2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Hyundai Palisade

$31,990 · Crossover

$39,435 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento bursts onto the scene as the sharp, efficient contender, thrilling budget-conscious drivers with its $31,990 starting price and segment-leading 26 combined MPG. It prioritizes agility and economy. Conversely, the upcoming 2026 Hyundai Palisade flexes serious muscle, boasting a robust 287 horsepower, which completely outguns the Sorento's 191 hp figure. While the Palisade offers more heft, evident in its nearly 10-inch longer 199.2-inch frame and greater 19.1 cu ft of cargo space, it demands a premium, ringing up at $39,435 MSRP, a significant $7,445 premium over the Kia. The difference in pulling power (260 lb-ft vs. 181 lb-ft) makes the Palisade the superior highway cruiser, albeit at the cost of 5 MPG lower fuel efficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior 26 combined MPG efficiency against the Palisade's 21 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade offers a more accommodating family hauler with a larger overall size and 19.1 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Palisade

Enthusiasts will favor the Palisade for its substantial 96 hp advantage and 260 lb-ft of torque output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento provides compelling utility at a much lower entry point, saving buyers $7,445 compared to the Palisade.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Your primary concern is maximizing fuel economy, delivering 31 Highway MPG.
You need a lower initial investment, with an MSRP starting at just $31,990.
You prefer a slightly more manageable footprint for city driving at 189.6 inches in length.

Choose the Hyundai Palisade if...

You require significant power, evidenced by its 287 horsepower engine.
Maximum interior utility is essential, provided by the larger 19.1 cu ft of cargo space.
You are willing to pay $7,445 more for superior performance metrics like 260 lb-ft of torque.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Hyundai Palisade
Length	189.6"	199.2"
Width	74.8"	78.0"
Height	66.7"	69.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	116.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	287 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 5000 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	Hyundai
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	19/25 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	361.0/475.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	19.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	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

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	41.5 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	44.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	61.4 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	58.8 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
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.7 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	43.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	61.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	56.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	235/65R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2026 Hyundai Palisade.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Palisade than the 2025 Sorento?

The Hyundai Palisade is substantially more powerful, producing 287 horsepower compared to the Kia Sorento's 191 hp. This results in a 96 hp advantage for the larger crossover.

What is the direct impact of the MPG difference between these two crossovers?

The Kia Sorento achieves 26 combined MPG, while the power-focused Palisade manages only 21 combined MPG. This 5 MPG deficit means the Sorento will cost less to run on daily commutes.

Is the size difference between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, the Palisade is noticeably larger, measuring 199.2 inches in length versus the Sorento's 189.6 inches. This translates directly to the Palisade offering more passenger/cargo volume.

Is the Palisade's extra cost justified by its performance numbers?

The Palisade costs $39,435 MSRP, $7,445 more than the Sorento's $31,990 starting price. Buyers must weigh this extra cost against the torque benefit of 260 lb-ft versus 181 lb-ft.

Which vehicle uses a standard automatic transmission?

Both vehicles utilize 8-speed automatics; however, the Palisade specifies a shiftable automatic, implying more driver control over gear selection than the standard setup in the Sorento.