Kia Sorento vs Telluride: Which Kia 3-Row Fits Your Family?
Last updated Oct 28, 2026
Specs note: I checked every figure on kia.com and fueleconomy.gov on Oct 28, 2026. Specs vary by trim. Confirm on the window sticker.
Quick answer: The 2027 Telluride is the bigger 3-row. It’s 9.6 inches longer and 3.5 inches wider than the 2027 Sorento, with 32.1 vs 29.6 inches of 3rd-row legroom and 22.3 vs 12.6 cubic feet behind the 3rd row. The Sorento is easier to park, gets better mileage and comes as a plug-in hybrid. The Telluride tows more.
Sources: kia.com 2027 Sorento and Telluride specs, checked Oct 28, 2026.
Same brand, two sizes, and a lot of families stuck in the middle. The Sorento is a midsize with a third row for when you need it. The Telluride is the full-size 3-row. Which one fits comes down to how often people ride in the back and what you haul.
Hey, I’m Rick G. at Overturf KIA in Pasco. Both of these are Kias, so I’m not trying to steer you either way. Every number below comes from kia.com or the EPA, with the date I checked. Compare on paper here, then come drive the one that fits.
Quick answer: Sorento or Telluride?
- Size. The Telluride is 199.2 inches long on a 116.9-inch wheelbase. The Sorento is 189.6 on 110.8. If your garage is tight, start with the Sorento.
- Third row. 32.1 inches of legroom in the Telluride vs 29.6 in the Sorento. If adults ride back there every week, lean Telluride.
- Cargo with every seat up. 22.3 cubic feet in the gas Telluride vs 12.6 in the Sorento.
- Engines. The Sorento’s turbo trims and the gas Telluride both list a 2.5L turbo four at 274 hp and 311 lb-ft. The Sorento LX and S use a 186 hp non-turbo.
- Hybrids. The Sorento Hybrid is rated 37 mpg combined with FWD vs 33 for most FWD Telluride Hybrids. The Telluride Hybrid has 329 hp vs 232.
- Towing. The Telluride is rated 5,000 lb (gas) and 4,500 lb (Hybrid). Most gas Sorentos are rated 2,000 to 3,500 lb.
- Plug-in. Only the Sorento offers a Plug-In Hybrid. There’s no Telluride plug-in.
Book a Sorento test drive · Book a Telluride test drive · Bring your trade
Tell me which one you want to try. I’ll check what’s on the lot and email you to confirm a time.
Side-by-side specs
Table A: gas, 2027 vs 2027
| 2027 Sorento (gas) | 2027 Telluride (gas) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L four (LX, S) or 2.5L turbo four (EX and up) | 2.5L turbo four |
| Horsepower / torque | 186 hp / 178 lb-ft; turbo 274 hp / 311 lb-ft | 274 hp / 311 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic; turbo 8-speed dual-clutch | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive | FWD or AWD by trim (X-Line and X-Pro are AWD) | FWD or AWD by trim (X-Pro is AWD) |
| Seats | 7 (LX, S, EX) or 6 with captain’s chairs (SX and up) | 8 (LX, EX) or 7 with captain’s chairs |
| Length / wheelbase | 189.6 in. (X-Line and X-Pro 189.8) / 110.8 in. | 199.2 / 116.9 in. |
| Width | 74.8 in. | 78.3 in. |
| Height | 66.9 to 70.3 in., by trim | 69.5 to 71.5 in., by trim and roof rails |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in. FWD, 8.2 in. AWD | 7.4 in. (X-Pro 9.1) |
| Legroom, 1st / 2nd / 3rd row | 41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in. | 41.4 / 43.0 / 32.1 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row | 12.6 / 38.5 to 45.0 / 75.5 cu ft | 22.3 / 48.7 / 89.3 cu ft |
| Towing, properly equipped | 2,000 to 3,500 lb by trim; 4,500 lb X-Pro SX Prestige | 5,000 lb |
| EPA combined, FWD / AWD | 26 / 25 mpg; turbo 23 / 23 | 22 / 20 mpg (X-Pro 19) |
| Fuel tank | 17.7 gal | 19.0 gal |
| Fuel | Regular unleaded, 87 octane or higher | Regular unleaded, 87 octane or higher |
| Basic / powertrain warranty | 5yr/60k · 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k · 10yr/100k |
Sources: kia.com 2027 Sorento and 2027 Telluride specs; fueleconomy.gov 2027 Sorento ids 50764, 50765, 50781, 50782 (mpg; transmissions listed as Automatic (S8) and, on the turbo, Automatic (AM-S8)) and 2027 Telluride ids 50421, 50436, 50586. All checked Oct 28, 2026. Confirm on the window sticker.
