These days, it’s rare to find a midsize crossover that packs as much power into its chiseled physique as the Dodge Durango, and few competitors are even willing to go against this beast. If you’re searching for optimum performance with a fair share of added extras along the way, the Durango is ready to comfortably take its place at the top spot of the podium. Although there may not be a lot of worthy adversaries out there willing to compete with the Durango, one spirited traveler is ready to take a chance, and that vehicle is the Kia Sorento. Armed with a more athletic build than ever before, accentuated by dashing good looks and charm, the Sorento is quickly becoming the “it” car among drivers everywhere. When it comes to the 2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Kia Sorento, one tough vehicle is about to make a major impact on the way you view SUVs, so let’s find out which traveler is bringing home a victory.
A Punch of Power
Both the 2021 Dodge Durango and the 2021 Kia Sorento claim to offer up immense power, but when you want the best of the best, the Durango is ready to deliver a jaw-dropping experience. Choosing the Durango’s unbelievably powerful supercharged 6.2L HEMI Hellcat V8 means there’s no turning back, and there’s certainly no competition. An astounding 710 horses await beneath its hood, and with 645 lb-ft of torque and a towing capacity of 8,700 lbs, you’ll feel like you’re riding in a suped-up truck, ready to wreak havoc anywhere it travels. Even the Durango’s base 3.6L Pentastar V6 can hold its own, with a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. No matter what task you’re attempting and what type of journey you’re embarking on, the 2021 Durango brings the power in an absolutely riveting way.
It’s almost impossible for the 2021 Kia Sorento to even take a jab at the Durango when it comes to power. With two engine options, including a 2.5L in-line four-cylinder to a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder, the Sorento provides a maximum of 281 horsepower, which is nowhere near what you’ll be able to experience in the Durango. And if you’re looking to tow, its lack of engine power severely limits the amount that you’ll be able to handle. The plus side of the Sorento is that it is exceptionally efficient, getting up to 24 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway with its base 2.5L engine.
If you’re looking for the most power available in a three-row SUV, the Durango far outshines the Sorento with its selection of mighty engines and superior capabilities. Although you’re able to take advantage of better gas mileage in the Sorento, the sacrifice you’re making when it comes to power makes it hard to choose the Sorento over the Durango. The strong traveler here is the Durango, and if you want to accomplish more during your travels, the Durango is ready to impress you.
Loaded with Athletic Style
Here is where the competition is about to get interesting. There’s more to the decision-making process than just unhindered power. There’s also style to consider when you’re trying to find the right SUV for your needs. Both the Dodge Durango and the Kia Sorento offer up a bold, rugged style that is hard to compete with, which makes this segment a nail-biter.
From the outside in, the Durango is a showstopper. Ultra-modern LED lights, a Racetrack Taillamp, and available Mopar racing stripes make the Durango not only strikingly beautiful but extremely athletic as well. A Stow n Place roof rack allows you to gain even more functionality in the Durango with the ability to accommodate up to 150 lbs of cargo on its roof, eliminating the need to take up space in its comfortable cabin. And speaking of interior cabins, the Durango showcases room for seven passengers with sleek, contemporary appointments throughout, like available Nappa leather trim, heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, and many more fine features. No matter where you’re going, the Durango will get you there in absolute athletic style.
The 2021 Kia Sorento sports a new look with even bolder features throughout. Its more rugged exterior style is a far cry from the polished appearance found in previous models, and as you move into its spacious cabin, you’ll find refined details throughout. Ambient lighting, available 3D-embossed genuine leather seating, and convenient storage options await in the all-new Sorento, and with more interior space made possible by its new larger frame, getting comfortable is as easy as can be in the Sorento. You’ll find that both the Durango and the Sorento bring the heat when it comes to style, and whether you’re searching for a more athletic design or sophisticated excellence, you’ll find both in these engaging travelers.
Both stunning vehicles are available in a number of trims to help you get the SUV that maximizes your experience, whether you’re trekking across state lines on an epic adventure or just commuting around town. The Durango’s driver-centric cockpit really enhances the overall feel of its ride, while its available premium appointments amp up its comfort to new levels. The Sorento’s dramatic features shine through every inch of its interior, shooting out to its newly redesigned exterior for a nice change from its past. If you’re looking for extreme style, you may find it hard to choose between these two unstoppable vehicles.
2021 Dodge Durango vs 2021 Kia Sorento
The pressure is on to figure out which strong traveler is right for you, and the answer will, of course, be dependent upon your individualized needs. When you’re looking for ultimate power, nothing comes close to the Durango’s robust Hellcat engine, designed to offer more speed, agility, and capability than many other vehicles in its class. And if towing is on your agenda, the Durango’s superior towing abilities make it easy to handle any size load, whether it’s for work or for a weekend adventure. The Kia Sorento isn’t designed to accommodate that kind of work, armed with a less powerful engine and fewer capabilities. It’s simply not an even playing field for the Sorento, as there’s no way it’s able to deliver a performance quite as thrilling as the Durango.
Where the Sorento has a little more of a chance, however, is with its new and improved design, aimed toward ambitious travelers who are seeking a bit more athleticism out of their vehicle. Both the Durango and the Sorento offer up bold features, able to provide drivers and passengers with the comfort needed to enjoy any ride. And with spacious cabins to handle gear and passengers alike, neither SUV cuts corners when it comes to function. The thing is, the Durango perfected this style first, with the Sorento following in its footsteps, opting for a more aggressive design after years of a more family-friendly appeal. Although this may appeal to drivers seeking adventurous style, it may not work well with those who are used to the Sorento’s more minivan-like essence.
In the end, it comes down to what works best for your needs. When power and intense capabilities are at the top of your list, the Durango offers an unbeatable ride. And both the Durango and the Sorento provide you with the room and the style that you’re looking for, no matter where the journey takes you. In our opinion, if you’re looking for more than enough power to be able to do anything while also enjoying maximum comfort and functionality, the 2021 Dodge Durango won’t let you down, making it the winner in the battle of the tough travelers.
