Family-friendly comfort and rugged capabilities come standard in the 2019 Ford Edge and Kia Sorento. But which mid-size crossover is the safest? Which sets you up in the plushest cabin? Our comparison guide looks at these important questions and more.
The Luxury Treatment: 2019 Ford Edge
Besides a roomy cabin and cargo hold, the Edge is known for its smooth ride and handsome interior design. Even with a fully-loaded cabin, all five passengers have enough room for their hips, elbows, and luggage. Better yet, all trim levels put an emphasis on quality. As you climb the Edge hierarchy, though, things start to get really luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and ventilated seats-the works.
The Kia Sorento puts an emphasis on value, which is great if that's what you're into. The Sorento provides roomy comfort and standard seating for seven at an affordable rate. The third row is really only suitable for kids, but those back seats are definitely a boon for big families. If you're looking for luxury, you can find it on higher trims, though the Sorento never quite feels as plush as the Edge.
Most in Standard Safety: 2019 Ford Edge
The 2019 Ford Edge is all about safety. This crossover is the first to come standard with Ford's new Co-Pilot360 package: a set of high-tech safety aids that actively help you stay in your lane and avoid an oncoming crash. This technology was specially designed to boost driver vigilance in an age of distraction. And the fact that you don't have to pay extra for any of it is certainly a big plus.
These days, safety systems like forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assist are available on just about any crossover. But, unlike on the Edge, the Sorento doesn't offer them as standard equipment. You're going to have to upgrade to at least the mid-grade Sorento EX if you want these safety net features.
Thriftiest Ride: It's a Tie!
No, really. It's a tie. Both the 2019 Ford Edge and Kia Sorento earn up to 22 city/29 highway mpg, depending on how you configure each crossover's powertrain.
In spite of these figures, though, the thriftiest Edge engine is actually much more powerful than that of the Sorento. That's because Ford's base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine includes a turbocharger to boost power to 250 horses and 280 pound-feet of torque-quite the output for a base engine. The Sorento's base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine only gives you 185 horses and 178 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, the Sorento isn't nearly as quick as the Edge.
Tows the Biggest Boat: 2019 Kia Sorento
Got a hefty boat at home? The Sorento can help with that because this sturdy crossover tows max loads of 5,000 pounds. Of course, you need to add the proper equipment and upgrade to the V6 engine to enjoy these capabilities. In its strongest form, though, the Ford Edge can only tow max loads of 3,500 pounds. If you want to use this crossover to tow heavy toys, make sure they're within the realm of the Edge's capabilities.
The Kia Sorento will certainly tote a bigger boat to the beach, but the 2019 Ford Edge the best daily driver. The Edge is smooth, safe, and among the most luxurious crossovers in its price range.