2027 Kia Telluride vs. Kia Sorento: Which 3-Row SUV Fits Your Family?

The 2027 Kia Telluride and 2027 Kia Sorento both offer three rows of seating, available all-wheel drive, modern technology, and family-friendly flexibility. The biggest difference is size.

The Sorento is the smaller and more affordable option. It gives Bedford and Cleveland-area families three-row versatility without moving into a larger SUV. The Telluride offers substantially more passenger and cargo room, seating for up to eight, and greater towing capability.

If you are deciding between these two Kia SUVs, the right choice depends on how often you use the third row, how much cargo you carry, and how much capability you need.

2027 Kia Telluride vs. Sorento at a Glance

Pricing excludes destination charges, taxes, title, license, options, and dealer charges. Specifications vary by trim and drivetrain.

Size and Seating: Telluride Is the Better Full-Time Family Hauler

Both SUVs have three rows, but they are designed for different types of families.

The 2027 Sorento seats up to seven passengers. Higher trims are available with second-row captain's chairs, reducing capacity to six while making third-row access easier.

The larger Telluride can seat up to eight passengers with a second-row bench or seven with captain's chairs, depending on trim.

If you only need the third row occasionally, the Sorento's smaller dimensions can make daily driving, parking, and maneuvering easier. If you regularly carry six, seven, or eight people, the Telluride's larger cabin is the stronger choice.

For a broader look at family-friendly Kia SUVs, read our guide to choosing the right Kia SUV for your family.

Cargo Space: Telluride Gives You More Room

This is one of the clearest differences between the two SUVs.

The 2027 Sorento provides up to 75.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded.

The redesigned 2027 Telluride increases maximum cargo capacity to 89.3 cubic feet. It also provides 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, which makes it easier to carry groceries, luggage, sports equipment, or strollers while still using all three rows.

That additional room matters if the third row stays occupied most of the time. Sorento owners can still create substantial cargo room by folding the rear seats, but the Telluride is better suited to carrying passengers and luggage at the same time.

See our Kia SUV cargo space guide for a broader comparison across the lineup.

Performance: Sorento Gives You More Choice, Telluride Makes Turbo Power Standard

The 2027 Telluride makes its 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder standard across the gas lineup. It produces 274 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Sorento takes a two-engine approach. LX and S models use a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder producing 186 horsepower. EX and higher performance-oriented configurations offer a 2.5L turbocharged engine producing up to 274 horsepower.

That means the Sorento lets budget-focused buyers choose a simpler, more efficient base engine, while higher trims can deliver power much closer to the Telluride.

The Telluride is simpler to shop if performance matters. Every gas version begins with turbocharged power.

Fuel Economy: Sorento Wins Among the Gas Models

The smaller Sorento has a clear fuel-economy advantage in its most efficient gasoline configuration.

For drivers commuting toward Cleveland every day, the Sorento's smaller footprint and higher gas mileage can make it the more economical everyday SUV.

Telluride Hybrid vs. Sorento Hybrid

Both SUVs are also available with hybrid powertrains, giving families another way to reduce fuel consumption without giving up three-row flexibility.

The first-ever 2027 Telluride Hybrid produces 329 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The most efficient EX FWD configuration is EPA-rated at 35 MPG combined and offers a total estimated driving range of 637 miles.

The 2027 Sorento Hybrid focuses even more heavily on efficiency, with Kia advertising up to 37 MPG combined and an estimated 655-mile driving range on the EX FWD.

The choice follows the same pattern as the gas models. Telluride Hybrid gives you more space and more power, while Sorento Hybrid is smaller and can return better fuel economy.

If the Telluride Hybrid is on your list, see our 2027 Telluride gas vs. hybrid comparison.

Towing and Capability

The Telluride also has the advantage if towing is part of your plans.

Gas-powered 2027 Telluride models can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

The 2027 Sorento reaches up to 4,500 pounds in the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD configuration.

Both SUVs offer available AWD and terrain-management features. The Sorento X-Pro provides 8.3 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires, while the Telluride X-Pro increases ground clearance to 9.1 inches and adds more specialized off-road hardware.

For Ohio families who regularly tow recreational equipment or travel on rougher roads, the Telluride provides the higher overall capability ceiling. The Sorento X-Pro remains a useful alternative for drivers who want that capability in a smaller SUV.

Technology and Comfort

Both SUVs offer the modern Kia cabin experience, including standard or available 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone connectivity, driver-assistance technology, heated and ventilated seating, panoramic roof options, and surround-view camera technology depending on trim.

The redesigned Telluride has more room to add premium features. Upper trims offer a wide panoramic display layout, available relaxation-style front seats, power-operated second-row captain's chairs, and additional comfort features aimed at longer family trips.

The Sorento still offers an impressive equipment list for its price. Available dual panoramic displays, Bose premium audio, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced parking technology give it a more premium feel than its smaller size and lower starting price might suggest.

If you are leaning toward the larger model, our 2027 Kia Telluride trim guide explains the differences between LX, S, EX, SX, X-Line, and X-Pro configurations.

Which Kia SUV Is Better for Your Family?

Our take: Choose the Sorento if you want three rows in a more compact and affordable package. Choose the Telluride if you regularly carry a full passenger load, need more cargo space, or want the higher towing and capability limits.

2027 Kia Telluride vs. Sorento FAQ

Is the Kia Telluride bigger than the Sorento?

Yes. The Telluride is Kia's larger three-row SUV and offers more passenger and cargo room. It also seats up to eight, compared with up to seven in the Sorento.

Which is cheaper, the 2027 Telluride or Sorento?

The 2027 Sorento starts at $32,590 MSRP, while the 2027 Telluride starts at $39,190 MSRP before destination charges, taxes, fees, and options.

Which has more cargo space?

The Telluride offers up to 89.3 cubic feet of cargo space. The Sorento offers up to 75.5 cubic feet.

Which can tow more?

The gas Telluride can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Sorento can tow up to 4,500 pounds in the X-Pro SX Prestige AWD configuration.

Does the Sorento get better gas mileage?

Yes, among the gasoline models. The Sorento LX and S FWD are rated at up to 26 MPG combined, compared with up to 22 MPG combined for front-wheel-drive Telluride gas models.

Do both the Telluride and Sorento offer hybrids?

Yes. The 2027 Telluride is available as a hybrid for the first time. The 2027 Sorento is also available with a hybrid powertrain.

Compare the Telluride and Sorento at Kia of Bedford

The best way to decide between the 2027 Telluride and Sorento is to sit in both. Compare the third-row space, cargo room, driving position, and overall size before choosing the Kia SUV that fits your family.

Kia of Bedford
18180 Rockside Road
Bedford, OH 44146
(440) 735-4000