2020 Chevy Traverse vs 2020 Kia Sorento

• 2020 Chevy Traverse

  

  Starting at

  $29,800

  2020 Kia Sorento

  

  Starting at

  $26,990

  310	Max Horsepower (hp)	290
  266	Max Torque (lb-ft)	252
  98.2	Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.)	73

  Midsize SUVs have a lot to offer: ample, space, configurable storage, power, and amazing features. But there are so many options on the market that can make it challenging to navigate. Chevy and Kia are both well-known in this category, and each offer something unique to drivers. Today we are going to look at the similarities and differences between the two leading midsize SUVs in a comparison: 2020 Chevy Traverse vs 2020 Kia Sorento.

  Both of these vehicles, the Chevy Traverse and Kia Sorento, have powerful engines, excellent fuel efficiency, many different trims to pick from, and ample space. The Traverse starts a little bit more expensive with an MSRP of $29,800, while the Sorento comes in just below at $26,990. However, with more horsepower, torque, offerings, and space, the Traverse may just be the better vehicle, which definitely explains the price difference. But there is more to these two vehicles than just the first look, which is why it is crucial to make a full, in-depth comparison.

• Performance

  

  Traversing With the Traverse

  All 2020 Chevy Traverse models are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine. Using direct injection technology, a 9-speed automatic transmission, and FWD, this vehicle pumps out 310 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. You may also opt for AWD if you are concerned about Albany’s snowy season. The overall average fuel economy is estimated to be at about 21 MPG combined (18 city/27 highway), and this powerful vehicle can pull up to 5,000 pounds. That’s plenty for hauling a trailer with ATVs out into the wild on the weekend. The Traverse also has a traction mode selector with an off-road option. When you select off-road mode, the drivetrain will adjust for enhanced performance while traveling over rough terrain. Overall, this is a very powerful SUV with geat off-roading features.

  The Sorento's Performance

  On the other hand, the 2020 Kia Sorento has two engines to choose from, but neither stands up to the power offered in the Traverse. The standard 2.4-liter I-4 engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and FWD. You may also opt for AWD on every trim except for the base L model. This engine makes 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, and it can haul up to 2,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the fuel economy is rated at 25 MPG combined (22 city/29 highway). Once you get to the mid-level S trim, you can opt for the 3.3-liter V6 engine that generates 290 hp and 252 lb-ft of torque. The average fuel efficiency is decreased to 22 MPG combined (19 city/26 highway), and the maximum towing limit is bumped up to 5,000 pounds.

  The Takeaway

  Overall, the Chevy Traverse generates more horsepower and torque, which is essential when shopping for an SUV. So, with that, the Traverse is the better performer.

• Trims

  

  When looking to purchase a new vehicle, trims are important because they allow drivers to get exactly what they want and need, without having to pay for the things that they do not. So, the first thing you should take note of is that the Chevy Traverse is available in seven unique, and the Kia Sorento is offered in only five trims.

  Trims of the Traverse

  The Traverse L is the base model. It comes with carpet-covered floors, buckets seats, and cloth upholstery. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System is also included. Displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen, this interface works with a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a 4G LTE Wifi hotspot. Furthermore, the advanced safety systems on this model include cruise control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and the Teen Driver system. Next, the LS adds all-weather floor mats to protect the carpet from stains, protective seat covers, a universal tablet holder, and a backseat DVD entertainment system.

  Then, the LT Cloth trim upgrades the driver’s seat to an 8-way power-adjustable seat with lumbar support. This model also gets satellite radio and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Taking a half-step up to the LT Leather trim will add leather upholstery, a digital compass, an 8-inch HD touchscreen, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Furthermore, you also get better safety features, including rear park assist, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

  If you opt for the RS trim, you will get even better features. This version of the Traverse comes with a heated steering wheel, a Bose sound system with ten speakers, and a 120-volt power outlet. It also gets a navigation system and plenty of package options to add features such as forward collision alert, emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. A 360° camera system has also been added to assist with parking. Getting into the luxury levels, the Premier trim proudly presents heated/ventilated fronts seats, heated back seats, and a wireless charging pad.

  Finally, the top-tier High Country trim adds power-folding technology to the 60/40 split-folding bench seat on the third row. Emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams have also been installed. To let in a cool breeze, you can open up the SkyScrape. This power sunroof has a tilt-sliding feature that makes it easy to let some of nature seep into the cabin. Also, the rear skylight is fixed and comes with a sunscreen to protect the kids in the back.

  The Sorento's Levels

  Jumping inside the 2020 Kia Sorento L, you will find some similar features. For instance, the Sorento L also comes with a 7-inch touchscreen for the infotainment interface. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard, but there is no Wifi hotspot in this model. However, it does have a 6-speaker sound system, a rearview camera, and a USB port. Next, the LX model gets power-adjustable front seats and an add-on package option. You can opt for heated seats, automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel if you get the Convenience package.

  As for safety, the LS features rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring, and it gets forward collision mitigation and rear parking sensors with the Convenience package. The mid-level S trim gets the aforementioned V6 powertrain, and it also includes keyless ignition/entry and rear-seat climate controls. The convenience package is also standard on the S model as well as emergency braking. Next, the EX Sport gets a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and an updated instrument panel. Safety systems on the EX Sport include adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver monitoring, accident avoidance, and a lane-keeping assistance system.

  Lastly, the top-of-the-line SX model adds an upgraded 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, satellite radio, and a surround-view monitor. You will also get a Harman Kardon sound system with ten speakers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a reverse parking distance warning system, and front parking sensors.

  The Takeaway

  The 2020 Chevy Traverse has a lot more trims to choose from, and the features are much more advanced, bringing it much higher on the totem pole than the Sorento.

• Cargo and Passenger Volume

  

  Traveling With Passengers

  The 2020 Traverse can hold up to eight passengers, while the 2020 Sorento can only carry seven. This alone could be the deciding factor for those with larger families. In addition, though, the Traverse provides ample space for these passengers with a volume of 157.3 cu.ft. The Sorento, though, only has a passenger volume of 154.2 cu.ft. which may not seem like a lot, but does make a big difference in the grand scheme of comfort.

  Carrying Cargo

  The 2020 Chevy Traverse also offers 23 cu.ft. of room behind the back row. It also has a maximum storage area measured at 98.2 cu.ft. You can access this expansive space by folding down the second and third rows of seating. On the other hand, the 2020 Kia Sorento only offers 11.3 cu.ft. of space behind the back row. Even the maximum cargo room is small at only 73 cu.ft. That is quite a cutback from the Chevy Traverse’s numbers. Also, the Chevy Traverse can be configured to hold eight passengers, but this can only be done with certain seating arrangements.

  The Takeaway

  The 2020 Chevy Traverse has much more cargo room and passenger space, along with the opportunity for one extra passenger that the 2020 Kia Sorento does not have, which makes it optimal for families that need extra space to grow.

Find a 2020 Chevy Traverse at DePaula Chevrolet in Albany!