2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 273 kg more than 2012 Kia Sorento.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sorento. (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1804 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
