Dodge Durango vs Kia Sorento
Plenty of competent options are available to you in the midsize SUV segment. From South Korea, the popular Kia Sorento is a versatile, attractive choice. Those looking for something with a North American influence can turn to the burly Dodge Durango. While they compete in the same segment, there are noticeable differences between the pair, something our Dodge Durango vs. Kia Sorento comparison illustrates.
You’ve likely seen both the Durango and Sorento motoring around Auburn, Shrewsbury, and Worcester, MA, so we won’t delve much into looks. Instead, our Harr CDJR team thought a comparison of performance and capability would be helpful!
Dodge Durango vs Kia Sorento: Performance Options
Dodge has built their entire model portfolio around customizable and powerful performance. So when comparing the Durango to challengers like the Sorento, there’s a sizeable gap in engine options and overall output. The Sorento comes with a pair of engines for example, while the Durango offers four unique powertrain options.
Standard in the Sorento is a 4-cylinder which feels underpowered in the large SUV as it makes just 191 horsepower and 182 lb-ft of torque. The alternative turbocharged 4-cylinder is certainly better, making 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.
The Durango starts with a 3.6L V6 making 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. From there, you have a muscular trio of V8 powerplants to consider:
- 5.7L HEMI® making 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque
- 6.4L HEMI® V8 making 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
- Supercharged 6.2L HEMI® V8 making 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque
Further, the Sorento comes in either front-wheel or all-wheel drive but doesn’t offer a rear-wheel drive arrangement like the Durango has.
Dodge Durango vs Kia Sorento: Capability You Can Use
Folks choosing a midsize SUV often require a certain measure of capability. Whether loading cargo in the trunk or towing a trailer, you want your SUV to hold up to your daily needs. The Durango places a greater emphasis on capability than the Sorento.
The Kia Sorento towing capacity reaches 3,500 pounds. You may be able to tow a small trailer or modest boat with this 3,500-pound limit. For real towing duties, though, the Durango is the obvious choice as it offers more than four times the towing capacity, peaking at 8,700 pounds. Even if you don’t go all-out for towing capacity, the base towing ability of the Durango is 6,200 pounds.
When you aren’t planning on towing anything but are planning on using the trunk for supplies, the Durango wins again:
- Kia Sorento offers a maximum cargo capacity of 75.5 cubic feet.
- Dodge Durango offers a maximum cargo capacity of 85.1 cubic feet.
Dodge Durango Easily Outperforms Kia Sorento
The performance chops and overall capability of the Durango easily surpass that of the Sorento. There are a lot of variations to the Durango, too. To determine which is your favorite, you can test drive each trim level around Worcester, Auburn, and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, at Harr CDJR!
