2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Kia Sorento would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2003 Kia Sorento. (192 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 1024 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Kia Sorento. (310 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2003 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 192 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
