2025 Kia Sorento SX vs 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige
On paper, the 2025 Kia Sorento SX wins on $9,700 less, 3 MPG better, 49 more lb-ft torque. The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: $9,700 price gap, 281 vs 291 hp, 23 vs 20 MPG.
The Sorento SX leads on $9,700 less, 3 MPG better. The Telluride SX-Prestige leads on AWD. The spec table compares 7 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 7 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2025 Kia Sorento SX | 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $41,690 | $51,390 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Turbo | 3.8L V6 |
| Horsepower | 281 hp | 291 hp |
| Torque | 311 lb-ft | 262 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 20 | 18 |
| Highway MPG | 27 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 23 | 20 |
| Fuel Tank | 17.7 gal | 18.8 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $2,200/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,074 lbs | 4,524 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 114.2" |
| Length | 189.6" | 196.9" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.9" | 69.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/100k |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Kia Sorento SX and 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Sorento SX starts at $41,690, $9,700 less than the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige at $51,390. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $171/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2025 Kia Sorento SX?
The 2025 Kia Sorento SX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $9,700 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sorento SX covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $274/year less on fuel.
Who should choose the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige is the stronger pick when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Kia Sorento SX or 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Sorento SX rates 23 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Kia Sorento SX or 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige produces 291 hp, 10 more than the 2025 Kia Sorento SX at 281 hp. The 2025 Kia Sorento SX also leads in torque at 311 lb-ft vs 262 lb-ft. The 2025 Kia Sorento SX runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige uses a 3.8L V6. Drivetrains differ too: FWD on the 2025 Kia Sorento SX, AWD on the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige.
Is the 2025 Kia Sorento SX bigger than the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige?
The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige is 7.3″ longer at 196.9″ vs 189.6″. The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige has a 3.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
Do the 2025 Kia Sorento SX and 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige comes with AWD, while the 2025 Kia Sorento SX uses FWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Sorento trims, Kia Telluride trims
How the Sorento and Telluride Stack Up
Two midsize SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Kia Sorento SX ($41,690) and 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige ($51,390) solve similar problems in different ways. The $9,700 gap adds up to $171/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Sorento vs Telluride
The 2025 Kia Sorento SX runs a 2.5L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige uses a 3.8L V6. The 10 hp difference (291 vs 281) is marginal in daily driving. The 2025 Kia Sorento SX adds 49 more lb-ft of torque (311 vs 262), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige comes with AWD; the 2025 Kia Sorento SX uses FWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2025 Kia Sorento SX saves roughly $274/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,370. The 2025 Kia Sorento SX wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige weighs 450 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2025 Kia Sorento SX when you want to keep $9,700 in your pocket and the 2025 Kia Sorento SX covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige when you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted. At $171/month more, the 2025 Kia Telluride SX-Prestige needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or any dealership.