Kia Sorento vs Honda Pilot

The Kia Sorento and Honda Pilot are both three-row family SUVs, but they sit at different price points and sizes. The short answer: the Sorento starts thousands lower, adds hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and carries a longer 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, while the larger Pilot brings a standard V6, more room, and more towing. Here is how they compare.

Kia Sorento vs Honda Pilot: a spec-by-spec look

Specs compared

Specification Kia Sorento Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP About $32,390 About $43,900
Seating Up to 7 7 to 8
Base engine 2.5L I4 / 2.5L turbo (281 hp) 3.5L V6 (285 hp)
Hybrid Yes (hybrid + plug-in) No
Drivetrain FWD standard, AWD available FWD standard, AWD available
Max towing Up to 3,500 lbs (4,500 on X-Pro) Up to 5,000 lbs (AWD, properly equipped)
Basic warranty 5 yr / 60,000 mi 3 yr / 36,000 mi
Powertrain warranty 10 yr / 100,000 mi 5 yr / 60,000 mi
Assembly West Point, Georgia Lincoln, Alabama (USA)

By the numbers

Specification Kia Sorento Honda Pilot
U.S. News value (2026) Best Midsize Three-Row SUV for the Money Not the class winner
Powertrain choice Gas, hybrid, and plug-in V6 only (no hybrid)
Starting MSRP About $32,390 About $43,900

Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.

Price and value

Price is the Sorento’s clearest edge, starting around $32,390 versus about $43,900 for the Pilot, a difference of more than $11,000 before options. At ALM Kia South, a new Sorento also adds ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty.

Powertrains

The Pilot uses a 3.5-liter V6 across the lineup and does not offer a hybrid. The Sorento gives you more choice: a 281-horsepower turbo, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid. If you want a V6, the Pilot has it; if you want turbo torque, better efficiency, or the option to plug in, the Sorento is the flexible one.

Space and towing

The Pilot is the larger SUV, with a roomier third row and more cargo space, and it tows more, up to 5,000 pounds properly equipped versus 3,500 for the Sorento (4,500 on the turbo X-Pro). It also offers a rugged TrailSport trim. For maximum room and towing, the Pilot leads; the Sorento is the right-sized, easier-to-park choice.

Warranty and reliability

The Sorento carries the longer warranty: 5-year / 60,000-mile basic and 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain, versus the Pilot’s 3-year / 36,000-mile basic and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain. The Pilot counters with Honda’s strong reliability and resale reputation, while the Sorento pairs a solid record with much longer coverage.

The bottom line for Union City shoppers

Choose the Pilot for its extra size, V6, and towing. Choose the Sorento to save thousands, add a hybrid or plug-in option, get the longer warranty, and pick up the ownership perks at ALM Kia South. Browse our Sorento inventory or contact our team to compare them in person.

See every Kia Sorento comparison

Kia Sorento vs Honda Pilot: common questions

Is the Kia Sorento or Honda Pilot better?
It depends on your priorities. The Sorento starts more than $11,000 lower, offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, and has a longer 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The larger Pilot brings a V6, more room, and more towing. Both are three-row SUVs.
What is the difference between the Sorento and the Pilot?
The Sorento is smaller and much less expensive, offers gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid power, and carries a longer warranty. The Pilot is larger, uses a V6 with no hybrid, tows more, and leans on Honda’s reputation. Both seat seven or eight.
Is the Kia Sorento or Honda Pilot cheaper?
The Sorento is significantly more affordable, starting at about $32,390 versus about $43,900 for the Pilot, a difference of more than $11,000.
Does the Kia Sorento or Honda Pilot come in a hybrid?
The Sorento does; the Pilot does not. The Sorento offers a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid alongside its gas engines, while the Honda Pilot is V6 gas only.
Which is bigger and tows more, the Sorento or the Pilot?
The Pilot is the larger SUV and tows more, up to 5,000 pounds properly equipped, versus 3,500 pounds for the Sorento (4,500 on the turbo X-Pro). The Sorento is the more compact, easier-to-park three-row.
Does the Kia Sorento or Honda Pilot have a better warranty?
The Sorento has the longer warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles basic and 10 years / 100,000 miles powertrain, versus the Pilot’s 3 years / 36,000 miles basic and 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain.

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