Table B: hybrids, 2027 vs 2027
| 2027 Sorento Hybrid | 2027 Telluride Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.6L turbo hybrid, 232 hp / 270 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | 2.5L turbo hybrid, 329 hp / 339 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic |
| Trims | EX, X-Line EX, X-Line SX Prestige | EX, SX, X-Line SX, SX Prestige, X-Line SX Prestige |
| Drive | FWD or AWD (EX); AWD (X-Line) | FWD or AWD, by trim |
| Seats | 7 on the EX (6 available); 6 on X-Line trims | 7 on every trim |
| Length / wheelbase | 189.6 / 110.8 in. | 199.2 / 116.9 in. |
| Legroom, 2nd / 3rd row | 40.7 / 29.6 in. | 41.4 / 32.1 in. |
| Cargo behind 3rd / 2nd / 1st row | 12.6 / 38.5 to 45.0 / 75.5 cu ft | 21.3 / 47.7 / 88.3 cu ft |
| Towing | 2,000 lb | 4,500 lb |
| EPA combined, FWD | 37 mpg | 33 mpg (35 on the EX) |
| EPA combined, AWD | 34 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Fuel tank | 17.7 gal | 18.2 gal |
Sources: kia.com 2027 Sorento Hybrid and 2027 Telluride Hybrid specs; fueleconomy.gov 2027 Sorento Hybrid ids 50533, 50780 and 2027 Telluride Hybrid ids 50422, 50423, 50437. All checked Oct 28, 2026.
Size and parking
The Telluride is 9.6 inches longer, 3.5 inches wider and rides on a wheelbase that’s 6.1 inches longer. On paper that’s the difference between a midsize and a full-size 3-row. In an older Kennewick or Richland garage, those inches add up. Measure your garage door and depth before you pick, and see my Kia size guide for the full Seltos to Telluride ladder.
Third row and seats
Kia lists 29.6 inches of 3rd-row legroom in the Sorento and 32.1 in the Telluride. That gap is where you’ll feel the size difference most. The Sorento’s third row is great for kids, carpool and the odd trip with grandparents. If adults ride back there every week, the Telluride is the one to sit in first.
Seat counts depend on trim. The Sorento LX, S and EX seat 7, and the SX and up seat 6 with 2nd-row captain’s chairs. The gas Telluride seats 8 on the LX and EX and 7 on the rest. Every Telluride Hybrid seats 7. Bring your car seats when you come in and try them.
Cargo with every seat up
Behind the 3rd row, Kia lists 22.3 cubic feet in the gas Telluride (21.3 in the Hybrid) and 12.6 in the Sorento. That’s the gap you’ll notice on a Costco run with the whole crew aboard. Fold the 3rd row and it’s 48.7 vs 38.5 to 45.0. Fold both rows and it’s 89.3 vs 75.5.
Engines and hybrids
Gas. The Sorento EX and up and every gas Telluride list a 2.5L turbo four rated at 274 hp and 311 lb-ft. The Sorento LX and S use a non-turbo 2.5L with 186 hp. If you want the turbo’s pull in the smaller Kia, start at the Sorento EX.
Hybrid. These two are different. The Sorento Hybrid uses a 1.6L turbo hybrid with 232 hp. The Telluride Hybrid uses a 2.5L turbo hybrid with 329 hp. The Sorento Hybrid is rated for better mileage. The Telluride Hybrid has more power and tows more.
Plug-in. The Sorento also comes as a Plug-In Hybrid. kia.com still shows the 2026, and the EPA rates it at 30 miles of electric range. There’s no Telluride plug-in. If you can charge most nights, see my Sorento gas vs Hybrid vs PHEV guide.
Book a Sorento test drive · Book a Telluride test drive
Tell me which powertrain you’re curious about when you book, and I’ll have the specs ready.
Mileage: EPA ratings only
| Sorento | Telluride | |
|---|---|---|
| Gas FWD, combined | 26 mpg (turbo 23) | 22 mpg |
| Gas AWD, combined | 25 mpg (turbo 23) | 20 mpg (X-Pro 19) |
| Hybrid FWD, combined | 37 mpg | 33 mpg (35 on the EX) |
| Hybrid AWD, combined | 34 mpg | 31 mpg |
Source: fueleconomy.gov 2027 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Telluride and Telluride Hybrid listings, checked Oct 28, 2026.
The Sorento wins mileage in every matchup. Your real mileage on Hwy 240 in January will be lower than any sticker, for both.
Towing
Kia lists 5,000 lb for every 2027 gas Telluride and 4,500 lb for the Telluride Hybrid. The 2027 Sorento is rated 2,000 to 3,500 lb on most gas trims and 4,500 lb on the X-Pro SX Prestige. The Sorento Hybrid is rated 2,000 lb. If you pull a boat on the Columbia or a camper up to the Blue Mountains, the Telluride gives you more room under the rating. Read the owner’s manual for the hitch, wiring and trailer brakes, and check the window sticker.
