2019 Kia Sorento vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2019 Kia Sorento was an attractive SUV, featuring updated styling with revised front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and redesigned headlights and taillights. The SX Limited trim, which was the top-tier option, boasted premium Nappa leather upholstery and a range of luxury features. However, the interior had some inexpensive plastic surfaces that felt out of place in a nearly $50,000 vehicle. Despite this, the Sorento's headliner and windshield pillars were covered with a pleasing fabric, and the metallic accents complemented the piano black trim.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge had a cabin layout designed for comfort and practicality. The second-row seats offered ample head- and legroom, making it a spacious two-row SUV. The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The Edge's interior was filled with cubbies and compartments, making it ideal for commuting or road trips.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a standard 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and an available 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6. The V6 engine provided smooth power and quick acceleration, paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivers could choose between Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Smart driving modes. The optional all-wheel drive (AWD) system included Torque Vectoring Cornering Control (TVCC) for improved handling. During testing, the Sorento SX Limited returned 20.7 mpg, close to the EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. The Sorento's handling was more athletic than expected, with a solid and silent ride on the highway.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST's performance was impressive, with heavy steering and excellent cornering. The Edge's suspension soaked up potholes with ease, offering a refined and engaging driving experience. The ST also had a Sport mode for enhanced throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, but the third-row seat was best suited for emergency use due to its difficult access and lack of cushion support. As a 5-passenger SUV, the Sorento offered 38 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The SX Limited trim featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, a 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and an 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat. Front-seat comfort was good, but rear-seat comfort was less impressive due to tight legroom and a flat bottom cushion.

The 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout, offering a commanding view of the road and plenty of storage compartments. The second-row seats provided ample head- and legroom without needing to move the front seats. The Edge offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The Edge's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, making it ideal for commuting or road trips.

The 2019 Kia Sorento featured three infotainment systems depending on the trim level. The base UVO play system included a 7-inch touchscreen, a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The EX trim added UVO eServices with a 5-year service plan, Bluetooth music streaming, and Sirius XM satellite radio. The top-tier UVO eServices with Navigation system, available on the SX and SX Limited trims, included an 8-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM traffic data, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. A 360-degree surround-view camera system was optional for the SX trim and standard on the SX Limited.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with the SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was user-friendly, with a row of icons at the bottom for easy navigation. A voice-activated navigation system with pinch-to-zoom map control was optional on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system. The semi-digital instrument panel with dual screens was available on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered a range of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on all trims except the base L. The EX trim added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Sorento received top marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system, standard on all trims, included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.