Kia Sorento vs. Sportage 2023

1. Introduction

The Kia Sorento and Sportage 2023 models are two of the best-selling models that differ in innate ways but unify in their quality. This essay will compare the difference between two vehicles with a generation gap. The essay will mainly deal with the differences of the interiors and exteriors of the vehicle and the change in the values of the vehicles happening with inflation. The Sorento is a larger vehicle and 5-door SUV while the Sportage is a smaller vehicle with a variety of 3 and 5-door options from different generations. These differences are a result of common consumer demands within the time of release with SUVs becoming increasingly popular over the years. The essay will also mention the change in engine and 4-wheel drive technology from its generation gap. A vital element to compare is the safety and security of the vehicles from different time periods as safety is one of the primary consumer concerns in vehicles. The vehicles have a difference in market but appeal to the same type of consumer. The Sorento is primarily suited as a family car with 7-seater capacity and the latest model being released on the 28th of August this year. The Sportage is an SUV that is well suited for a smaller family and city driving with the latest model being released in 2010. The comparison will provide a clear insight into the two models and the prospective buyer of a used Sportage or an upgrade to the latest Sorento. The difference in demographic marketing has affected the comparison of the vehicles. The Sorento is better suited for comfortable long-distance driving and safety of children as proved in recent ANCAP safety ratings. The Sportage is suited for primarily city driving and is more economically efficient with fuel. This means that as the Sorento has evolved from a typical utility truck with similarities to the Sportage, it has adjusted its market to become a competitor to luxury SUVs without losing its value for money. Please visit our Comprehensive Guide to Kia Model Comparisons to learn more about Kia Sorento vs Sportage 2023.

2. Exterior Design

Though the style is completely different between the two vehicles, it can definitely be said that neither design is boring, and both have shown to be quite polarizing in initial public reaction. Opting to assemble different vehicles with individual character has set out a good direction for Kia's brand image.

In contrast, the Sportage also displays a complete departure from the previous generation with a design that is very unique. The front end sports more bulbous, attention grabbing headlamps, most notably in the rear end. The Sportage will garner a lot of attention in this area, as the taillamps have become quite an attention grabbing bit of styling. And much like the Sorento, the new Sportage appears a lot less traditional SUV with a more contemporary design. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]

At the rear, the Sorento looks even more distinct as the vertical taillamps and rear wiper hidden in the spoiler above the rear window give the Sorento a luxury look from the rear. The license plate has been moved from the bumper to the tailgate, with a big SORENTO imprint flanked by more skid plate effects to complete the look. Overall, the Sorento marks a departure from its traditionally boxy SUV looks into something more modern and stylish.

Moving to the side, the Sorento employs a skinnier, longer greenhouse area than the Sportage, which has a more traditional SUV look about it. The extra length of the Sorento is noticeable from this angle, as it provides a more elongated look. The redesigned 20" wheels on the SX provide the finishing touch.

Upfront, the Sorento offers the latest interpretation of the Tiger Nose grille, combined with more aggressive, on-road focused headlamps. The hood is creased in multiple directions, giving the Sorento a more athletic look. Lower down, the fog lamps are pushed to the corners of the bumper and skid plate effect give the Sorento a rugged appearance in comparison to the Sportage.

There are many similarities between the two on the exterior as they share a similar silhouette, shape, and wheelbase, and have been built at the same facility. However, when looking closer, there are enough differences to set the two apart without seeing them side by side.

3. Interior Features

The Kia Sportage has a modern, roomy interior with high-quality soft-touch materials used throughout. Standard interior features include an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-inch digital gauge cluster. Music lovers will appreciate that it also has LED ambient lighting with a sound mood lamp function, which can emit soft light and synchronize its brightness and color with the audio system. At this stage, Kia has only provided the Australian specification for the Sportage, which is to have a four-speaker audio. We'll have to wait and see if higher-spec models will come with more speakers or an improved sound system. The Sportage Black Edition will have a unique interior to the rest of the range with black woven synthetic leather seats, a black headliner, and black wood-look dashboard and door trim. The Sportage has increased headroom and rear passenger legroom compared to the previous model. Additional passenger space has been created by increasing the wheelbase by 10 mm. [5][8][9][10][11]

The interior of the Kia Sorento is simply stunning and is loaded with luxury. Standard features include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.3-inch touchscreen. A head-up display is available for those who opt for the high-end GT-Line. The Sorento also has a unique feature called Blind-Spot View Monitor to combat the issue of blind spots when driving. When the left or right indicator is activated, a high-resolution camera displays on the digital gauge cluster, showing the view from that side of the vehicle. The interior of the Sorento is described as having a modern, contemporary, comfortable, and luxurious feel due to the quality of materials used and the amount of space available. There's lots of room for second-row passengers, and third-row space is also said to have been improved from the previous model.

Interior features offer everything to make the new Sorento and Sportage your own happy place. The high-tech, driver-centric and minimalist cockpit of Sorento gives you confidence and control in an unpredictable world, and the reclined, spacious interior of the all-new Sportage makes on-the-road work and weekends away that bit more comfortable.

4. Performance and Engine Options

Sorento's standard 2.5-liter engine is rated at 191 horsepower, while the optional turbocharged version delivers 281-311 horsepower. The base Sportage 2.4-liter engine has 182 horsepower, which is slightly less than the base Sorento's 191-horsepower option. The optional hybrid Sportage has 37-41 more horsepower than the standard Sorento. Both optional turbo powertrains in the Sorento and Sportage are the same 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. However, they are likely different versions of the 2.5T from the Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Sportage 2.5T is estimated to have 277 horsepower compared to the Sorento's 281 and 311 horsepower options. Both SUVs have an 8-speed automatic transmission that is standard across the lineup. Additionally, both models feature drive modes. The Sorento has "Drive Mode Select" with options for Sport, Smart, Comfort, and Snow, while the Sportage has terrain modes for Normal, Eco, and Sport.

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