Ford Edge v Kia Sorento

Can the new American SUV from Ford conquer the ever-popular Korean SUV?

Friday 28 October 2016 06:58 EDT

(Ford)

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It’s been about 15 years since we saw a large American SUV on these shores, but now the Ford Edge is planning on making an impact over here. It’s hardly got the landscape to itself. There are many excellent SUVs on the market and one of the ones that’s been a steady seller for also about 15 years is the Sorento from Kia.

The Ford may be big but it can’t offer the seven seats of the Sorento, and that may be the defining argument right there. And, if you like that number seven you’ll love the seven-year warranty too. The Ford has its work cut out to compete against those two impressive statistics.

The Ford also comes to market with a 2.0-litre diesel, against the 2.2-litre in the Kia. However, once you’re rolling, the Ford pushes forward hard, accelerating smoothly through the dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The Kia gets away quicker but thereafter is a touch behind, slowed further by a slick but not particularly quick auto box.

That extra size of the Kia engine is an advantage when it comes to towing. It can tow 2200kg against the Ford’s 2000kg, although let’s not lose sight of the fact that 2000kg will still haul you a fair sized caravan.

Assuming you’re not towing your home behind you, the Ford displays some excellent handling skills considering it is a large SUV. It doesn’t roll much in the corners and the steering is sharp and precise, helping you place it with some confidence.

By contrast the Sorento feels like a slightly more old-fashioned SUV, with a touch more body roll, and vague steering that needs constant correction. Its ride is softer, but somehow the slightly firmer ride in the Ford offers a more comfortable journey. This is enhanced by some effective sound-cancelling measures, leaving you travelling in a more tranquil atmosphere than in the Sorento.

Your journey won’t be improved though by the amount of fairly cheap plastics in the Ford. The infotainment system, Ford’s own, is hardly right up there and, overall, there is a sense of disappointment with the Ford’s cabin. The Kia’s also has some hard plastics but they’re better tucked away and overall it feels the classier place to be.

In terms of room, it’s very much dependent on what you need the space for. If you’re carrying a lot of people, including children, the Kia is a clear winner. That third row of seats offers seven seats even if the third row are really only right for children. The second row isn’t bad but it’s wider and more comfortable in the Ford so if you just want room then the Ford is up there. It also has a larger boot when the Kia’s third row is deployed.

As mentioned, the Ford’s infotainment system lags behind, even if it is the larger. It comes with a lot of kit even in this midrange trim, including an electric tailgate. The Kia too comes with good equipment levels, and this includes leather and self-levelling suspension. Both cars can tick the boxes for sat nav, cruise control and dual-zone climate control, a rear camera and heated front seats.

In terms of cost the Ford Edge will be cheaper to own over three years, and it’ll be the cheaper to run too. Its smaller engine is less thirsty than the Sorento’s, and that will be worth about £1500 over the three years just in terms of BIK company tax.

This is a commendable effort from Ford, in an area it has struggled with before. The Edge handles well, is quiet and frugal and has plenty of room inside. However, it really doesn’t feel like it has a premium cabin, hindered further by that infotainment system. With no seven-seat option, it also falls behind the Kia.

The Kia Sorento is a proven and successful SUV, even though it fails to shine against the Edge in important areas like handling and running costs. But those seven seats and seven-year warranty just about edge it ahead of the Edge.

Ford Edge 2.0 TDCi 210 Titanium auto

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel

List price £34,495

Target Price £32,010

Power 207bhp

Torque 332lb ft

0-60mph 9.6sec

Top speed 131mph

Gov't fuel economy 48.7mpg

CO2 emissions 149g/km

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi KX-2 auto (4 stars)

Engine size 2.2-litre diesel

List price £33,700

Target Price £30,981

Power 197bhp

Torque 311lb ft

0-60mph 9.3sec

Top speed 124mph

Gov't fuel economy 42.8mpg

CO2 emissions 174g/km

Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi KX-2 auto (4 stars)