2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Sportage 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 (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 1016 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2008 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage 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 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2008 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1988 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
