It could be difficult to decide between the Kia Telluride and Kia Sorento, because both SUVs are excellent SUVs to consider. However, the 2023 Kia Telluride and the 2023 Kia Sorento have their strengths and weaknesses. Only one option is the better choice for your needs. 

2023 Kia Telluride vs. 2023 Kia Sorento 

Let’s kick off this Kia SUV party with pricing. You can get started in a 2023 Kia Telluride for about $37,025. Moving up to the top-spec SX Prestige X-Pro trim increases the price to over $54,000. 

The 2023 Kia Sorento begins at around $29,590, and the top-spec SX Prestige Hybrid model raises the cost to around $42,390. 

With the Kia Sorento Hybrid, you get an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. The Telluride gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg on the highway. 

The Sorento PHEV provides a 32-mile all-electric range and can travel about 665 miles on a single tank. 

Does the Telluride or Sorento have more power? 

The 2023 Kia Telluride has a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. When properly equipped, the Telluride can tow up to 5,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,664 lbs. 

With the 2023 Kia Sorento, the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. 

The Kia Sorento Hybrid uses a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and an electric motor to generate 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento PHEV has the same engine, two electric motors, and a battery pack that combine to provide 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. 

According to Edmunds, with the turbocharged gas engine, the Sorento can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds. When properly equipped, the Sorento can tow up to 3,500 lb and carry a payload of up to 1,578 lbs. 

Both the Telluride and Sorento can be equipped with all-wheel drive. They have a Snow Mode, a locking center differential, hill start assist, and hill descent control. But the Telluride X-Pro has a few beefier upgrades for off-roading. 

Does the Telluride or Sorento have better features? 

The 2023 Kia Telluride provides 21.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 87.0 with the seats folded flat. With the 2023 Kia Sorento, you get 12.6 cubes behind the rear seats and up to 75.5 cubes in total. 

Both SUVs feature an upscale, spacious interior that’s crafted with high-quality materials. You’ll find premium leather upholstery, ambient lighting, ventilated seats, and a large panoramic sunroof in the Telluride and Sorento. 

The Sorento has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen. The Telluride 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and infotainment system. Both SUVs offer a wireless phone charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 360-degree camera system. 

If you want more space for cargo and your kids, go with the Kia Telluride. It can also tow more and has a little more grit for off-roading. But the Kia Sorento is shorter and easier to maneuver. It could also be more athletic and offers hybrid powertrains. 

Both seem equally matched with tech and comfort amenities. However, the Sorento comes in at a lower price.