The market is full of good SUVs serving just about every need you can imagine. Today, we’re comparing two SUVs that stake their reputations on delivering comfort, technology, and practicality, all at a good value. But they have a couple of key differences you should know about.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Chevy Equinox and see which is better for you.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is one of America’s most affordable 3-row SUVs. It falls somewhere between the compact and midsize SUV classes, offering more space (and seats) than a compact but with lower pricing and better fuel economy than a bigger 3-row vehicle. This puts it in a sweet spot for many families searching for a practical car.
Kia Sorento Highlights
3-row seating: The biggest difference between these two SUVs is that the Kia Sorento has standard 3-row seating for up to seven people. Meanwhile, every Chevy Equinox is a 2-row 5-seater. Even if you don’t use them daily, the extra seats greatly enhance the Sorento’s versatility.
Class-leading warranty: The Kia Sorento boasts class-leading warranty coverage with a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Engine variety: The Chevy Equinox only has one engine option, but the Kia Sorento is available with a naturally aspirated or turbocharged gas engine, a conventional hybrid powertrain, and even a plug-in hybrid setup. We always like to see a lot of options under the hood.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models for sale near you.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevy Equinox is one of the best-sellers in a crowded field of compact SUVs. For 2025, it is fully redesigned with a new look inside and out, updated technology (including an 11.3-inch infotainment display), and a rugged new Activ trim, adding some variety to the lineup.
Chevrolet Equinox Highlights
More affordable: The Chevy Equinox’s lower base price makes it appealing to anyone looking for a practical SUV on a modest budget. Even upgrading to the RS and Activ trims keeps the price tag well under $40,000.
More efficient base engine: The Chevy Equinox is a smaller SUV with a smaller engine than the Kia Sorento. Comparing their standard engines, the Equinox is slightly more fuel-efficient, helping you save a few bucks on gas if you don’t want a hybrid.
Sporty RS trim: Both of these SUVs have rugged trims with off-road pretensions. In the Equinox, the RS trim gives this practical SUV a sporty personality with a unique appearance package, including black exterior trim, big wheels, and an available two-tone black roof.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models for sale near you.
Similarities
Although the Sorento is bigger than the Equinox, these two are surprisingly close when it comes to pricing and fuel economy with their respective base engines. The Equinox is a little cheaper and more efficient, but they’re closer than you might expect. Safety and infotainment tech features are also similar.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sorento Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (43085)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,405 |
$32,085 |
|||
$36,305 |
$34,860 |
|||
$39,505 |
$38,098 |
|||
$43,105 |
$41,406 |
|||
$43,205 |
$41,532 |
|||
$44,905 |
$43,072 |
|||
$47,805 |
$45,883 |
|||
$48,805 |
$46,613 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 175 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/FWD | CVT |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 hwy/26 combined mpg | 26 city/28 hwy/27 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD; 2.5-liter turbo; hybrid; plug-in hybrid | AWD, 8-speed automatic |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 107.5 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 183.2 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 74.9 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 65.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | TBD |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 55.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Volume | 12.6/45.0/75.5 cubic feet | 29.8/63.5 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The right choice here largely comes down to how badly you want a third row of seats. It’s standard in the Kia Sorento and unavailable in the Chevy Equinox. All things being equal, the Sorento is the better buy for most families. Even if you won’t use the extra seats, keep them folded down and enjoy much more cargo room than the Equinox. We also love that the Kia has multiple hybrid options and class-leading warranty coverage.
