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Ford Kuga vs Kia Sorento comparison

Compare performance (243 HP vs 252 HP), boot space and price (34,200 £ vs 46,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Ford Kuga or Kia Sorento?

Ford Kuga vs Kia Sorento: Key differences

Ford Kuga

4.2 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • visibly cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • somewhat more electric range
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly lighter
details

Kia Sorento

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • very slightly more power
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Kuga

Head-to-Head: Ford Kuga vs. Kia Sorento

As the SUV market continues to dominate the automotive sector, two contenders have consistently ranked as top options for families and adventure lovers alike—the Ford Kuga and the Kia Sorento. Although both vehicles boast strong credentials, each brings unique elements to the table. In this article, we'll delve into the technical aspects and innovations of each model to help you decide which SUV reigns supreme.

Sorento

Engine Options and Performance

The Ford Kuga stands out due to its variety of engine choices, offering petrol, full hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. These powertrains come in multiple configurations, providing a balanced mix of performance and efficiency. With power output ranging from 150 to 243 HP and torque reaching 240 Nm, the Kuga accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 7.3 seconds, depending on the model. Its max speed tops out at an impressive 200 km/h.

On the other hand, the Kia Sorento focuses on performance through its plug-in hybrid, full hybrid, and diesel engines. This SUV offers a power range of 194 to 252 HP and comes with a torque output of up to 440 Nm. The Sorento can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, showcasing substantial power for a family-oriented vehicle. Top speeds reach 201 km/h, making it one of the faster SUVs in its class.

Kuga

Fuel Efficiency and Range

One of the standout features of the Kuga is its plug-in hybrid’s consumption of just 0.9 L/100km while offering an electric range of up to 69 km, courtesy of its 14.4 kWh battery. Meanwhile, the full hybrid options deliver a more traditional fuel economy between 5.3 and 6.4 L/100km, and CO2 emissions range from 20 to 145 g/km.

The Sorento provides a combined consumption of 1.6 L/100km for its plug-in hybrid model, with an electric range of 55 km. For non-hybrid models, fuel economy varies from 6.2 to 7.2 L/100km. The Sorento’s CO2 output ranges from a notable 37 g/km in its most efficient models to 174 g/km for the diesel variants.

Sorento

Drive Types and Transmissions

Flexibility is a cornerstone of the Ford Kuga, offering both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options paired with either a manual gearbox or a CVT for the hybrid models. This flexibility caters to both driving enthusiasts and those who prioritize convenience.

The Kia Sorento operates solely with automatic transmissions but provides both front-wheel and all-wheel drive setups. Its dual-clutch automatic option delivers a more engaging driving experience, appealing to those who enjoy more hands-on driving without manual shifting.

Kuga

Interior and Space

The Ford Kuga is designed with a focus on comfort and practicality, seating up to five passengers. Its trunk holds up to 412 liters, adequate for daily errands and short getaways. Despite its compact SUV size, the model does not compromise on interior space.

The Kia Sorento outperforms with options for 5, 6, or 7-seat configurations, catering to larger families and group travel. Offering up to 705 liters of trunk space, the Sorento excels in cargo capacity, making long road trips and moving days less daunting.

Sorento

Final Thoughts

Both the Ford Kuga and Kia Sorento bring their unique strengths to the SUV category. The Kuga shines with its flexible engine options and focus on fuel efficiency. On the flip side, the Sorento impresses with its spacious interior and higher torque. Your choice ultimately boils down to your priorities—whether it’s performance, fuel economy, or space. Regardless, either vehicle stands as a worthy choice in the crowded SUV market.

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

Kuga

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Ford Kuga is visibly cheaper – starting at 34,200 £ , while the Kia Sorento costs 46,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,635 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Ford Kuga uses 2.8 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Kia Sorento with 3.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Ford Kuga offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 68 km, about 13 km more than the Kia Sorento.

Sorento

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Sorento offers very slightly more power – delivering 252 HP compared to 243 HP. That’s roughly 9 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Ford Kuga is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 7.3 s, while the Kia Sorento takes 8 s. That’s about 0.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Sorento delivers clearly more torque with 440 Nm compared to 240 Nm. That’s about 200 Nm more.

Kuga

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Kia Sorento offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Ford Kuga is markedly lighter – 1,526 kg compared to 1,855 kg. The difference is around 329 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Sorento carries moderately more – 685 kg compared to 550 kg. That’s a difference of about 135 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Ford Kuga holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £34,200
Kuga

Ford Kuga

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 243 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 68 km
Ford Kuga
Kia Sorento

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Ford Kuga

The Ford Kuga is a practical and comfortable compact SUV that balances everyday usability with a composed ride and adaptable interior. It offers sensible tech and safety features, making it a solid choice for families or anyone seeking a versatile, easy-to-live-with crossover.

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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.

details
Ford Kuga
Kia Sorento

Costs and Consumption

Price
34,200 - 46,300 £
Price
46,900 - 60,100 £
Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 6.8 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.9 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
68 km
Electric Range
55 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
55 - 154 g/km
co2
87 - 174 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5 - 7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,526 - 1,859 kg
Curb weight
1,855 - 2,110 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
175 - 705 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,882 mm
Width
1,900 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
541 - 550 kg
Payload
162 - 685 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Full Hybrid, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Full Hybrid, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 243 HP
Power HP
194 - 252 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.3 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8 - 9.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
240 Nm
Torque
380 - 440 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
111 - 178 kW
Power kW
142 - 212 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 2,488 cm3
Engine capacity
1,598 - 2,151 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
Brand
Ford
Brand
Kia
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.