Winter and AWD
Both come in FWD or AWD depending on trim. AWD Sorentos list 8.2 inches of ground clearance, vs 7.4 for most Tellurides and 9.1 for the Telluride X-Pro. For Columbia Basin frost and ice, tires matter more than either badge. AWD helps you get going. Good winter tires help you stop and turn.
Budget: MSRP plus published incentives
The trims don’t line up one to one, so compare the two trims you’d actually buy. When you come in, I’ll write it up fresh on the lot: MSRP plus that day’s published incentives.
Warranty: the same Kia coverage
Both carry Kia’s 5-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage for the original owner, and both hybrids list 10-year/100,000-mile hybrid battery coverage. Shopping used? A Kia Certified Pre-Owned buyer gets the remainder of the original factory warranty, not a fresh 10 years. My Kia CPO guide has the details.
How to compare: on paper first, then drive the Kia that fits
- Third row. Compare the legroom here (29.6 vs 32.1), then have an adult sit back there.
- Car seats. Bring yours and try them in.
- Cargo with every seat up. Bring the stroller or the sports bags.
- Your garage. Measure it before you come in.
- The merge. Take it onto I-182 or US-395 and feel the turbo.
Cross-shopping more than these two? See the 2027 Telluride gas guide, the Telluride Hybrid guide, Telluride vs Highlander and Carnival vs Telluride.
Ready to compare?
Book a Sorento test drive · Book a Telluride test drive · Bring your trade
Bringing a trade? Bring the title, or your lender’s name and loan account number, plus your license, registration, insurance card, and every key and fob. Here’s my trade-in checklist.
Fresh write-up on the lot: MSRP plus today’s published incentives.
FAQs
Is the Telluride bigger than the Sorento?
Yes. Kia lists the 2027 Telluride at 199.2 inches long and 78.3 wide, vs 189.6 and 74.8 for the 2027 Sorento. That buys more room in back: 32.1 vs 29.6 inches of 3rd-row legroom, and 22.3 vs 12.6 cubic feet behind the 3rd row. If your garage is tight, the Sorento’s shorter length may matter more.
Does the Kia Sorento have a third row?
Yes, every 2027 Sorento has one. Kia lists 29.6 inches of 3rd-row legroom, so it works best for kids and shorter trips. The LX, S and EX seat 7, and the SX and up seat 6 with 2nd-row captain’s chairs. If adults ride in the third row every week, the Telluride’s 32.1 inches is the safer pick.
Should I get the Sorento Hybrid or the Telluride Hybrid?
Pick by room first. The Telluride Hybrid has 32.1 inches of 3rd-row legroom vs 29.6, more cargo behind the 3rd row (21.3 vs 12.6 cubic feet), 329 hp vs 232, and a 4,500 lb tow rating vs 2,000. The Sorento Hybrid gets better mileage and is easier to park. If the third row is occasional, start with the Sorento Hybrid.
Which tows more, the Sorento or the Telluride?
The Telluride. Kia lists 5,000 lb for every 2027 gas Telluride and 4,500 lb for the Telluride Hybrid. The 2027 Sorento is rated 2,000 to 3,500 lb on most gas trims, 4,500 lb on the X-Pro SX Prestige, and 2,000 lb for the Hybrid. Towing takes the right hitch and trailer brakes, so check the owner’s manual.
Do the Sorento and Telluride have the same engine?
Partly. The Sorento’s turbo trims and the 2027 gas Telluride both list a 2.5L turbo four rated at 274 hp and 311 lb-ft. The Sorento LX and S use a 186 hp non-turbo 2.5L instead. The hybrids differ: the Sorento Hybrid uses a 1.6L turbo hybrid with 232 hp, and the Telluride Hybrid a 2.5L turbo hybrid with 329 hp.
Which gets better mpg, the Sorento or the Telluride?
The Sorento. The EPA rates the 2027 Sorento at 26 mpg combined with the base engine and FWD, and 23 with the turbo, vs 22 for the FWD Telluride and 20 with AWD. With hybrids, the Sorento Hybrid is rated 37 with FWD and 34 with AWD, vs 33 and 31 for most Telluride Hybrids.
Checked Oct 28, 2026 (PT): kia.com 2027 Sorento specs; kia.com 2027 Sorento Hybrid specs; kia.com 2026 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specs; kia.com 2027 Telluride specs; kia.com 2027 Telluride Hybrid specs; fueleconomy.gov Sorento listings; fueleconomy.gov 2027 Telluride listings; Kia warranty. Always confirm the window sticker for the VIN you drive.