The 2021 Kia Sorento and the 2021 Honda Passport are both new SUVs with plenty to offer. But when it comes to choosing the best option for your needs, which of these new SUVs should you choose? Let’s find out.

2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Honda Passport: Road tests 

Unfortunately for the 2021 Honda Passport, it didn’t earn the most impressive scores in Consumer Reports’ road tests, at least not when compared to the 2021 Kia Sorento. While Consumer Reports gave the Sorento an 83 overall score in road tests, the Passport was only able to manage a 79 overall score. 

According to Consumer Reports, it’s the Passport’s overly stiff suspension that held it back from a higher score. Clumsy handling contributed, too, says Consumer Reports. The good news, Consumer Reports explains, is that this year’s Passport boasts a “well-tuned stability control system” and “does a good job minimizing side-to-side ride motions.”

As for the 2021 Kia Sorento? According to Consumer Reports, while this year’s model isn’t the sportiest to drive, handling is rather responsive behind the wheel of this new SUV. Consumer Reports added, “Most of our diminished enthusiasm was due to the Sorento’s steering, which, although quick on initial turn-in, feels overly light with an artificial, almost rubbery feel that leaves the driver unsure about road texture and tire grip.”

2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Honda Passport: Safety features 

There’s no getting around it. Both of these SUVs come well-stocked with sought-after safety features. The 2021 Honda Passport comes standard with Honda Sensing, including driver-assist technologies like a road departure mitigation system, a lane-keeping assist system, adaptive cruise control, and a collision mitigation braking system.

Meanwhile, this year’s Sorento comes equipped with Kia Drive Wise, which includes standard safety features like auto emergency braking technology, lane-keeping assist technology, lane following assist technology, rear occupant alerts, driver attention warnings, and high beam assist. It’s also available with additional safety features like rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist and a 360º surround-view monitor.

While both new SUVs come standard with a long list of safety features, the Sorento does have the edge over its Honda competition when it comes to crash test ratings. While the IIHS recognized the 2021 Kia Sorento as a Top Safety Pick, the Passport could not secure such a designation. 

2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Honda Passport: Interior space

There are a few differences between the interiors of the 2021 Kia Sorento and the 2021 Honda Passport. While this year’s Sorento does offer a third-row of seating, the 2021 Honda Passport does not. It does, however, offer significantly more legroom for second-row passengers. It also provides more shoulder room than the Sorento does.

Cargo volume is worth considering too. Whether you’re planning a grocery trip or a family vacation, you’re going to need some extra space. Fortunately, the 2021 Honda Passport offers plenty of it. The 2021 Kia Sorento, on the other hand, doesn’t quite match up. In fact, according to Kelley Blue Book, while the Passport provides 77.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Sorento only offers 75.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.

2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Honda Passport: Interior amenities

Odds are, you’re considering interior amenities too. Fortunately, both of these new SUVs aim to please when it comes to standard interior features. Opt for the base model Kia Sorento, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by standard features like an eight-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and six USB charging ports. The Sorento is also available with premium amenities such as a wireless phone charger, navigation, and a premium sound system.

The 2021 Honda Passport certainly isn’t lacking any standard features either. Consider the base model Passport, which comes outfitted with standard features like an eight-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB charging port. The Passport is also available with sought-after features such as Wi-Fi hotspot capability, satellite-linked navigation, and a wireless phone charger.

Which new SUV should you buy?

Choosing the right new SUV for you doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, when it really comes down to it, you can’t go wrong with either of these options. To find out whether the 2021 Honda Passport or the 2021 Kia Sorento is the best fit for you, we recommend taking both of these new SUVs out for a test drive.