2009 Kia Sorento vs. 2012 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Maxima is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Kia Sorento would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sorento. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sorento weights approximately 448 kg more than 2012 Nissan Maxima.
Because 2009 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Maxima. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Sorento 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, 2012 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Sorento. (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Sorento | 2012 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Kia | Nissan |
| Model | Sorento | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2065 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1870 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 76 L |
