2017 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2017 Kia Sorento
No matter which segment you choose, you’re going to find a variety of competition coming from every automaker. It can be overwhelming, especially if you aren’t loyal to any one brand. When it comes to affordable and attractive options, it only makes sense to compare the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder vs 2017 Kia Sorento. Both brands have a reputation for providing the auto industry with smart options and innovative features, without boosting the price just for a nameplate and badging. Who wants that?
So how do you end up choosing between the Pathfinder and Sorento? This comparison can be particularly confusing because the Pathfinder is a seven seat, three row SUV in every configuration, while the Sorento is available either as a two- or three-row SUV that can fit five-to-seven passengers. For this reason, the price tag of the Sorento could easily draw the eye before shoppers realize that they have to pick from higher trims in order to get a configuration similar to what the Nissan Pathfinder offers.
| 2017 Nissan Pathfinder | vs | 2017 Kia Sorento |
| 16/42.4/79.8 cu. ft. | Cargo Space (3-row) | 11.3/38/73 cu. ft. |
| 6,000 lbs | Max Towing | 5,000 lbs. |
| 20 city/27 hwy | V6 Fuel Economy | 18 city/25 hwy |
| 157.8 cu. ft. | Passenger Volume (Seven-Seat) | 154.2 cu. ft. |
Why choose the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder for your family?
The first question you have to ask for this comparison is what you’re looking for in terms of capability and roominess. Those seeking something smaller will want to look at the Murano or Rogue, but if you’re looking at the seven-seat option then you’ll find the Pathfinder is actually a better deal than the Sorento.
The first thing to consider are your engine options and price. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 that offers up 284 horsepower and 259 pound feet of torque. To drive a comparable Sorento, you’d have to jump up to the 3.3-liter LX, which offers 290 horsepower and 252 pound-feet of torque. Despite similar power figures, this model tops out at 5,000 pounds for max towing, falling a full 1,000 pounds below Nissan’s max.
What about roominess? Well, the Sorento is better off as a two-row model as it offers just 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row option, and maxes out at 73 cubic feet, compared to 16 cubic feet and 79.8 cubic feet max for the Nissan Pathfinder.
We could go on and on comparing the various features of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder compared to the 2017 Kia Sorento, but at the end of the day it comes down to power, capability and spaciousness. For similar configurations, the Nissan Pathfinder is more affordable and beats out the Kia Sorento in every category. See for yourself when you stop by Glendale Nissan and take the model for a test drive.
