2019 Kia Sorento vs. 2019 GMC Terrain Comparison - Kelley Blue Book

The 2019 Kia Sorento and GMC Terrain are actually in slightly different classes, with the Kia being one of the smaller midsize SUVs and the GMC considered a compact. That said, they’re fairly close in size, with the Sorento being a mere 7 inches longer and less than an inch taller. In that relatively small space the Sorento has squeezed in a third row of seating, which is good for small children or short rides but not much else. The Terrain gets by with a more comfortable and spacious second row only, seating five passengers rather than seven. That said, both offer a relatively smooth ride and decent fuel economy, but we feel that the base engine on each is a little weak. The Sorento’s V6 is a much better option, particularly for drivers at higher elevations, and the Terrain offers a fuel-efficient turbodiesel and a 2.0-liter turbo. Each comes relatively well equipped, with good driver-assistance and safety features as well as the latest tech, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and neither offers the best resale value in its class.

Similarities

Comparable power: Kia has more horsepower but Terrain has more torque; entry-level engines for both are a bit weak, however; neither has the best resale value in its class; both offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Kia Sorento Advantages

Better warranty; higher seating capacity

GMC Terrain Advantages

Better gas mileage; less expensive, particularly in the higher trim levels; optional diesel engine that makes 32 mpg

Final Recommendation

The one glaring difference between the 2019 Kia Sorento and 2019 GMC Terrain regards seating capacity, so if you require three rows of seats (although the Sorento’s third row is pretty tight), then the Kia is the obvious choice here. If you can live with two rows, however, the decision becomes a bit more complicated. The GMC starts nearly $1,500 lower, and at the top end in the top trims, the price difference between the two becomes even more stark at nearly $7,000. Even with the Kia’s famously long warranty, the GMC’s combination of handsome looks, range of engines, and comfortable and usable interior give it the nod in this comparison. Just make sure to upgrade to either the 2.0-liter turbo or the 1.6-liter turbodiesel.

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