2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial divergence between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Honda Ridgeline lies in the $8,605 MSRP gap, with the Sorento starting at $31,990 versus the Ridgeline's $40,595. Power delivery is vastly different; the Ridgeline outputs a substantial 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. This performance skew is reflected in efficiency, where the Sorento delivers a 26 MPG combined rating compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. Furthermore, the vehicles occupy different dimensional footprints, with the Ridgeline boasting a 210.2-inch length versus the Sorento's 189.6 inches. However, the Sorento offers greater vertical space utilization, providing 12.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft, suggesting different priorities in usable interior volume despite the Ridgeline's overall larger exterior dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Sorento is better suited for families needing practical storage, offering 12.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
2026 Honda Ridgeline
The 2026 Honda Ridgeline is the clear choice for enthusiasts, delivering 280 hp, a substantial 89 hp advantage over the Sorento.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers a lower entry point at $31,990 and better fuel economy, providing superior value metrics.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing fuel stops, evidenced by the Sorento's 31 MPG highway rating.
- You need the lowest initial purchase price, starting $8,605 less than the Ridgeline at $31,990.
- You prioritize standard cargo utility over overall vehicle size, featuring 12.6 cu ft of storage.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- Performance is critical, as the Ridgeline offers 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque.
- You require All-Wheel Drive capability standard, unlike the Sorento's FWD base setup.
- You need a larger overall exterior footprint, measuring 210.2 inches long and 78.6 inches wide.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento | Honda Ridgeline |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 210.2" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.6" |
| Height | 66.7" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 125.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Single overhead cam (SOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 18/24 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 407.1/548.7 mi. | 351.0/468.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 19.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 9.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| 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 | — |
| Stereo Power | — | 215W |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 40.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 62.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 36.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 61.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Kia | Honda |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.
How significant is the performance difference between the two models?
The difference is substantial, with the 2026 Honda Ridgeline generating 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. This is 89 more horsepower than the 191 hp produced by the 2025 Kia Sorento.
Which vehicle provides better long-term running costs based on efficiency?
The 2025 Kia Sorento is better for efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. The Ridgeline lags behind with only 21 MPG combined.
What is the cargo capacity comparison for hauling gear?
The Sorento offers more conventional enclosed cargo space at 12.6 cubic feet. The Ridgeline has a smaller enclosed capacity of 7.3 cubic feet, prioritizing its utility bed over enclosed storage volume.
Is there a major difference in drivetrain and transmission?
Yes, the Ridgeline comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Sorento has a FWD base with an 8-speed automatic.
How much larger is the Ridgeline dimensionally than the Sorento?
The Ridgeline is notably larger in nearly every dimension, measuring 210.2 inches long compared to the Sorento’s 189.6 inches, and it is also 3.8 inches taller.
Does the price difference justify the performance boost for the Ridgeline?
The Ridgeline costs $8,605 more than the Sorento, which directly funds the significant jump in horsepower (from 191 hp to 280 hp) and the inclusion of standard AWD.
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