2021 Kia Sorento vs Ford Explorer

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When you’re in the market for a new ride, you want to be certain its capabilities match your day-to-day driving habits, like the Kia Sorento and Ford Explorer’s capabilities do. There are a lot of specs to keep in mind, such as interior comforts, safety features, and seating capacities. You’ll probably want to consider gas mileage, too, for those longer commutes around Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, IN.

With so many competitive models around, we at Andy Mohr Kia wanted to help local drivers make an informed decision on their next ride. That’s why we put together this 2021 Kia Sorento vs. Ford Explorer comparison to showcase two formidable models and help you decide which one is better suited to your specific needs.

Keep reading to discover how these contenders match up and suit your lifestyle, and give us a call if you have any questions along the way.

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Does the Kia Sorento or Ford Explorer Offer Better Gas Mileage?

The 2021 Sorento and Explorer each have a few available engines. However, if you’re looking for a ride that can accommodate a large number of passengers and retain good fuel efficiency, the Kia Sorento has an advantage.

For example, let’s start by comparing each model’s standard 4-cylinder engine. The Sorento receives an EPA-estimated 24 city/29 highway/26 combined MPG, thanks in part to Idle Stop and Go (ISG).¹ This feature shuts off the engine when idling in rush-hour traffic or at a long stop light and then seamlessly restarts it when movement resumes to help cut down on fuel consumption.

The Explorer’s baseline motor only earns an EPA-estimated 20 city/27 highway/23 combined MPG. Since the Ford Explorer has a lower gas mileage, you can expect to make more frequent gas station stops when behind the wheel.

Sorento vs Explorer: Interior Design & Tech

A Cozy and Welcoming Cabin for the Whole Family

When it comes to interior space, the Kia Sorento and Ford Explorer have you covered. They can each seat up to seven passengers comfortably, so you can bring your entire family along for the ride.

Plus, one nice-to-have feature in the 2021 Sorento is its YES Essentials® fabric treatment. The repel-and-release technology will ensure that your interior doesn’t get ruined the next time you’re on soccer carpool duty or were just tearing up trails with your hiking buddies. This treatment is unique to Kia, so you won’t have this convenience with the Explorer.

Stay Engaged in Your Ride

As for infotainment, the Sorento and Explorer are fitted with standard 8-inch audio displays with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Simply plug your compatible device into the USB port and you’ll gain instant access to an array of entertainment applications, including your curated music library. They also have Bluetooth® wireless technology with voice recognition to help keep you focused on the road.

Both models also come standard with six speakers, so no matter what you decide to listen to, sound will be clear and refined.

If you’re looking to upgrade your entertainment, though, you’ll want to opt for the 10.25-inch display in the Sorento, included on higher trim levels. A more expansive screen makes it easier for you to view and use when navigating the unpredictable road ahead. If you want to make the slightly smaller 10.1-inch screen available on the Explorer, though, you’ll have to add on a completely separate package.

2021 Sorento vs 2021 Explorer: Safety

You’ll notice many of the same or similar safety features in the Kia Sorento and Ford Explorer. These include a 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), full-length side curtain airbags, and an Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system. Both models also have a rearview camera and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), which will momentarily hold brake pressure on an incline to avoid rolling backward.

If you’re looking for more advanced safety features to help you stay out of harm’s way, you’ll be happy to find standard Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection on these models. This system measures the distance between you and frontal obstacles, warning you when you’re too close. If needed, it can even apply the brakes for you to help avoid a frontal collision entirely.

In both models, you can also add on Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC w/ S&G). This feature maintains a preset following speed and distance between you and the model ahead, stopping and accelerating as traffic calls for it. In certain cases, it can even bring you to a complete stop to keep you safe and protected.

Despite these similarities, the 2021 Sorento takes protection to the next level with the following baseline features:

• Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert: Monitors your driving habits and alerts you to detected drowsy or distracted driving, urging you to take a break if needed. If you’re sitting in traffic and the ride ahead moves, you’ll be alerted to the movement, so you can be on your way.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Applies gentle steering corrections if you start to drift out of your lane. 
• Lane Following Assist (LFA): Monitors lane markings on the road to keep your Kia SUV centered in its lane.

The Explorer, on the other hand, doesn’t have features like DAW available to you.

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Which Will You Choose?

After reading through our 2021 Kia Sorento vs. Ford Explorer comparison, we hope you recognize that both models are safe and well-appointed throughout.

However, the team at Andy Mohr Kia believes you’ll appreciate the Sorento’s efficient performance and additional standard safety features. Of course, the best way to decide whether a Kia car is right for you is to get behind the wheel.

When you’re ready for the next step, contact our showroom to schedule a test drive in the 2021 Kia Sorento near Avon, Indianapolis, and Plainfield, Indiana, today. We look forward to seeing you soon.

 

1. EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle’s condition.

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