Starting at
Starting at
250 - 335 | Horsepower (HP) | 185 - 290 |
280 - 380 | Torque (lb-ft) | 178 - 252 |
73.4 | Cargo Volume (cu.ft.) | 73 |
The Ford SUV has held its place as a legend since the very beginning. While cars have changed a lot since their early days, the SUVs of today are varied in style, size, and performance; Ford SUVs being some of the most diverse. That said, over the years, Ford has earned many a competitor, one being Kia. Within the Kia family-lineup, there are plenty of worthwhile contenders, although the 2020 Kia Sorento certainly takes the cake as one of the most impressive. Mid-sized, sleek, and still plenty powerful, the Kia Sorento is a well-designed adversary. Its match within the Ford family is the 2020 Ford Edge. Here stands another worthwhile challenger, with some solid power hidden beneath a chassis that is classic without feeling dated. Good-looking both inside and out, the Ford Edge is a clear example of how Ford continues to adapt to the changing times, remaining on top as one of the leading auto manufacturers. But, before we give Ford the victory, we thought it might be a good idea to compare these two mid-sized SUVs, the 2020 Ford Edge vs 2020 Kia Sorento.
Ford has always been a champion of well-powered vehicles, and the 2020 Ford Edge is no exception. With the Ford Edge, you’ll be given four different trim levels to choose from, including the SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. Although, no matter which tickles your fancy, you can expect next-level power, right out of the gate.
The 2020 Ford Edge, for instance, gets its power from a 2.0-liter EcoBoost I-4 engine that gets up to 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. This engine utilizes the partnering power of an 8-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive to give the Ford Edge some serious agility, agility that allows the Ford Edge to jump from 0 to 60 mph in all of eight seconds. This starting powertrain is fairly capable when put to the test of hauling, with the ability to tow up to 1,500 lbs. Better yet, this starting front-wheel powertrain dishes out some decent fuel economy, earning an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
All that said, there is more than a decent engine providing the striking driving experience of the 2020 Ford Edge. The electric power steering makes for some pretty solid handling, and an independent suspension adds to the package making for a ride that always feels secure when it's put to the test.
While this opening powertrain may already seem impressive, it isn’t the only engine build you can get in the 2020 Ford Edge. Spend a bit of extra cash, and you’ll get the chance to drive a Ford Edge built with a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine that churns out a remarkable 335 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive accompanies this powertrain option, as does the same 8-speed automatic transmission found in base models. This beefier Ford Edge can leap from 0 to 60 mph in as little as six seconds, and the 3,500-pound towing capacity makes this amped version of the Ford Edge one of the most well-rounded SUVs on the road.
Performance in the Kia Sorento falls a bit short when put up against the solid power of the Ford Edge. Although, the Kia Sorento is available in a far lengthier trim lineup, including the L, LX, S V6, EX, and SX. So, while you will get more options, you may not get better performance for upgrading to those higher options.
The base model of the 2020 Kia Sorento gets the job done with a 2.4-liter I-4 engine that puts out a modest 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft worth of torque, with the assistance of a 6-speed automatic transmission. Although, a saving grace of the Kia Sorento’s performance is the fact that no matter what model you buy you can get all-wheel drive, and with the coupling 7.3-inches of ground clearance, the Kia Sorento shouldn’t have too much trouble on graded roads or light trails. Entry-level towing capacity is also better in the Kia Sorento, with a max rating of 2,000 pounds.
The 2020 Kia Sorento can be upgraded to a bigger engine in the form of a 3.3-liter V6, which provides 290 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque with the agile assistance of an 8-speed automatic transmission. These engine specs would have been better fit into the base model; however, the max towing capacity of 5,000 pounds does make the Kia Sorento a rather competent cargo hauler.
The 2020 Ford Edge is the perfect size for five total passengers, and with a total of 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room, the Edge is truly spacious. The interior dressings of the Ford Edge are well delivered with base models getting basic cloth and higher trims being equipped with more premium materials. If you decide to sit in the back, you’ll get to really stretch out with 40.6 inches of total rear legroom.
Although, there is more to the interior of the Ford Edge than just the spacing. Even the base model of the 2020 Ford Edge comes with a solid spread of technology, with a sprawling infotainment touchscreen that is coupled with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Wi-Fi hotspot is also offered as standard, as is a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
Things only improve from there as higher trims capitalize on what’s offered in the lower tier. In the Ford Edge SEL, for instance, you’ll get features like heated mirrors, power front seats, and bigger wheels. The highest trim Titanium model is downright luxurious, with features like a wireless charging pad for your smartphone, a heated steering wheel, and all leather upholstery. One of our favorite features is the twelve-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. With this system, you will never want to leave the Ford Edge. All of these features together make the 2020 Ford Edge a serious force to be reckoned with.
The 2020 Kia Sorento may seat a total of seven passengers, but it has much less room to work with. The 73.0 total cubic feet of cargo space falls just a little short of the Ford Edge. Although the interior cloth or leather furnishings, coupled with the available special features in higher trims make the 2020 Kia Sorento a decent value.
The interior technology of the Kia Sorento is well-delivered, with base models getting a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You’ll get a whole lot more, too, if you upgrade to higher trims, including features like keyless ignition, heated front seats, a bigger infotainment screen, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 10-speaker audio system designed by Harman Kardon. While this Harmon Kardon system is a nice feature, it can't beat the twelve-speaker B&O system in the Edge.
Safety is a big deal for almost all drivers, and fortunately, the Ford Edge issues some serious equipment and tech to provide added peace of mind behind the wheel. Every model of the Ford Edge starts off with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, and active lane control, features that other models struggle to provide. Pay a little bit more, and you’ll certainly get it with additional safety packages offering adaptive cruise control, inflatable seat belts in the rear seats, and a 180-degree front-view camera.
The Kia Sorento may have the price advantage over the Ford Edge, but in order to get the same package of active safety features, you’ll have to spend nearly as much. For instance, in order to get adaptive cruise control, you’ll need to step all the way up to the EX model. And if you want automatic emergency braking, you’ll have to purchase it in a package. While this isn’t a terrible option, it is hard to compete with a vehicle that provides these features as standard.