2022 Kia Telluride vs Sorento

Kia has emerged as a formidable player in the automotive industry, lauded for its exceptional craftsmanship, impressive value proposition, and reliable performance. With a diverse lineup of SUVs, the Telluride and Sorento are two noteworthy models that deliver a trifecta of spaciousness, capability, and athleticism, enhanced by an array of cutting-edge features. Prospective buyers considering these three-row vehicles may benefit from this comprehensive analysis, which sheds light on their unique attributes and assists in making an informed decision that aligns with their distinct lifestyle and preferences.

Size and Styling

Though they may appear as twins at first glance, the Telluride and Sorento models differ significantly when placed side by side. The former is 206 inches long while its rival stands an impressive 7 1/2 inches shorter - a figure which increases further still with width (4") and height (several"). Needless to say, these two vehicles have distinct identities worth closer inspection.

With over 15 cubes of extra cargo space, the interior of 2022 Telluride offers generous storage capacity. Not only does it boast a maximum load volume that surpasses its rival Sorento by 11.5 cubic feet, but even when looking at what's available behind just the back row alone - an impressive 21 cubic feet compared to 12.6 in Sorento – you can see why Telluride is quickly becoming one of today’s most popular and spacious SUVs on the market.

The Telluride has room for up to eight passengers, but the Sorento can hold a maximum of seven. This discrepancy is due to the Sorento only having two seats in its third row, unlike the Telluride which has three seats back there. That third row of either SUV isn't particularly spacious. The Sorento only has 29.6 inches of third-row leg room, with the Telluride having slightly more room with 31.4 inches of leg room.

Fortunately, things are roomier in the other rows. Second-row leg room is 41.7 inches in the Sorento and 42.4 inches in the Telluride. Their first rows are comfortable as well. Both treat the driver and front passenger to 41.4 inches of leg room.

The Telluride's impressive 8 inches of ground clearance provides the perfect height to easily traverse even the bumpiest terrain. It's no surprise that when it comes to fording uneven roads, its all-wheel drive cousin boasts an extra 0.3 inch - bringing total clearance up to a whopping 8.2 inches! Meanwhile, those looking at front wheel drive options can still enjoy 6.9 inches in the Sorento range.

In terms of stylings, these Kias are similar to each other. They manage to feel upscale and rugged at the same time, so they'd be ideal for people who want nice vehicles that can handle themselves well when going off the beaten path.

Some trims in the Sorento and Telluride lineups have chrome accents, while others have black accents. Those models with black accents appear particularly durable and have a more aggressive vibe to them.

The Telluride and Sorento both have stunning exteriors, but the former offers drivers an extra level of customization with its power sunroof or double-paned choice for soaking in some vitamin D. Meanwhile, those seeking expansive skylines will find it easier to appreciate thanks to the latter's unique two panel panoramic roofing system.

The Telluride is the perfect car for a rainy day – its rain-sensing wipers kick in automatically to alleviate any additional stress on drivers already dealing with inclement weather. Unfortunately, those same convenience features are not available on the Sorento - leaving it ill equipped when wet conditions hit.

The Sorento has standard LED headlights, and it can be enhanced with LED fog lights, LED daytime running lights, and LED rear combination taillamps. The Telluride comes standard, instead, with projector beam headlights, and only its higher trims have LED headlights. It does, though, come with LED position lights and LED daytime running lights. It can be upgraded with more LEDs in various places, matching what the Sorento offers pretty well.

18-inch and 20-inch wheels are found on these two types of Kias. If those wheels have a gloss black finish, the appearance of the Kia looks more eye-catching. The entry-level trim of the Sorento only has 17-inch wheels, while the Telluride starts off with the 18-inch wheels.

Drivability

Take your pick! The Telluride and Sorento offer decidedly different driving experiences with two distinct engine options. Cruise the open roads in a gust of power with the Telluride's 3.8-liter V6, which delivers an impressive 291 horsepower - enough to rocket you off into new adventures.

The 2022 Sorento offers something for everyone, from the casual commuter who might prefer its standard 2.5L four-cylinder powerplant to those looking for a heart-throbbing drive - enter the turbocharged engine that screams out an impressive 281 horses and 311 pound feet of torque! Whether you're simply getting around town or feeling daring on winding roads, this versatile SUV has got your back.

Get ready to hit the road with confidence in the Telluride. It offers an 8-speed Sportmatic sports shifter, so you can take control of your drive and customize it to fit whatever journey lies ahead – Comfort mode for long cruises, Eco for those fuel efficient drives, Sport when tackling twisty roads - plus AWD lock and Snow Mode let you handle winter weather without a worry.

On the other hand, the Sorento's base engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine is matched with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission typically found in sportier vehicles. The Sorento also offers the option for all-wheel drive, featuring a center-locking differential for ameliorated stability and handling.

For those who crave the adrenaline rush of taking control behind the wheel, look no further - Sorento's upper trims come equipped with paddle shifters on your steering wheel. Quickly and easily shift without ever having to take your hands off the wheel.

Kia's Sorento and Telluride both offer optimal fuel economies for their models. However, the standard engine in a front-wheel-drive Sorento may be more attractive to some due its 24/29 city/highway miles per gallon estimated efficiency - slightly better than that of the all-wheel drive option. Meanwhile, the turbocharged model boasts an impressive 22/29 mpg rating while still lagging behind that of a comparable front wheel Telluride at 20/26 mpg respectively; something worth considering as you weigh your options.

