Model Year | 2017 | 2009 | |
Model | Kia Sorento | Mazda RX-8 | |
Engine | 3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 290 hp@6400 252 lb-ft@5300 |
1.3L R2 OHV-2v 212 hp@7500 159 lb-ft@5500 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Coupe | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 109.4 in | 106.4 in | 3 in |
Length | 187.4 in | 175.6 in | 11.8 in |
Width | 74.4 in | 69.7 in | 4.7 in |
Height | 66.3 in | 52.8 in | 13.5 in |
Curb Weight | 3968 lb. | 3094 lb. | 874 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.8 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 2.9 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.5 in | 38.2 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.1 in | 54.8 in | 4.3 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 56.7 in | 53.3 in | 3.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.2 in | 42.7 in | -1.5 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 39.3 in | 36.8 in | 2.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.0 in | 54.9 in | 3.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 56.4 in | 48.1 in | 8.3 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 39.4 in | 32.2 in | 7.2 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 36.3 in | 0.0 in | 36.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 52.8 in | 0.0 in | 52.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 41.4 in | 0.0 in | 41.4 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 31.7 in | 0.0 in | 31.7 in |
Total Legroom | 112.3 in (over 3 rows) | 74.9 in (over 2 rows) | 37.4 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 11.3 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 3.7 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 38.0 ft3 | 7.6 | 30.4 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 73.0 ft3 | 7.6 ft3 | 65.4 ft3 |
2017 Kia Sorento Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Hyundai offers the Santa Fe in two lengths, a two-row 184.6-inch "Sport" and a three-row 193.1-inch regular version. Though the 2011-2015 Sorento had an optional third-row seat, it was about the same length as the Santa Fe Sport. Perhaps to better fit that third-row seat and differentiate itself from the two Hyundai variants, the 2016 Sorento is three inches longer than the 2015, for a total of 187.4. Kia has done a good job packaging the new SUV. Though the Toyota Highlander and (2009-2015) Honda Pilot are considerably longer, their rear seats have no more rear legroom than the new Sorento's. At 5-9, I can just barely fit in any of them. Passengers will have more room to stretch their legs in the Santa Fe, though third-row headroom is similarly limited to people of at most my height. If you need an adult-friendly third-row, you really need a minivan. Kia offers an especially stylish one. Like the Santa Fe, the Sorento falls between others' compact and midsize SUVs in width. There might not be more rear legroom in a Highlander or Pilot, but there's enough additional shoulder room to include a third seating position in the third row. If you need an eight-passenger vehicle, both the Sorento and the Santa Fe are out of contention. At least all trim levels of the Sorento can seat seven people. The Santa Fe Limited can only fit six. In both the Kia and the Hyundai the second-row seat is mounted comfortably high off the floor, not a given among midsize crossovers. The third-row seat is mounted low to the floor, forcing a knees-high seating position, but this is pretty much a given in the class. see full Kia Sorento review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2017 Kia Sorento.
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Very comfortable Recaro seats, even on long drives. Larger people may not be comfortable so beware. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
Given the RX-8's compact dimensions, you wouldn't expect rear seat space to be a strength. But thanks to clever packaging and a subtly high roofline, there is actually space for real adults in back, provided those up front are short or move their seats up somewhat. With a pair of pickup-like rear-opening "half" rear doors, ingress and egress for rear seat passengers is a snap. For those who want a sports car but have children or need to transport a few friends occassionally, the RX-8 fits the bill nicely. see full Mazda RX-8 review |
2009 Mazda RX-8 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2 6-speed manual RWD |
The R3 Recaro seats had side bolsters that were a bit tight for us. I am below average in size as a male, and my wife is also very small and we found the bolsters cut into our hips far more than was comfortable. The seats are racing oriented only. see full Mazda RX-8 review |