The 2017 Kia Sorento stays true to its high-value roots, but it's grown up in refinement and comfort. Kia Sorento received a full redesign, with completely new sheet metal, a new body structure, a newly available turbocharged inline-4 engine, plus modest gains in interior space and major gains in general cabin comfort and ride quality.
Pros Tight, "vault-like" feel Generous feature set Responsive, economical 2.0T Quiet cabin
Cons Short, bench-like second-row seats Can't get a third-row seat and turbo-4 engine together Active-safety features not widely available
The 2017 Kia Sorento ranks 1 out of 18 Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Kia Sorento is a versatile crossover that rates highly in a competitive class thanks to a powerful V6 engine, many user-friendly tech features, and the availability of third-row seats. It also has excellent safety and reliability ratings, and its low starting price makes it a great value.
Pros Easy to use infotainment system Potent V6 engine Stable handling Quality interior
Cons Weak standard engine Limited options for base model
The 2017 Sorento can now be had with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, along with a couple of new safety features (adaptive headlights and automatic emergency braking). Also, the EX 2.0T gets standard shift paddles, but the SX Limited is no longer offered with the 2.0T engine.
Pros Controls are easy to operate Cabin is well-made and attractive Second-row seats are versatile and comfortable Strong value proposition Excellent warranty Top crash-test scores.
Cons Turbo engine isn't as punchy or efficient as expected Most seven-passenger competitors offer more interior space.
The 2018 Ford Escape ranked #2 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Ford Escape has a score of 8.7 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 56 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Premium interior with user-friendly tech Good safety score and great predicted reliability rating Above-average cargo space
Cons Unimpressive fuel economy
The Escape is fundamentally unchanged for 2018, but there are some tweaks to the lineup and to its standard-equipment offerings.The SEL comes standard with leather-trimmed seating, a power liftgate, heated exterior mirrors, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and LED running lights.
Pros Graceful turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, smooth ride, attractive and intuitive infotainment system.
Cons Less rear-seat and cargo space than the class leaders, turbo engines return mediocre fuel economy.
The 2018 Ford Escape has the road manners of another kind of car—but don't worry, it still works well as a crossover.
Pros Tough-hatch lines Ample cargo bin Wonderfully taut handling Tech options aplenty Brisk 2.0-liter acceleration
Cons Busy, space-robbing dash Firm seats, if you’re not into that Not much SUV, if you’re into that Optimistic EPA ratings
