little bit of money due to its superior efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the 2025 Kia Sorento's 26 combined MPG.
Is the extra money for the Sorento worth the extra horsepower?
The Sorento has 191 hp, 10 more than the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp, but the Bronco Sport compensates by offering 190 lb-ft of torque against the Sorento's 181 lb-ft, meaning the Ford may feel stronger in initial acceleration.
Does the starting price difference matter much between these two crossovers?
Yes, the price gap is minimal but favors the Bronco Sport; it starts at $31,845 while the Sorento starts at $31,990. The Bronco Sport also includes the benefit of standard All-Wheel Drive for that lower cost.
Are both vehicles compatible with regular unleaded gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.
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