2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (236 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sorento. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sorento.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Sorento. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Ford Explorer (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sorento. (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sorento. 2003 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2012 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2012 Kia Sorento will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
