Kia Sorento vs. Telluride: Which 3-Row Kia SUV Fits Your Family?

What Are the Kia Sorento and Kia Telluride?

The Kia Sorento is a midsize SUV with three rows of seating, and the Kia Telluride is Kia’s larger, flagship three-row SUV. Both offer front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive, and both offer gas and hybrid versions.

This guide compares the gas-powered 2027 Kia Sorento with the all-new 2027 Kia Telluride, using Kia’s published specifications and EPA estimates. The Sorento is also sold as a Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, and the Telluride as a turbo Hybrid.

Kia Sorento vs. Telluride: Side-by-Side Specs

The Telluride is bigger and roomier in every row, while the Sorento is more compact and more fuel efficient with its base engine.

Cargo figures are SAE measurements as Kia publishes them. Specs vary by trim, so confirm details on the window sticker of the specific vehicle.

Shopping a 2026 Sorento?

Many Sorentos on our lot today are 2026 models. Kia rates the 2026 Sorento’s base 2.5L at 191 horsepower and its 2.5L turbo at 281 horsepower. Its length, seating, legroom, cargo space and EPA combined estimates match the 2027 figures in this guide.

Is the Kia Telluride Bigger Than the Sorento?

Yes. The 2027 Telluride is 9.6 inches longer than the 2027 Sorento, at 199.2 inches versus 189.6 inches. Its wheelbase is 6.1 inches longer, too.

That extra length shows up inside. The Telluride gives second-row passengers 1.3 more inches of legroom and third-row passengers 2.5 more inches. The Sorento’s shorter body makes it easier to park and maneuver in busy lots.

Which Has More Third-Row Space, Sorento or Telluride?

The Telluride has more third-row space. Kia lists 32.1 inches of third-row legroom in the 2027 Telluride versus 29.6 inches in the 2027 Sorento.

Cargo space follows the same pattern. Behind the third row, the Telluride holds 22.3 cubic feet, while the Sorento holds 12.6 cubic feet. With the second and third rows folded, the Telluride offers up to 89.3 cubic feet versus 75.5 in the Sorento.

How Many People Do They Seat?

The Sorento seats up to seven with a second-row bench, or six with available second-row captain’s chairs. The Telluride seats seven or eight, depending on trim and seating layout.

For families who use the third row every day, the Telluride is the more comfortable pick. If the third row is for occasional carpools, the Sorento covers it in a smaller package.

How Do the Engines Compare?

Both SUVs offer Kia’s 2.5L turbo four-cylinder rated at 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. The difference is the base engine.

• Sorento LX and S: A 2.5L four-cylinder with 186 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic.
• Sorento EX and up: The 274-hp 2.5L turbo with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
• Telluride gas, all trims: The 274-hp 2.5L turbo with an 8-speed automatic.
• Telluride Hybrid: A 2.5L turbo hybrid with 329 combined horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque.

So every gas Telluride gets the turbo as standard, while Sorento shoppers can choose the base engine to keep things simple.

Can the Kia Sorento Tow as Much as the Telluride?

Not quite. The 2027 Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the gas turbo when properly equipped, and Kia rates the Telluride Hybrid at up to 4,500 pounds.

The Sorento’s rating depends on the engine. Kia lists 2,000 pounds for the LX and S, 3,500 pounds for turbo models with the towing package, and up to 4,500 pounds on select trims. The 4,500-pound rating is standard on the Sorento X-Pro. Towing requires additional equipment, so confirm the rating for a specific vehicle with our team before you hitch up.

Which Is More Fuel Efficient, Sorento or Telluride?

The Sorento is more fuel efficient with its base engine. The 2027 Sorento LX and S front-wheel-drive models are EPA-estimated at 23 city, 31 highway and 26 combined MPG.

For the best mileage in a big three-row Kia, the Telluride Hybrid EX FWD is estimated at 35 MPG combined. These are EPA estimates; actual mileage varies with driving habits and conditions.

What Comfort and Safety Features Stand Out?

Each SUV has its own highlights. Kia says the Sorento was named a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, an award that applies to Sorento models built after September 2025. The Sorento also offers available dual panoramic displays, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.

