Anyone who buys a mid-range SUV wants a vehicle with sufficient performance. However, “ability” means different things to different buyers.
Let’s say you’re looking for something that can get you around town and carry seven passengers in an emergency, while still getting good mileage and the potential for impressive performance without having to go off-road. In this case, the 2024 Kia Sorento is worth a look.
However, if you need room to carry five passengers and lots of cargo while also being able to tow 5,000 pounds and go off-road, the 2024 Honda Passport should be on your list of SUVs to consider.
Let’s take a look at these vehicles.
2024 Kia Sorento
The 2024 Kia Sorento is sized between compact and midsize, with just enough room for an optional third row of seats. It’s not necessarily something you need, but it’s handy when you need to transport smaller people for shorter distances.
While the base model is powered by a 191 hp four-cylinder, an additional 90 hp is available for a little more money. Swapping for the turbo engine increases power to 281 horsepower, but average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 mpg to 23 mpg. It is also available with all-wheel drive (AWD).
A hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are on the list but are not part of this comparison. Pricing starts at $33,365, including a $1,375 destination charge.
Kia Sorento highlights
First Class Guarantee: The Kia Sorento has premium warranty coverage with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
X-line: The X-Line models in the Sorento range offer a robust appearance with an extra inch of ground clearance, practical roof rails and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque vectoring all-wheel drive for added performance.
Driving style: Standard features on every Kia Sorento include a suite of safety technologies that include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, driver attention warning and more.
Check out this week’s Fair purchase price or watch this Sorento models close to you.
Honda Passport 2024
The 2024 Honda Passport proves that it’s still possible to get more than you pay for in a vehicle. This two-row, five-seat SUV is available in three trim levels: L EX-L, TrailSport and Black Edition. The content level of the entry-level EX-L is very high. Right out of the box, the Passport comes with all-wheel drive and leather seats, typical upgrades for vehicles in this class. This upgrade is one of the main reasons why the starting price is significantly higher than that of the Kia Sorento.
Powered by a 280 hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder paired with a 9-speed automatic, that means plenty of power. It’ll tow 5,000 pounds, but you’ll pay the price if you have a heavy right foot. The Passport’s EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating is 21 mpg, better than other vehicles in the segment. However, when off-roading with the TrailSport package, there will be times when the extra oomph can come in handy.
The cabin offers space for five people, plus cargo space behind the second row. There is also enough legroom in the second row. Prices start at $43,295, including destination charges.
Honda Pass Highlights
Locking technology: With Smart Entry Technology with Walk-Away Auto-Lock Technology, Passport owners don’t have to worry about security as this system automatically locks the vehicle when you walk away with the key fob.
All wheel drive: Many of the vehicles in this class find their way off-road, and the Passport is ready for a bit of adventure since all-wheel drive is standard. If you want more fun, upgrade to the TrailSport trim, which adds more specialized off-road suspension, all-terrain tires and additional body protection.
Highly satisfied: Every Passport features leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and all-wheel drive.
Check out this week’s Fair purchase price or watch this Passport models close to you.
similarities
The Kia Sorento and Honda Passport feature attractive exterior design, spacious interior space, impressive technology and good engines.
Diploma
The Kia Sorento makes a strong case for the value proposition of these two SUVs. It’s more efficient, cheaper, has a longer warranty and has three rows of seats. However, the Honda Passport has more standard equipment to justify its price, including a robust V6 engine. Which SUV is right for you depends on your needs and budget.
| 2024 Kia Sorento | Honda Passport 2024 | |
| Starting price | $33,365 | $43,295 |
| Popular powertrains | ||
| engine | 2.5 liter 4 cylinder | 3.5 liter 6 cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp at 6,100 rpm | 280 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft at 4,700 rpm |
| transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic/all-wheel drive |
| Fuel consumption | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also available | 2.5 liter turbo plus hybrid/PHEV | |
| Specifications | ||
| Basic guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Total Safety | NO | 5 Stars |
| Maximum seating capacity | 7 | 5 |
| wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 110.9 inches |
| overall length | 189.6 inches | 189.1 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 72.2 inches |
| turning diameter | 37.9 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Front headroom | 40.3 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, rear | 39.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Front legroom | 41.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Rear legroom | 41.7 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder room at the front | 59.1 inches | 62.0 inches |
| Shoulder room at the back | 58.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Freight volume | 38.5 cubic feet | 41.2 cubic feet |