2025 Honda Pilot and 2025 Kia Sorento Comparison

2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Kia Sorento: Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle?
Shopping for a midsize SUV has become more exciting with the introduction of the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Kia Sorento. It’s no surprise that your list includes these two models right at the top. They both stand out across many features, although each one has its own unique set of attractions.
Looking at all the info could be overwhelming, so we at Southpoint Honda have prepared this 2025 Honda Pilot vs 2025 Kia Sorento guide to aid you in choosing your perfect ride.
Interior Comparison
The 2025 Honda Pilot is built with large families in mind. It offers three spacious rows, comfortably seating up to eight passengers. The cabin has a clean layout and is loaded with practical features, offering both comfort and functionality. With generous cargo capacity, you’ll have no problem storing all your luggage for a road trip or camping gear for a weekend getaway.
On the other hand, the 2025 Kia Sorento is more compact but still offers impressive versatility. This SUV seats up to seven passengers, with a third row that’s best suited for children. The second row, however, is roomy, and options for captain’s chairs make it easier to access the back row. High-quality materials and available upgrades like ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof make the Sorento feel more upscale.
2025 Honda Pilot Interior | 2025 Kia Sorento Interior |
Rows: 3 Max Seating: 8 Passengers Max Cargo Capacity: 113.7 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth, Leather, and Available Perforated Leather with Contrast Stitching | Rows: 3 Max Seating: 7 Passengers Max Cargo Capacity: 75.5 cubic feet Upholstery Options: Cloth and Synthetic Leather; Genuine Leather on Higher Trims |
Power & Performance
The 2025 Honda Pilot comes with a reliable 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Pilot is built for smooth driving and excellent towing capabilities. It can handle up to 5,000 pounds of towing weight, making it a great choice if you need a vehicle with strong performance for heavy-duty tasks.
The 2025 Kia Sorento offers more variety in terms of powertrains. The base 2.5-liter inline-4 engine provides 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. For a more powerful option, the turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 delivers 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. Plus, the Sorento offers both hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, which provide better fuel economy while maintaining solid performance.
2025 Honda Pilot | 2025 Kia Sorento |
Max Towing Capacity: 5,000 pounds Max Payload Capacity: 1,625 pounds _________________________ Base Engine: 3.5-liter V6 Horsepower: 285 Torque: 262 lb-ft Transmission: 10-speed automatic | Max Towing Capacity: 3,500 pounds (with turbo engine) Max Payload Capacity: 1,434 pounds _________________________ Base Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 Horsepower: 191 Torque: 181 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed automatic _________________________ Turbocharged Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 Horsepower: 281 Torque: 311 lb-ft Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic _________________________ Hybrid Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 hybrid Horsepower: 227 (combined output) Torque: 258 lb-ft (combined output) Transmission: 6-speed automatic ________________________ Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 PHEV Horsepower: 261 (combined output) Torque: 258 lb-ft (combined output) Transmission: 6-speed automatic |
Tech & Entertainment
Honda has packed the 2025 Pilot with an intuitive infotainment system. You’ll get a 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim, along with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Higher trims even feature a wireless phone charger, making it easier than ever to stay connected on the go. For those who love great sound, the available 12-speaker Bose® system elevates your listening experience.
The 2025 Kia Sorento also comes with plenty of tech features, starting with either an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are both available, although both need a wired connection. The Sorento goes above and beyond with unique features such as a surround-view monitor that helps with parking and a digital key that allows you to lock or unlock the car using your smartphone.
2025 Honda Pilot Top Technology Features | 2025 Kia Sorento Top Technology Features |
Infotainment Screen Options: 7-inch or 9-inch touchscreen Audio System Options: 7-speaker standard and 12-speaker Bose premium sound on top trims Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility (wireless on higher trims) Wireless phone charger Google built-in (on select trims) | Infotainment Screen Options: 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen Audio System Options: 6-speaker standard and 12-speaker Bose on SX Prestige Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility (wired) Digital Key 2.0 (with smartphone compatibility) Surround-view monitor |
Safety Features
Both SUVs come equipped with advanced safety features designed to keep you and your family safe.
Standard on every Pilot is Honda Sensing®, a suite of safety technologies including adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking, and lane-keeping assist. Additionally, the Pilot features a rear-seat reminder, which helps prevent you from leaving items or passengers behind in the back seat.
The 2025 Kia Sorento offers Kia DriveWise, which includes essential safety features like lane-keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and a rear occupant alert on higher trims. These features make it a strong competitor in terms of safety, ensuring peace of mind for every drive.
2025 Honda Pilot Standard Safety Features | 2025 Kia Sorento Standard Safety Features |
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Final Thoughts From Southpoint Honda
Choosing between the 2025 Honda Pilot and the 2025 Kia Sorento depends on your family’s needs. The Pilot is the better option if you need more space and higher towing capacity, with seating for up to eight passengers and ample cargo room. Meanwhile, the Sorento offers more engine variety, including hybrid options, and is a great choice if you’re seeking an SUV with modern tech and a compact, upscale feel.
If you’re excited to explore a 2025 Honda Pilot for sale in Durham, NC, head over to Southpoint Honda for a closer look. Our friendly team is here to help you find the perfect SUV for your needs.
Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.