@ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
@ Kia Corporation
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Ford Explorer EV vs Kia Sorento – Which one offers the better deal?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Explorer EV or Kia Sorento?

Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

The Battle of the SUVs: Ford Explorer EV vs. Kia Sorento

As the automotive world shifts towards more sustainable and technologically advanced solutions, new electric and hybrid SUVs are taking center stage. Two prominent contenders in this arena are the Ford Explorer EV and the Kia Sorento. While both vehicles share the SUV classification, they differ significantly in powertrains and eco-friendliness.

Sorento @ Kia Corporation

Power and Performance

The Ford Explorer EV is a fully electric vehicle available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options. It boasts a range of power outputs: 170 HP, 204 HP, 286 HP, and a top variant at 340 HP. Acceleration enthusiasts will appreciate its 0-100 km/h time of just 5.3 to 6.4 seconds. Additionally, the Explorer EV offers a maximum speed of 180 km/h and torque ranging from 310 Nm to 679 Nm.

On the other hand, the Kia Sorento offers a variety of powertrains including plug-in hybrid, full hybrid, and diesel options with power outputs of 194 HP, 215 HP, and 252 HP. The plug-in hybrid variant has an electric range of 55 km and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in approximately 8.8 to 9.5 seconds. The top speed for the Sorento ranges from 183 to 201 km/h, with torque figures reaching up to 440 Nm. These figures ensure the Sorento offers versatility for several driving preferences.

Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Efficiency Meets Eco-Friendliness

The Explorer EV shines with an impressive electric range of up to 602 km on a full charge, depending on the configuration. It features battery capacities between 52 kWh and 79 kWh, contributing to a CO2 efficiency class of 'A', making it a leading choice for eco-conscious drivers who are also looking at lower running costs.

Conversely, the Sorento delivers fuel consumption figures that range from 1.6 L/100km for the plug-in hybrid to 7.2 L/100km for the diesel configurations. The plug-in variant, with a CO2 efficiency class of 'B', offers reduced emissions and a CO2 output starting at 37 g/km. Despite not being all-electric, the Sorento provides a practical balance between performance and eco-friendliness.

Sorento @ Kia Corporation

Interior and Cargo Space

Space is an integral feature of any SUV. The Ford Explorer EV comes as a five-seater and provides a trunk capacity of up to 450 liters. Its dimensions of 4468 mm in length, 1871 mm in width, and up to 1639 mm in height, ensure a compact yet spacious interior.

The Kia Sorento, meanwhile, offers more flexibility with seating configurations that accommodate five, six, or seven passengers. Depending on the variant, the Sorento delivers a more generous trunk capacity, ranging from 175 liters to 705 liters, making it an attractive option for families and adventurers alike. Its dimensions include a length of approximately 4815 mm and a width of 1900 mm, offering more onboard space compared to the Explorer.

Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours

Ultimately, choosing between the Ford Explorer EV and the Kia Sorento depends on the buyer's priorities. For those prioritizing zero emissions and cutting-edge electric performance, the Explorer EV stands out as a formidable choice with its extended range and power. Alternatively, the Sorento appeals to those seeking hybrid options and flexible seating, alongside a reputation for reliability and well-equipped interiors.

Whether you're leaning towards Ford's electric future or Kia's versatile hybrid offerings, both the Explorer EV and Sorento showcase the exciting innovations driving the SUV market forward.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Sorento @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Ford Explorer EV has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 34200 £, while the Kia Sorento costs 46000 £. That’s a price difference of around 11820 £.

As for range, the Ford Explorer EV performs convincingly better – achieving up to 602 km, about 547 km more than the Kia Sorento.

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Ford Explorer EV has a evident edge – offering 340 HP compared to 252 HP. That’s roughly 88 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Explorer EV is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.30 s, while the Kia Sorento takes 8.80 s. That’s about 3.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Kia Sorento performs a bit better – reaching 201 km/h, while the Ford Explorer EV tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 21 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Ford Explorer EV pulls clearly perceptible stronger with 679 Nm compared to 440 Nm. That’s about 239 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Kia Sorento offers clearly perceptible more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, Kia Sorento is slight lighter – 1854 kg compared to 1908 kg. The difference is around 54 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Kia Sorento offers evident more room – 705 L compared to 450 L. That’s a difference of about 255 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Kia Sorento performs distinct better – up to 2100 L, which is about 678 L more than the Ford Explorer EV.

When it comes to payload, Kia Sorento to a small extent takes the win – 684 kg compared to 585 kg. That’s a difference of about 99 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Ford Explorer EV proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Ford Explorer EV is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £34,200
Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center

Ford Explorer EV

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 170 - 340 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.5 - 17.2 kWh
  • Electric Range : 360 - 602 km

Ford Explorer EV

5 (2)
rate

The Ford Explorer EV translates the familiar big‑American SUV presence into whisper‑quiet electric motoring, offering roomy seating and a tech‑forward cabin that will please families and road‑trippers alike. It drives with more composure than its boxy looks suggest, blending a comfortable ride and eager acceleration while undercutting the guilt of gas stops — a practical, modern alternative for buyers who want Explorer space with electric charm.

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Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento blends roomy practicality with smart tech and an unexpectedly composed highway manner, making it an easy choice for families who want comfort without fuss. It presents classy interior touches and sensible packaging at a realistic price, proving you don't need to shout to be noticed in the SUV crowd.

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Ford Explorer EV
Kia Sorento
Explorer EV @ Ford Motor Company / Ford Media Center
Sorento @ Kia Corporation

Costs and Consumption

Price
34200 - 48800 £
Price
46000 - 59300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 7.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
14.5 - 17.2 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
360 - 602 km
Electric Range
55 km
Battery Capacity
52 - 79 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 g/km
co2
37 - 174 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
47 - 67 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1908 - 2179 kg
Curb weight
1854 - 2105 kg
Trunk capacity
445 - 450 L
Trunk capacity
175 - 705 L
Length
4468 mm
Length
4810 - 4815 mm
Width
1871 mm
Width
1900 mm
Height
1630 - 1639 mm
Height
1695 mm
Max trunk capacity
1417 - 1422 L
Max trunk capacity
1988 - 2100 L
Payload
561 - 585 kg
Payload
455 - 684 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Full Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
170 - 340 HP
Power HP
194 - 252 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 8.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.8 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
160 - 180 km/h
Max Speed
183 - 201 km/h
Torque
310 - 679 Nm
Torque
367 - 440 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
125 - 250 kW
Power kW
142 - 185 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
1598 - 2151 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F
Brand
Ford
Brand
Kia
What drive types are available for the Ford Explorer EV?

The Ford Explorer EV is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.