2009 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lexus IS would be higher. At 3,454 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2012 Kia Sorento. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 4 kg more than 2009 Lexus IS.
Because 2009 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento, 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 Lexus IS (376 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Sorento. (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Sorento.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lexus IS | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Lexus | Kia |
| Model | IS | Sorento |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3454 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3750 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 | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 68 L |
