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Midsize SUVs are a popular option for those who have grown tired of a full-size SUV. The traditional full-size SUV can be cumbersome, with crowded urban centers and families becoming smaller. That's why great options abound in the midsize SUV segment. Finding the best midsize SUV can be a task when you've got choices such as the 2023 Honda Passport and 2023 Kia Sorento to pick from.
The 2023 Passport is based on the third generation of Honda's popular midsize option that's been in the U.S. market for three decades now. It saw a facelift in 2022 that introduced an off-road-oriented Trailsport trim and was built at Honda’s Alabama plant. The 2023 Sorento is based on the fourth generation of the nameplate that debuted in 2020.
Which is the best midsize SUV? Is it the 2023 Passport or the 2023 Sorento? We'll check out their interior, safety, and performance features in this Honda vs. Kia matchup.
The 2023 Honda Passport can seat up to five adults, while the 2023 Kia Sorento boasts seven seats. However, the third row isn't really suited for adults or even large children. The 2023 Sorento also offers a dismal 13 cubic feet of cargo, while the roomier five-seat 2023 Passport easily swallows up to 41 cubic feet without needing to fold any seats.
The 2023 Passport and the 2023 Sorento come with digital instrument clusters, dual-zone climate control, and 8-inch touch-screen infotainment systems that support Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. They also have an extensive options list that includes premium sound systems and other cabin amenities. Wireless phone charging is standard on the 2023 Passport but optional on the 2023 Sorento. We also note that a 115-volt power outlet is offered across higher trims of the 2023 Passport.
The 2023 Passport sees a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive system is optional but standard on the off-road-oriented TrailSport trim that also receives a mild suspension lift, some underbody protection, and beefier off-road-oriented tires.
The 2023 Sorento offers four powertrains, which include a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, and a 281-horsepower variant of the same engine, albeit turbocharged. There's also a regular hybrid with 227 horsepower and a plug-in hybrid with 261 horsepower. Non-hybrid variants use an eight-speed automatic transmission, with hybrids hampered by an older six-speed unit. Front-wheel-drive is standard, and an all-wheel-drive system is an option. There’s no dedicated off-road trim level.
The 2023 Passport comprehensively beats the 2023 Sorento in the towing contest. It can haul up to 5,000 pounds, while even the most potent Sorento will only take 3,500 pounds at most.
The 2023 Passport and 2023 Sorento come with eight airbags, stability control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automated emergency braking as standard features. The 2023 Passport also adds adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring to its standard feature set. These are optional on the 2023 Sorento.
When comparing these two midsize SUVs, it’s clear that the 2023 Passport is the better option. It's roomier and safer than the 2023 Sorento and comes with an excellent level of tech toys. The TrailSport trim is great if you engage in a spot of weekend off-roading. So drop by Brannon Honda in Birmingham, AL, and test drive the new Passport.
