Automakers appear to be working hard to find ways to squeeze a third-row seat into every midsize SUV they can. The 2024 Kia Sorento is just that kind of ’tweener, and the brand has carved out just enough room to add that extra row.
However, there is something to be said for a 2-row midsize SUV. The ability to luxuriate in a spacious cabin while enjoying plenty of room to haul multiple bags —grocery, overnight, or golf — is almost a lost option these days. Fortunately, we have the 2024 Ford Edge, and it seats five — just five.
Let’s take a closer look at both of these SUVs.
2024 Kia Sorento
Stretching between a compact and a midsize, the 2024 Kia Sorento enjoys just enough space to include an optional third row. You might not need it every day, but it’s handy to have to haul smaller people for shorter runs.
While the base model comes powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder, you can get another 90 hp for a bit more money. Adding the turbocharger pushes the output to 281 hp, but the EPA-estimated combined fuel economy only drops from 26 mpg to 23 mpg. It’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well.
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including destination charge.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Sorento boasts best-in-class warranty coverage. Kia backs it with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Kia Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.
Drive Wise: Standard on every Kia Sorento, it’s a suite of safety technology that includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, and more.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2024 Ford Edge
If you’re in the market for a 2-row, 5-passenger SUV, the 2024 Ford Edge should be on your list. It offers a roomy, comfortable, good powertrain and a clean exterior, adding to a fine family vehicle.
Able to carry five people and a bunch of their stuff while offering an elevated seating spot for the driver puts the Edge on plenty of shoppers’ lists. It delivers excellent ride and handling with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, putting out 250 hp. There are no significant updates for the 2024 model, as it’s the last year for the Edge. Ford has not announced a replacement.
However, moving up to the ST model gets you a 2.7-liter turbo developing 335 hp. This powertrain makes for a quick, sporty vehicle that handles curvy roads surprisingly well. Standard AWD helps with that experience. Pricing on the Edge begins at $39,960, including destination charge.
Ford Edge Highlights
Ford Co-Pilot360: This advanced driver assistance system includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. Adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and navigation with real-time traffic updates come with the upgrade to Co-Pilot360 Assist.
Clear view: Every new Edge has a 12-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen to control its user-friendly system. Wi-Fi and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration are standard.
Titanium: If you’ve got some extra cash, you might want to spend big on the last year of the Edge and move up to the Titanium package. It’s worth the money with its heated steering wheel, hands-free tailgate, and 12-speaker B&O sound system.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Edge models near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sorento and Ford Edge enjoy attractive exterior styling, a spacious cabin, and a slew of convenience and driver assistance technology that make any drive a pleasant experience.
Conclusion
For $6,000 less, you get a third row with the Kia Sorento. You also give up at least 60 hp, if that matters. The Ford Edge is in its last year, so you might find a deal if a dealership wants to clear the last few off its lot. However, more flexibility with people and cargo, better fuel economy, and the option of a third row make the Sorento pretty compelling.
| 2024 Kia Sorento | 2024 Ford Edge | |
| Starting Price | $33,365 | $39,960 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 250 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 21 city/28 highway/23 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo, AWD, plus Hybrid/PHEV | 2.7-liter turbo 6-cylinder |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/R | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 188.8 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 75.9 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 68.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 40.3 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 42.6 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 40.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 60.5 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume (to 3rd/2nd/Front Rows) | 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet | N.A./39.2/73.4 cubic feet |
