Kia Sportage vs Ford Explorer
Overview | |
MSRP$28,790 | MSRP$38,465 |
Listings3767 | Listings4421 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryNo model demonstrates Kia’s growth like the Sportage compact crossover SUV. The nameplate has been around since Kia’s early days in North America, and it has evolved into a true rival for popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The current-generation Sportage was introduced for the 2023 model year, and it gets revised styling for 2026. Verdict: The refreshed Sportage arrives with the competent execution we’ve come to expect from Kia. | |
Reviews SummaryThe Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway29 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 187 hp I4 | Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | Torque310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower187 hp @ 6100 rpm | Horsepower300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway29 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity7 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation SystemStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space39.6 cu ft | Cargo Space16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight3435 lbs | Curb Weight4303 lbs |
Height65.4 in | Height69.6 in |
Length184.4 in | Length198.7 in |
Width73.4 in | Width89.3 in |
Wheelbase108.5 in | Wheelbase119.1 in |
Maximum Payload1305 lbs | Maximum Payload1467 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | Standard Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $28,790 | $38,465 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | No model demonstrates Kia’s growth like the Sportage compact crossover SUV. The nameplate has been around since Kia’s early days in North America, and it has evolved into a true rival for popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The current-generation Sportage was introduced for the 2023 model year, and it gets revised styling for 2026. Verdict: The refreshed Sportage arrives with the competent execution we’ve come to expect from Kia. | The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and it continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder, and Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update. Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but it lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models. |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 29 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 187 hp I4 | 2.3L 300 hp I4 |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6100 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 29 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | Standard |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 39.6 cu ft | 16.3 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3435 lbs | 4303 lbs |
Height | 65.4 in | 69.6 in |
Length | 184.4 in | 198.7 in |
Width | 73.4 in | 89.3 in |
Wheelbase | 108.5 in | 119.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1305 lbs | 1467 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 5000 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
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