Kia Sorento vs Hyundai Venue

The 2025 Kia Sorento presented a somewhat perplexing lineup with its gas-only models, offering core trims like LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige. The latter three trims upgraded from a basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to a more robust turbocharged version. The X-Line appearance package was available for the EX and SX trims and came standard with the SX Prestige, featuring blacked-out exterior trim and detailing. At the top of the lineup, the X-Pro SX Prestige was packed with features and exclusive enhancements. The 2025 model introduced Panthera Gray, replacing Gravity Gray, and the X-Line and X-Pro versions sported black badges. The test car, a 2024 model, lacked these new badges but otherwise mirrored the 2025 offerings, including the Road Rider Brown paint color, which cleverly concealed dirt. The interior, with its Olive Brown hue, didn't quite match the exterior but wasn't in stark contrast either. The X-Pro SX Prestige model boasted carpeted floor mats and a cargo mat with seatback protection, bringing the MSRP to $49,405, including the destination charge. The Sorento's styling updates aligned it with other Kia models, featuring a wide grille, stacked headlights, and amber "Star Map" running lights. The X-Pro SX Prestige had unique bumper covers, utility roof rails, matte-black 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and improved towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro didn't offer significantly better off-roading capabilities than the X-Line models. Inside, the Olive Brown interior shone under the panoramic sunroof, with a mix of materials reflecting the base model's price. The X-Pro SX Prestige was outfitted like a luxury SUV, with leather seats, an artificial suede headliner, and a 24-inch panoramic display.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue, classified as a crossover SUV, resembled a tall hatchback more than a traditional SUV. It offered only front-wheel drive and had a ground clearance of 6.7 inches, higher than a car but not as tall as typical crossovers. The EPA classified it as a midsize car due to its interior space. The Venue's design leaned more towards a crossover, with a small and narrow appearance reminiscent of European runabouts. Its upright windshield, bluff nose, and standard roof rails gave it an SUV-like look. The high nose was flanked by lower headlights and high-set daytime running lights, with a lower air intake set within a satin metallic fascia. The Venue's profile was defined by roof rails and black rocker panels, with black wheel flares around small wheels. The rear pillars angled sharply forward, and a two-tone roof added flair. Inside, the Venue's design was simple and functional, with a digital instrument cluster and a small touchscreen resembling an iPad on the dash. Body-color trim surrounded the air vents and shifter, bringing some of the exterior feel inside.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered two engine options. The base LX and S trims came with a 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering up to 26 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, standard in other trims, produced 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, with an EPA rating of 23 mpg in combined driving. During testing, the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige averaged 23.4 mpg. The turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), which could feel different to those unfamiliar with DCTs. The Sorento X-Pro, with its 17-inch wheels and BF Goodrich Trail Terrain tires, offered excellent ride quality and quietness. The all-wheel-drive models featured torque vectoring and a locking center differential, enhancing traction and nimbleness. The Sorento excelled in daily driving, with its size, driving dynamics, and visibility making it a pleasure to drive in various settings.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue was powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 pound-feet of torque. The power was delivered through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the front wheels. The Venue's 0-60 mph time ranged from 8.5 to 8.8 seconds, aided by its lightweight of 2,738 pounds. The engine felt peppy in city traffic but struggled at highway speeds, with the CVT slow to downshift. The transmission's stepped gear ratios felt slurred, and heavy throttle caused engine droning. Sport mode made power more accessible but increased noise. The Venue's small size and low weight benefited handling, making it easy to maneuver in traffic and park. The 6.7 inches of ground clearance allowed some lean in corners, but the steering was stable and direct. The ride was generally comfortable, though the solid rear axle made it jiggly on rough roads.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was appealing for families of four with occasional back-seat use. The first two rows were roomy, and adults could fit in the third row for short trips if the second-row passengers slid forward. The Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige featured heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, including lumbar and thigh support. The seats were comfortable, though long highway trips revealed some lack of support. The Sorento offered a seven-passenger capacity with a second-row bench seat in the LX and S trims, while turbocharged trims had second-row captain's chairs for six-passenger capacity. Second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats, sunshades, USB ports, and air conditioning vents. The Sorento provided generous storage space, with 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row up, 38.5 cubic feet with it folded, and a maximum of 75.5 cubic feet.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue's interior featured cloth and H-Tex seats with black upholstery and white contrast stitching, resembling sport seats. The seats were comfortable, with six-way manual adjustments. Headroom was ample, but legroom was limited for tall occupants. The rear seat accommodated average-sized adults, but taller individuals would struggle for legroom. The rear seat could fit two adults comfortably, but three would be cramped. The rear seats folded flat in a 60/40 split, providing 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and 18.7 cubic feet with the seats up. The Venue's rear cargo floor lifted to access the compact spare tire, revealing cost-cutting measures like the lack of sound deadening. The interior featured hard black plastic, with soft-touch surfaces limited to the center console and door armrests.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia Connect, complimentary for three years, offered features like voice recognition, 911 Connect, and remote access. The Sorento had a touch-sensing strip of dual-function controls, which could be frustrating to use. Digital Key technology allowed smartphones to act as key fobs. The Sorento also had a digital rearview mirror and an excellent surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue came with an 8-inch touchscreen for basic infotainment features. The screen was functional, with large icons and quick response. It lacked features like navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot but had wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The digital instrument cluster displayed limited information. The audio system was a simple six-speaker unit, with no premium option available.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was equipped with numerous standard safety features, with more advanced technology available in higher trims. The SX and SX Prestige trims added active collision avoidance features, evasive steering assist, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a surround-view camera system. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system offered semi-autonomous driving features. The Sorento earned five-star overall ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024.

The 2026 Hyundai Venue offered standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver-attention monitor. Blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert were available in higher trims. The Venue received four-star ratings from the NHTSA, with some IIHS ratings unavailable at the time of writing.