Compare the2026 Genesis GV80VS 2025 Kia Sorento

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The GV80’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Sorento doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The GV80 has a standard front seat center airbag, which deploys between the driver and front passenger, protecting them from injuries caused by striking each other in serious side impacts. The Sorento doesn’t offer front seat center airbags.

The GV80 offers an optional Multi-Collision Brake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Sorento doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the GV80 and the Sorento have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Genesis GV80 weighs 496 to 1524 pounds more than the Kia Sorento. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the Kia Sorento:

	GV80	Sorento
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	328	446
Neck Stress	157 lbs.	208 lbs.
Neck Compression	25 lbs.	58 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	254/334 lbs.	276/445 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	263	340
Neck Injury Risk	34%	43%

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the GV80 is much safer than the Sorento:

	GV80	Sorento
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg Forces L/R	382/405 pounds	472/697 pounds
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Genesis GV80 is safer than the Kia Sorento:

	GV80	Sorento
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Movement	.6 inches	.7 inches
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	68	73
Spine Acceleration	20 G’s	29 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	14 inches	15 inches

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Genesis GV80 has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2025 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned a “Good” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and an “Acceptable” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Sorento is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Warranty

The GV80’s corrosion warranty is 2 years and unlimited miles longer than the Sorento’s (7/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Genesis pays for scheduled maintenance on the GV80 for 3 years and 36,000 miles. Genesis will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Kia doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Sorento.

Reliability

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GV80 second among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2025 Initial Quality Study. The Sorento isn’t in the top three in its category.

Engine

The GV80 2.5T’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 109 more horsepower (300 vs. 191) and 130 lbs.-ft. more torque (311 vs. 181) than the Sorento LX/S’ standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The GV80 2.5T’s 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder produces 19 more horsepower (300 vs. 281) than the Sorento EX/SX’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder. The GV80 3.5T’s standard 3.5 turbo V6 produces 94 more horsepower (375 vs. 281) and 80 lbs.-ft. more torque (391 vs. 311) than the Sorento EX/SX’s standard 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Motor Trend the Genesis GV80 is faster than the Sorento EX/SX 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	Sorento
Zero to 30 MPH	2.3 sec	n/a	2.7 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	6.4 sec	5.2 sec	6.9 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	10.7 sec	n/a	11.1 sec
Quarter Mile	14.9 sec	13.8 sec	15.3 sec

Fuel Economy and Range

The GV80 has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Sorento (21.1 vs. 17.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the GV80’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sorento:

	GV80 2.5T	GV80 3.5T	Sorento
Front Rotors	14.2 inches	14.9 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	14.2 inches	14.2 inches	12 inches

The GV80’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Sorento are solid, not vented.

The GV80 stops much shorter than the Sorento:

	GV80	Sorento
60 to 0 MPH	112 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	139 feet	143 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the GV80 has larger tires than the Sorento (265/40R22 vs. 235/65R17). The GV80 PRESTIGE’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sorento (265/40R22 vs. 255/45R20).

The GV80’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sorento LX’s standard 65 series tires. The GV80 PRESTIGE’s tires have a lower 40 series profile than the Sorento EX/SX’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the GV80 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Sorento LX. The GV80 PRESTIGE’s 22-inch wheels are larger than the 20-inch wheels on the Sorento EX/SX.

Suspension and Handling

The GV80 offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Sorento’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GV80 PRESTIGE/3.5T has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Sorento doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The GV80’s optional drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The Sorento doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the GV80’s wheelbase is 5.5 inches longer than on the Sorento (116.3 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the GV80 is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.4 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Sorento.

The GV80 PRESTIGE AWD handles at .82 G’s, while the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige pulls only .76 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The GV80 PRESTIGE AWD executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige (26.9 seconds @ .65 average G’s vs. 27.7 seconds @ .63 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the GV80 has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sorento (8.1 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the GV80 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the GV80 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sorento doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The GV80 PRESTIGE uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The Sorento doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The GV80 has 34.7 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Sorento (140 vs. 105.3).

The GV80 has .2 inches more front legroom, 1.5 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear shoulder room, .7 inches more third row legroom and .2 inches more third row shoulder room than the Sorento.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GV80’s middle and third row seats recline. The Sorento’s third row seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

Both the GV80 and the Sorento offer second row automatic folding seats. The GV80 ADVANCED/PRESTIGE’s third row seats also fold up or down at the press of a button. The Sorento doesn’t offer automatic folding third row seats.

Towing

The GV80’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Sorento’s (6000 vs. 2000 pounds).

Servicing Ease

The GV80 uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Sorento uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the GV80 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Sorento. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The GV80 PRESTIGE/3.5T has a standard heads-up display that projects speed and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Sorento doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The GV80’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Sorento’s standard passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

If the windows are left open on the GV80 the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can also lower the windows the same way. The driver of the Sorento can only close the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The GV80’s standard Proximity Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the engine, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the Sorento doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

The GV80’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The Sorento’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Consumer Reports rated the GV80’s headlight performance “Fair,” a higher rating than the Sorento’s headlights, which were rated “Poor.”

The GV80’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Sorento offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Genesis GV80 has power folding mirrors that offer unparalleled convenience while maneuvering in tight places or parked. With the mirrors folded it’s easier to walk past and help prevent parking damage. The mirrors can be quickly unfolded when the driver is ready to leave. Power folding mirrors are only offered on the Sorento SX.

The GV80 ADVANCED/PRESTIGE has standard front air conditioned seats and the GV80 3.5T PRESTIGE also has them in the second row. This keeps the passengers comfortable and takes the sting out of hot seats in summer. The Sorento doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats for the second row.

The GV80 PRESTIGE/3.5T has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Sorento.

The GV80 has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Sorento S/EX/SX.

The Genesis GV80 has a standard Homelink wireless remote control system for garage door operation and device management, conveniently located on the rear view mirror. Homelink® eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries. Kia charges extra for Homelink® on the Sorento.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Genesis GV80 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Only the Sorento S/EX/SX offers wireless charging.

The GV80 Advanced/Prestige’s Smart Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. Remote Smart Parking Assist will park and retrieve your car remotely: press a button and watch it park itself. This is ideal for tight locations. The Sorento doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Genesis GV80 and the Kia Sorento, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the GV80 third among upper midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The Sorento isn’t in the top three in its category.

The GV80 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2021. The Sorento has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.

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