2019 Kia Sorento vs 2020 GMC Acadia

The 2019 Kia Sorento was an attractive SUV, featuring updated styling with revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and redesigned headlights and taillights. The SX Limited trim, priced at $44,690 plus destination charges, showcased premium Nappa leather upholstery, a new steering wheel, and updated instrumentation. Despite some inexpensive plastic surfaces, the Sorento's interior impressed with soft padding, metallic accents, and a pleasing fabric headliner.

In contrast, the 2020 GMC Acadia, particularly in the Denali trim, aimed for a premium feel with a boxier grille and intricate detailing. The Denali's cabin featured new electronic transmission shift switches, a redesigned center console, and real open-pore wood trim. However, aside from leather upholstery and some bronze-tinted accents, the Acadia's interior did not significantly stand out as a premium choice. The Denali trim, priced at $52,385 including destination charges, offered a mix of soft surfaces and hard plastic panels.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a standard 185-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder and an available 290-horsepower 3.3-liter V6. The V6 engine, paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth power and quick acceleration. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system included Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) for improved handling. During testing, the Sorento SX Limited returned 20.7 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. The Sorento's handling was athletic, with a solid and silent ride on the highway.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered three engine options: a 193-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, a 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, and a 310-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. The V6 engine, paired with a new 9-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and refined power with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds. The Acadia's ride and handling were finely tuned, offering a comfortable and predictable driving experience. The test vehicle averaged 20.1 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the Acadia's driving character was considered forgettable.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, but the third-row seat was best suited for emergency use due to its difficult access and lack of cushion support. As a 5-passenger SUV, the Sorento offered 38 cubic feet of cargo space with the third-row seat folded, expanding to 73 cubic feet with the second-row seats down. The SX Limited trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Front-seat comfort was good, but rear-seat comfort was less impressive due to tight legroom.

The 2020 GMC Acadia offered seating for five, six, or seven passengers, with the Denali trim providing 6-passenger seating with second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were wide and supportive, with heating and ventilation. The second-row captain’s chairs were also heated and comfortable, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for rear passengers. The third-row seat was roomier than expected but still limited in space. Cargo volume measured 12.1 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 41.7 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded and 79 cubic feet with the second-row seats down.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered three infotainment systems depending on the trim level. The base system included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim added UVO eServices with a 5-year service plan, Bluetooth music streaming, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The top system, available on the SX and SX Limited trims, featured an 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. A 360-degree surround-view camera system was optional for the SX trim and standard on the SX Limited.

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard infotainment features such as Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen offered a higher resolution display and improved voice recognition. The test vehicle featured navigation and a Bose premium sound system. Additional technology upgrades included new USB-C ports, a more powerful wireless charging pad, a high-definition surround-view camera, and a rear camera mirror.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Sorento received top marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 GMC Acadia included standard safety features such as a rear-seat reminder system and Teen Driver technology. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were also standard. However, advanced safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking were only available on higher trims and as part of an optional package. The Acadia received 5-star ratings in most NHTSA assessments but had incomplete data from the IIHS.