Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Palisade Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in Canada, offered a range of trims including the LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro. The base LX trim was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine. The Sorento introduced a new paint colour, Panthera Grey, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims featured black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, included exclusive features such as unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro did not significantly improve off-road capabilities compared to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro offered a luxurious feel with leather seats, a suede headliner, and a 24-inch panoramic display, although some materials reflected its more affordable base price.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid, sold in Canada, was available in two trims: Luxury and Ultimate Calligraphy. The Palisade Hybrid integrated seamlessly into the existing gas-only lineup, maintaining a stylish and commanding presence. The base Luxury trim featured 20-inch alloy wheels and a prominent grille with LED headlights. The Palisade's design included body-colour heated side mirrors and acoustic side glass for a quieter ride. The rear of the vehicle was equally striking, with wide-spaced letters and LED taillights. Inside, the Palisade Hybrid impressed with its thoughtful design and high-quality materials. The interior featured H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery, power-adjustable seats, and advanced climate control. The Palisade's storage solutions were well-engineered, offering a sense of craftsmanship not often found in non-luxury crossovers.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was powered by a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering an estimated 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, standard in other trims, produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered a more satisfying driving experience, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km in combined driving. The Sorento X-Pro, equipped with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires, provided excellent ride quality and quietness. Its all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring and a locking centre differential contributed to its nimble feel on various terrains. The Sorento excelled in daily driving, with its size, dynamics, and visibility making it a pleasure to drive in different settings.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid defied the stereotype of slow hybrids with its impressive performance. It featured a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a 1.65-kWh battery, producing a total of 329 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. The advanced eight-speed automatic transmission and hybrid system optimized power delivery and fuel efficiency. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was remarkably quiet, thanks to noise-absorbing materials and acoustic glass. The steering was sharp and responsive, while the pedals felt slightly soft. Overall, the Palisade Hybrid offered a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, with its hybrid system enhancing both performance and efficiency.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was well-suited for a family of four, with spacious first and second rows. The third-row seat was suitable for shorter trips if second-row passengers adjusted their seats. The Sorento X-Pro featured heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments, providing comfort during drives. The second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats, sunshades, and USB charging ports. Cargo space was practical, with 357 litres available with the third row up, expanding to 1,090 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres. These figures compared favourably with compact crossovers, offering more power and a third-row seat.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid offered 2,455 litres of total cargo capacity, trailing some competitors but surpassing others. The second-row legroom was slightly reduced due to the battery's position, but it remained competitive. The third-row legroom and headroom were adequate, though not class-leading. The Palisade Hybrid's cabin was comfortable, with dual-zone climate control, USB-C power outlets, and spacious seating. The vehicle featured numerous storage solutions, including a centre console with a rubberized cargo space and a small shelf for convenience.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Sorento's infotainment system included a touch-sensing strip for dual-function controls, which could be frustrating. Digital Key technology and a digital rearview mirror were available, along with an excellent surround-view camera system for easy parking.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. It supported HD and Sirius XM radio, wireless Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The Driver Talk intercom system facilitated communication between rows. Most trims featured a 14-speaker Bose stereo, and a wireless charging pad was standard. The Ultimate Calligraphy trim included a built-in dashcam. The Palisade Hybrid introduced "Stay Mode," allowing the use of climate control and infotainment while the engine was off.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered a range of standard safety features, with higher trims adding advanced collision avoidance technologies. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro trims included a Blind-Spot View Monitor and an enhanced Highway Driving Assist system. The Sorento received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024, though changes in testing criteria might affect future ratings.

The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid came standard with advanced driver assistance systems, including blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic assist, and automatic emergency braking. The blind-view monitor was standard on higher trims, and the rear doors featured a safe-exit alert. While the 2026 Palisade had not been crash-tested at the time of writing, the 2025 model received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.