Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape's cabin is spacious and well-styled, offering ample room for both front- and rear-seat passengers. Premium materials are featured in the ST-Line and Platinum models, enhancing their luxurious feel. Standard models come with textured cloth seat upholstery, while the Platinum model boasts upscale faux-leather seating surfaces. The well-designed interior ensures comfortable rides, regardless of trip length.
The Escape's cargo space is also impressive. It provides room for up to eight carry-on suitcases behind the rear seat, making it practical for families and individuals. When the rear seats are folded, the space expands to accommodate up to 21 cases, offering ample storage for luggage, groceries, and other items. This generous cargo capacity highlights the Escape's versatility and functionality.
The interior showcased in this Ford 360 virtual tour represents the specific trim package 2023 Ford Escape® Active™ SUV and may not accurately depict the interior of the compared model. Please refer to individual model specifications and trim options for a precise representation of each vehicle's interior features and design.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento's interior features a mix of materials and build quality, with design elements like rhombus-shaped air vents, ambient lighting, and stitched surfaces on the door panels and seat inserts. The console offers various storage spots and cup holders for passenger convenience.
The Sorento includes a standard third row, with the option to replace the second-row bench with captain's chairs. However, the third-row seats may not be as comfortable for adults compared to other vehicles in its class. The cargo area can hold only two carry-on suitcases when the third row is in use, making its cargo capacity more limited. Despite this, the Sorento still provides a functional interior space for passengers.
Infotainment and Technology
Escape
The Ford Escape offers a cutting-edge infotainment system that enhances the driving experience with seamless connectivity and entertainment. Base models come with an 8.0-inch infotainment system, while higher trims can be upgraded to a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen display. Ford's latest Sync 4 infotainment interface ensures compatibility with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, providing a user-friendly experience.
Over-the-air updates keep the system current, eliminating the need for manual updates. An optional 10-speaker B&O Play audio system delivers premium sound quality for audiophiles. Additional high-tech features include in-dash navigation, a pop-up head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Sorento
The Kia Sorento's dashboard can be equipped with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The base model includes an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with an option to upgrade to a 10.3-inch touchscreen display. This ensures a basic level of connectivity and integration with various devices.
Additional technology features in the Sorento include an optional wireless charging pad and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. For rear passengers, an optional rear-seat entertainment system with a touchscreen mounted on the back of each front seat provides entertainment during long trips.
Performance and Efficiency
Ford Escape
The 2023 Ford Escape offers a range of engine choices to suit different driving preferences. The three-cylinder, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine combines power and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for those seeking a spirited drive without compromising on economy. For those desiring more robust performance, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides a thrilling driving experience with ample power. Additionally, the Escape offers two hybrid options, including a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that provides an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric-only driving range, making it an excellent choice for reducing carbon footprint.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento also provides several powertrain options: a 191-hp inline-four, a 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, a 227-hp hybrid, and a 261-hp plug-in hybrid. While the Sorento offers a range of powertrains, the Escape's superior fuel efficiency and broader selection of hybrid options give it an edge in this category.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Ford Escape
Safety is a top priority in the Ford Escape, which comes equipped with the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features. Ford ensures that every Escape model benefits from these advanced safety technologies, providing drivers with added confidence on the road.
Key safety features in the Escape include standard forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, which helps avoid potential collisions. The Escape also comes standard with lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist to help you stay safely in your lane. Additionally, standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert increases awareness of your surroundings, reducing the chances of accidents.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento also offers a range of standard and optional driver-assistance technologies to enhance vehicle safety. Key safety features include standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, contributing to collision prevention. The Sorento comes with standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist to help maintain lane position.
Both the Escape and Sorento prioritize safety with comprehensive driver-assistance features, but the Escape's Co-Pilot360 suite offers a slightly more extensive standard package.
Warranty and Reliability
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers a dependable warranty package, providing drivers with peace of mind. While the standard warranty package may appear basic compared to some competitors, it still offers comprehensive coverage for various aspects of the vehicle.
Ford provides a limited warranty covering 3 years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty that extends to 5 years or 60,000 miles. For those opting for the eco-friendly hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, Ford includes a specialized warranty for the electrified powertrains, covering up to 8 years or 100,000 miles.
Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is well-known for its robust warranty plan. The limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and the powertrain warranty is particularly extensive, covering 10 years or 100,000 miles. However, the Sorento does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.
Pricing and Trims
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape offers a range of trims to suit various preferences and budgets. The Base model starts at $29,495, the Active model is priced at $30,840, the ST-Line at $31,835, and the Platinum model at $38,460. For those interested in an eco-friendly option, the PHEV model is available at $41,995.
The 2023 Ford Escape ST-Line features a 250-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing strong performance for both city and highway driving. This trim also includes 18- or 19-inch wheels, body-colored lower cladding, a mesh grille, and a rear spoiler. Inside, it offers an all-black interior with red contrast stitching and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, adding a sporty touch.
Kia Sorento
The 2023 Kia Sorento offers several trims, each with unique features and price points. The S trim starts at $33,915 and provides good value. The SX Prestige trim, starting at $44,815, includes premium features. For eco-conscious buyers, the EX Hybrid and SX-Prestige Hybrid trims offer hybrid technology with decent fuel economy.
The EX Hybrid trim features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid powertrain that delivers more power than the base non-hybrid version. This trim also includes leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, remote start, 17-inch wheels, and black exterior accents. The EX Hybrid combines efficiency, power, and upgraded amenities, making it a well-rounded choice for Sorento buyers.
Why the Ford Escape Is the Better Choice
The 2023 Ford Escape excels in this comparison, offering a balanced mix of style, performance, efficiency, and advanced technology. With diverse powertrain options, including two hybrid alternatives, and a well-designed, spacious interior, the Escape caters to the needs of families and individuals. The Escape's advanced safety features and user-friendly infotainment system further enhance the driving experience.
The Ford Escape's combination of features, performance, and value make it the ideal choice for anyone seeking a versatile, practical, and stylish SUV. Visit Dorian Ford in Clinton Township, MI, to see the 2023 Ford Escape and experience an excellent driving companion for you and your family.
