2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 4,007 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 510 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Sportage. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2006 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 58 L |