Comfort, Options and Performance

Whether you’re squeezing in extra passengers with room to spare or just looking for a comfortable ride, the Telluride is sure to deliver. Outfitted with automatic dual-zone climate control and adjustable rear passenger controls as standard features, it provides an inviting environment no matter your destination. The Sorento may not come fully loaded like its cousin does but has most trims equipped with auto dual-zone climate control that still creates cozy cabins for long trips down the road.

The Kia Sorento and Telluride SUVs offer passengers the option of comfort, space and convenience. With captain's chairs in their second row, both models can provide six or seven guests a cozy respite with plenty of legroom adjustments to fit any-sized traveler. And if that weren't enough, these vehicles also feature third rows which recline for extra relaxation as well as folding capabilities when you need some additional cargo storage!

The base Sorento trim level comes with cloth upholstery. However, the majority of the other trims feature SynTex, a synthetic material. These trims that use SynTex seats also possess heated front seats and 10-way power-adjustable driver's seats, as well as two-way power lumbar support.

The Sorento trims offer a luxurious driving experience with their 14-way power adjustable driver's seats complete with customizable lumbar support and thigh extensions, as well as ventilated front seats plus heated rear and front seating to ensure the utmost in comfort. Genuine leather upholstery adds an extra touch of sophistication for those looking for that added bit of opulence.

Things aren't exactly the same in the Telluride. Out of its four trims, two have SynTex seats and two have leather. Cloth isn't an option. The top trim can even be upgraded with a premium Nappa leather which feels and looks more refined than regular leather.

Even the base model of the Telluride has an adjustable driver's seat, so you can customize your comfort level from the start. But if that isn't enough for you, upgrade to higher trims and enjoy even greater control with 8- or 10-way power adjustability and a memory system feature.
Aside from leather-wrapped steering wheels and gear shifters, which mid-level trims have, the top Telluride trims can have heated steering wheels. Further, there can be heated and ventilated second-row seats. The SX trim of the Telluride has a more sporty appearance with stainless-steel pedals.

With the Telluride, you'll be navigating in style with its standard 10.25-inch touchscreen and navigation plus Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and SiriusXM connectivity options - no matter the trim. But if a smaller 8” screen is more your thing then look no further than Kia's Sorento where it comes as an option on all trims except for base models that have forgone including SirusXM compatibility but equipped with both Android Auto & Apple Carplay support nonetheless.

The Sorento starts off with six speakers, with its top trims having 12 Bose speakers. The base trim has three USB outlets in the front row, one in the second row, and two in the third row. Most trims have three USB outlets in the second row, so there would be an outlet for each passenger. About half of the lineup has wireless charging, too.

Likewise, wireless charging is available with the Telluride. It actually comes with three out of the four available trims. The Telluride comes standard with six USB ports in addition to a USB input jack. Higher trims have seven total USB ports.

Technology also plays a role in other areas of these vehicles. For instance, the Telluride has remote engine start and a smart key as standard features, and it can have an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Almost all Sorento's have smart key entry with remote start, and it can have an auto-dimming rearview mirror, too.

Safety

Kia has focused a lot on safety. Both trims feature driver-assist technologies that can actively keep passengers safe.

Forward collision-avoidance assist is a standard component in both lineups, and it includes pedestrian detection. Cyclist detection is standard with the Telluride and available with the Sorento.

Another thing that these vehicles have is lane keep assist. With this technology, they can sense when they're veering out of their lanes, and if so, they'll issue alerts and will have the potential to correct steering.

In terms of safety, the Telluride stands out with its lineup-wide inclusion of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic monitoring. With such features, drivers can avoid ill-timed lane changes or reverse maneuvers, with the Telluride taking the wheel or engaging the brakes, as needed. With the exception of the base trim, the Sorento also offers these features in its range.

With all the distractions that are present in today's world, it can be easy to take one's eyes off the road for a second. If that happens for too long, one of these Kias can sense it. It would emit an alert so that the driver would refocus his/her attention on the roads.

The Telluride is further equipped with a navigation-based smart cruise control system that adapts to traffic patterns and upcoming turns. This system can regulate speed to suit changing circumstances, such as when approaching sharp bends. While not a standard feature of the Sorento, many trims of this SUV come with this technology.

Which Model to Choose?

The Telluride and its counterpart may appear to be almost identical on the surface, but those who take a closer look will find that they differ in more ways than one. Notably, the difference in size is quite remarkable - if you need room for passengers or cargo then this should definitely inform your decision making process. You'll have to pay top dollar however; not only does it come at a higher price point compared with its competitor, but fuel efficiency isn't as good either.

The Telluride's cost begins at around $33,400 and tops out at $43,300. Comparatively, the Sorento's starting price is approximately $29,600, with a broader selection of trim options that culminate in the X-LINE SX Prestige AWD at $43,190.

The Telluride and Sorento offer two packages for those seeking the best in cutting-edge technology. Though the entry level of each provides some unique amenities, more experienced tech enthusiasts won't find a huge difference between their higher trims - both providing an impressive balance of modern must haves.

The Kia Sorento is an ideal vehicle for large households and thrill-seekers alike. Its versatile design enables it to accommodate up to seven passengers, while its turbo trims offer a thrilling ride experience perfect for adrenaline junkies.