The redesigned Telluride adds new comfort and safety features for 2027. Kia lists 10 airbags, available heated seats for all three rows, dual wireless phone chargers in the first row and an available power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with memory.

What About the Rugged X-Pro Versions?

Both SUVs offer an X-Pro trim for drivers who like dirt roads and boat ramps. The Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige adds all-terrain tires, all-wheel drive with Terrain Mode and a 4,500-pound towing rating, according to Kia.

The Telluride X-Pro adds all-terrain tires, an electronic limited-slip differential, Terrain Mode, a standard tow hitch and 9.1 inches of ground clearance. Read our 2027 Kia Telluride overview for more on the redesign.

Which Kia SUV Is Right for You?

Both are smart family SUVs. The best choice depends on how you use the third row.

Choose the Sorento if you:

• Use the third row occasionally and want a more maneuverable size.
• Want the best gas mileage from a base gas engine, at up to 26 MPG combined.
• Like having options, including Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid versions.

Choose the Telluride if you:

• Fill all three rows often and want more legroom in every row.
• Need more cargo space behind the third row.
• Tow up to 5,000 pounds with a properly equipped gas model.
• Want a hybrid three-row with up to 35 MPG combined.

Compare the Sorento and Telluride at Greenway Kia West

The best test is to load your family into both. Browse our Kia Sorento inventory and our Kia Telluride inventory, or see the Telluride Hybrid inventory. You can also view our full new vehicle inventory.

Greenway Kia West serves families from Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Horizon West and Clermont. Value your trade, then contact Greenway Kia West or call 407-753-1315 to set up a back-to-back test drive.

About the Author

This guide was prepared by the sales and service team at Greenway Kia West, a Kia dealership at 3407 W Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. We serve drivers in Winter Garden, Ocoee, Windermere, Horizon West, Clermont, Apopka and Wekiva Springs. Reach sales at 407-753-1315 or service at 407-583-1271.

References & Sources

1. Kia Media: 2027 Kia Sorento Specifications — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sorento/2027/specifications (dimensions, legroom, SAE cargo, engines, 3,500-lb turbo towing package, EPA-estimated MPG by trim)
2. Kia Media: 2026 Kia Sorento Specifications — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/sorento/2026/specifications (2026 Sorento 191-hp and 281-hp engines; dimensions, seating, legroom, cargo and EPA combined estimates matching 2027)
3. Kia.com: 2027 Kia Sorento — https://www.kia.com/us/en/sorento (trims, 186-hp and 274-hp engines, EPA-estimated MPG, seating up to 7 and captain’s chairs, X-Pro 4,500-lb towing and equipment, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid availability, 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ (built after Sept. 2025), available comfort features)
4. Kia.com: 2027 Kia Sorento Specs Compare — https://www.kia.com/us/en/sorento/specs-compare (2,000-lb towing for LX and S, 8-speed automatic, seating capacity)
5. Kia Media: 2027 Kia Telluride Specifications — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/telluride/2027/specifications (dimensions, legroom, cargo, seating, engine, 5,000-lb towing, EPA-estimated MPG by trim)
6. Kia Media: 2027 Kia Telluride HEV Specifications — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/telluride-hev/2027/specifications (hybrid output, 4,500-lb towing, EPA-estimated MPG)
7. Kia Media: 2027 Kia Telluride Overview — https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/models/telluride/2027 (all-new second generation, X-Pro equipment, standard X-Pro hitch, transmissions, 10 airbags, heated seats in all 3 rows, dual wireless chargers, memory steering wheel)
8. Greenway Kia West: Kia Sorento Inventory — https://www.greenwaykiawest.com/new-vehicles/sorento/ (dealer Sorento inventory (2026 models seen))
9. Greenway Kia West: Kia Telluride Inventory — https://www.greenwaykiawest.com/new-vehicles/telluride/ (dealer Telluride inventory)
10. Greenway Kia West: 2027 Kia Telluride — https://www.greenwaykiawest.com/2027-kia-telluride-2/ (dealer 2027 Telluride page)