Which suv is right for you? nissan xterra vs kia sorento: a comprehensive guide
What To Know
- In terms of crash test ratings, the Xterra has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Sorento has received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
- The Xterra is a better choice for buyers who want a rugged and off-road capable SUV, while the Sorento is a better choice for buyers who want a more comfortable and well-equipped SUV.
The Nissan Xterra and Kia Sorento are two popular compact SUVs that offer a unique blend of ruggedness and refinement. But which one is the better choice for you? In this Nissan Xterra vs Kia Sorento comparison, we’ll dive deep into the key differences between these two vehicles, from performance and fuel economy to interior space and safety features.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The Nissan Xterra comes standard with a 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. The Kia Sorento, on the other hand, offers a choice of two engines: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of fuel economy, the Xterra gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with the 4.0-liter V6. The Sorento, on the other hand, gets an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with the 3.3-liter V6.
Interior Space and Comfort
The Nissan Xterra offers seating for up to five passengers, while the Kia Sorento can accommodate up to seven passengers. The Xterra has a total interior volume of 108.1 cubic feet, while the Sorento has a total interior volume of 113.9 cubic feet.
In terms of comfort, the Xterra and Sorento both offer a comfortable and well-equipped interior. The Xterra has a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the Sorento has a standard 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Both vehicles also offer a variety of features such as heated seats, a sunroof, and a premium audio system.
Safety Features
The Nissan Xterra and Kia Sorento both come standard with a variety of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Xterra also comes standard with a rearview camera, while the Sorento comes standard with a blind-spot monitoring system and lane departure warning.
In terms of crash test ratings, the Xterra has received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the Sorento has received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Nissan Xterra is known for its off-road capabilities, thanks to its standard four-wheel drive system and rugged suspension. The Sorento, on the other hand, is not as well-equipped for off-roading, but it does offer an optional all-wheel drive system.
If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading, the Xterra is the better choice. However, if you only need an SUV for occasional off-road adventures, the Sorento will suffice.
Towing Capacity
The Nissan Xterra has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Kia Sorento has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
If you need an SUV that can tow a lot of weight, the Xterra is the better choice. However, if you only need to tow light loads, the Sorento will be sufficient.
Price
The Nissan Xterra has a starting price of $26,190, while the Kia Sorento has a starting price of $29,490.
The Xterra is the more affordable option, but it also comes with less standard equipment than the Sorento. If you want a more well-equipped SUV, you’ll need to pay more for the Sorento.
Which One is Right for You?
The Nissan Xterra and Kia Sorento are both great choices for compact SUV buyers. The Xterra is a better choice for buyers who want a rugged and off-road capable SUV, while the Sorento is a better choice for buyers who want a more comfortable and well-equipped SUV.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to test drive both vehicles and see which one you prefer.
The Verdict: Nissan Xterra vs Kia Sorento
The Nissan Xterra and Kia Sorento are both excellent compact SUVs, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Xterra is a better choice for buyers who want a rugged and off-road capable SUV, while the Sorento is a better choice for buyers who want a more comfortable and well-equipped SUV.
Basics You Wanted To Know
1. Which SUV has better fuel economy, the Nissan Xterra or the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento has better fuel economy than the Nissan Xterra.
2. Which SUV has more interior space, the Nissan Xterra or the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento has more interior space than the Nissan Xterra.
3. Which SUV has more safety features, the Nissan Xterra or the Kia Sorento?
The Kia Sorento has more safety features than the Nissan Xterra.
4. Which SUV is better for off-roading, the Nissan Xterra or the Kia Sorento?
The Nissan Xterra is better for off-roading than the Kia Sorento.
5. Which SUV has a higher towing capacity, the Nissan Xterra or the Kia Sorento?
The Nissan Xterra has a higher towing capacity than the Kia Sorento.
6. Which SUV is more affordable, the Nissan Xterra or the Kia Sorento?
The Nissan Xterra is more affordable than the Kia Sorento.