Folks buying midsize SUVs want a vehicle that provides plenty of capability. However, “capability” means different things to different buyers.
Suppose you’re looking for something to get around town and carry seven passengers in a pinch while getting good mileage with the potential for impressive performance without the need for heading off-road. In that case, the 2025 Kia Sorento is worthy of a look.
However, if you need space to haul five passengers and a lot of cargo while being able to tow 5,000 pounds and head off-road, the 2025 Honda Passport should be on your list of SUVs to consider.
Let’s check out these vehicles.
2025 Kia Sorento
Sized between a compact and a midsize, the Sorento enjoys just enough space to include an optional third row. It’s not something you necessarily need, 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. Swapping for the turbocharged engine pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 mpg to 23 mpg. It’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as well.
For 2025, the X-Line and X-Pro badging comes only in black. A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including a $1,375 destination fee.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Sorento boasts best-in-class warranty coverage 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 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 AWD 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.
Read our Kia Sorento Expert Review or see 2025 Kia Sorento models for sale near you.
2025 Honda Passport
2024 model shown
The Honda Passport proves it’s still possible to get more than you pay for in a vehicle. This 2-row, 5-passenger SUV comes in three trim levels: L EX-L, TrailSport, and Black Edition. The content level is very high on the entry-level EX-L. Out of the gate, the Passport comes equipped with AWD and leather seating, typically upgrades for vehicles in this class. This upscaling is a primary reason its starting price is substantially higher than the Kia Sorento’s.
Powered by a 280-hp, 3.5-liter 6-cylinder mated to a 9-speed automatic means plenty of power. It’ll tow 5,000 pounds, but you’ll pay the price if you have a heavy right foot. The Passport’s EPA-estimated combined fuel economy rating is 21 mpg, which is better than others in the segment. However, if you’re tooling around off-road in the TrailSport package, there will be times when the extra oomph comes in handy.
The cabin offers space for five people, plus the cargo area behind the second row. It also provides plenty of legroom for those in the second row. Pricing begins at $43,795, including destination fees.
Honda Passport Highlights
Locking technology: With the Smart Entry with Walk-Away Auto Lock technology, Passport owners don’t have to worry about security, as this system locks the vehicle automatically as you walk away with the key fob.
All-Wheel Drive: Many of the vehicles in this class find their way off-road, and the Passport is ready to take on a bit of adventure as all-wheel drive is standard equipment. If you want more fun, upgrade to the TrailSport trim, which provides a more specialized off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and extra body protection.
Highly contented: Every Passport has leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, wireless charging, satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and AWD.
Read our Honda Passport Expert Review or see 2025 Honda Passport models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sorento and Honda Passport boast attractive exterior styling, ample interior space, impressive technology, and good powerplants.
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento makes a strong case as the value proposition of these two SUVs. It’s more efficient, more affordable, has a longer warranty, and comes with three rows of seats. However, the Honda Passport has more standard equipment to help justify its price tag, including a stout V6 engine. The right SUV for you depends on your needs and your budget.
New 2025 Kia Sorento Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,405 |
$31,784 |
|||
$36,305 |
$34,569 |
|||
$39,505 |
$37,762 |
|||
$43,105 |
$41,005 |
|||
$43,205 |
$41,256 |
|||
$44,905 |
$42,628 |
|||
$47,805 |
$45,539 |
|||
$48,805 |
$46,086 |
New 2025 Honda Passport Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$43,850 |
$41,789 |
|||
$46,450 |
$44,173 |
|||
$49,920 |
$47,054 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 Honda Passport vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Honda Passport | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 3.5-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 262 lb-ft @ 4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 19 city/24 highway/21 combined mpg |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo, plus Hybrid/PHEV | |
| 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 | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 110.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 189.1 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 78.6 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 72.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 39.3 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 41.7 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 62.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.1 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 38.5 cubic feet | 41.2 cubic feet |
