Compare repair costs, reliability, and owner reviews
Ford Explorer
$732
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Kia Sorento
$533
Average Annual
Repair Cost
Overall Reliability Rating
3
1
2
Above Average
The Ford Explorer Reliability Rating is 3.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 19th out of 26 for midsize SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $732 which means it has average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is average and the frequency of those issues is low, so major repairs are uncommon for the Explorer.
4
Excellent
The Kia Sorento Reliability Rating is 4.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 12th out of 26 for compact SUVs. The average annual repair cost is $533 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. Repairs are less severe and less frequent than the average car, so the Sorento is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
The Ford Explorer ranks highest in comfort and ranks lowest in fuel economy.
67% of reviewers would recommend this car.
“I have had my explorer for 2 years now. It is an older car, but it still looks and drives great. A Ford still running at 135,000 miles. I bet it will make it to 200,000.”
“I have had my explorer for 2 years now. It is an older car, but it still looks and drives great....”
The Kia Sorento and the Ford Explorer are both midsize three-row SUVs. Both come with front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive.
The Sorento’s 185-horsepower standard engine lags behind the Explorer’s much more powerful 290-horsepower offering. The Sorento does have an optional engine that matches the Explorer’s with 290 horsepower, but the Explorer’s top engine puts out 365 horsepower. That’s 75 more horses. The Ford Explorer wins on power, across the board.
The Explorer also has more cargo space. The Kia Sorento has 73 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded. The Ford Explorer comes out ahead with its 80.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.
One area where the Kia Sorento dominates is its powertrain warranty. The Sorento offers 10 years and 100,000 miles of coverage, while the Explorer gives you five years and 60,000 miles with its powertrain warranty. The Sorento’s warranty is excellent, especially if you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time.
The Sorento also comes in significantly ahead of the Explorer, according to our reliability rating and the annual cost of repair.
The Ford Explorer scores here for power and cargo space, but the Kia Sorento has a great warranty and higher reliability. Take a closer look, drive them both, and decide which one will serve your needs better.