2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2012 Kia Sportage is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sportage. (176 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sportage weights approximately 479 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 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 2009 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sportage, 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sportage. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2012 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 176 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 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 | 966 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 58 L |
