The options are limited for those in the market for a smallish SUV with 3-row seating. Fortunately, the vehicles that fit the bill are pretty good: the 2024 Kia Sorento and the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Each SUV favors the classic, boxy exterior, but a few differences exist. The Kia Sorento comes with a third row and room for seven passengers. It can even be outfitted to handle some light to moderate off-roading. The VW Tiguan comes standard as a 5-passenger SUV but can be optioned with a third row. While it can also be had with all-wheel drive (AWD), it’s more at home on the tarmac, with the AWD helping it power through harsh weather and road conditions.
Let’s check out these two options.
2024 Kia Sorento
The 2024 Kia Sorento is on the large end of the compact SUV range. It’s big enough for a third row, which is a rarity in this segment. Mind you, it’s not a massive space, and it’s ideally suited to haul smaller people on shorter trips.
A base 191-horsepower 4-cylinder powers it, but you can upgrade to a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a turbocharger. The switch pushes the output to 281 hp; however, the average combined fuel economy drops from 26 to 23 mpg. AWD is also available.
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including a destination charge.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Class leader: Kia’s warranty coverage is as good as it gets. The Sorento is backed by 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 AWD for added capability.
Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Kia Sorento models.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2024 Volkswagen Tiguan
One of the reasons larger SUVs are popular these days is that everyone wants more space — space for cargo and space for people. Volkswagen’s Tiguan gives compact-SUV buyers what they want with 3-row seating.
The Tiguan offers plenty of interior room, making seating for seven passengers possible. The third row is designed to handle children or small adults for short trips. The upside is that when that seat is down, generous cargo space is available behind the second row.
The only downside to having the third row is that you must give up AWD if you want it. The Tiguan’s pricing starts at $30,305, including destination charge.
Volkswagen Tiguan Highlights
Comfort and room: This vehicle has plenty of space. More importantly, it’s a comfortable ride. This VW offers a secure, almost cozy feel as it trundles along.
Tech forward: VW’s Car-Net technology allows Tiguan owners to connect their smartphones to their vehicles. It performs a variety of functions, including remote lock/unlock, automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle location, and how much fuel is in the tank.
4Motion: Front-wheel drive is standard, but the Tiguan can be upgraded with VW’s 4Motion AWD system. It offers different driving modes, such as Normal, Sport, and Eco. However, 4Motion adds Snow and Offroad modes, making it ready to handle various situations.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Tiguan models near you.
Similarities
Offering ample cabin space, the Kia Sorento and VW Tiguan are both on the smaller side of SUVs with 3-row seating.
Conclusion
Despite the higher price, the Kia Sorento is the choice here. Kia doesn’t make you choose between a third row and AWD; unlike the Tiguan, you can have both simultaneously in the Sorento. Overall, the modern and spacious Kia Sorento offers more capability and technology for a reasonable price.
| 2024 Kia Sorento | 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Starting Price | $33,365 | $30,305 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 184 hp @ 4,400 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 221 lb-ft @ 1,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 24 city/31 highway/27 combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo, plus Hybrid/PHEV | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | N/R | 4 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 109.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 186.1 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 72.4 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 66.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 38.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.1 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | 33.8 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 36.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | 27.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 55.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | 47.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 12.6/38.5/75.5 cubic feet | 12.0/33.0/65.3 cubic feet |
