Comparison: Turning circle Kia Sorento vs. competitors 2025
When talking about the ever-evolving world of SUVs, the topic of maneuverability often comes to the forefront, especially in crowded cities or tight parking scenarios. The KIA Sorento, a beacon of Korean engineering, has navigated through this evolving landscape with varying degrees of success across its generations. The current model, the Sorento MQ4 (and its upcoming Facelift version for 2024), boasts a turning circle of 11.60 meters. A figure that, in the realm of SUVs, positions this behemoth not just as a suburban driveway ornament but as a vehicle somewhat capable of twirling about in tighter confines than one might expect from its robust frame.
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Kia Sorento - How has the turning circle changed over the generations?
Progressing through the ages like a fine wine, the KIA Sorento’s turning circle story is a narrative of gradual expansion. Starting with the XM generation in 2009, the Sorento began its journey with a modest 10.90 meters, maintaining this figure through its facelift up to 2015. The saga continued with the UM series, where the dance space expanded slightly to 11.10 meters, then to 11.30 meters post-facelift. The pièce de résistance, however, is the latest MQ4 model strutting into the room with an 11.60-meter turning circle, portraying the kind of growth spurt that leaves rivals both bemused and impressed.
The difference in Turning circle between first generation (JC) from 2002 and last generation (Sorento MQ4 (1. Facelift)) from 2024 is 11 m.
The turning circle of the current generation of Sorento is 11 m.
The turning circle compared to other Kia models
Within the KIA's own stable, the Sorento is somewhat of a wide-set elder compared to its more nimble stablemates. Take, for instance, the KIA Picanto with its balletic 9.40 meters turning circle – reminiscent of a figure skater in peak form. The Rio, Stonic, and the entire troupe of Ceed variants pirouette within the 10.20 to 10.60 meters range, leaving the Sorento trailing with its more substantial girth. But it’s not the widest in the family; that honor goes to the KIA EV9, stretching the tape at a more generous 12.40 meters, making the Sorento's turning circle seem positively athletic in comparison.
Kia Sorento vs other current cars by Kia
(Turning circle)
1. Picanto
9 m
2. Sportage
10 m
3. Niro EV
10 m
4. Niro Hybrid
10 m
5. EV3
10 m
6. e-Niro
10 m
7. Niro
10 m
8. XCeed
10 m
9. Ceed
10 m
10. Ceed GT
10 m
11. Ceed Sportswagon
10 m
12. ProCeed
10 m
13. ProCeed GT
10 m
14. Stonic
10 m
15. EV6
11 m
16. Stinger
11 m
17. Sorento
11 m
18. EV9
12 m
How does the turning circle of the Kia Sorento compare to it's nearest competitors?
Comparing the Sorento to the populous world of SUVs outside the KIA lineage brings an assortment of rivals into perspective. The Hyundai Staria stretches its limbs further with a turning circle of 11.90 meters, slightly larger than our protagonist. Conversely, the Mazda 2 seems to do pirouettes around our Sorento with a nimble 9.80 meters. Volkswagen's ID.4 and the Tesla Model Y orbit closer to the Sorento's domain at 10.30 meters and 12.10 meters, respectively. Notably, the behemoth Ineos Grenadier towers over with a turning circle measuring a gargantuan 13.50 meters, making the Sorento seem almost gazelle-like in its urban agility. Thus, in the grand ballet of turning circles, the Sorento occupies a middle ground, not the most nimble, but far from being a lumbering giant.
Kia Sorento vs. similar cars
(Turning circle)
2. SEAT Ateca 2020
10 m
3. Skoda Karoq 2017
10 m
5. Peugeot 4008 2012
10 m
6. Cadillac XT4 2020
11 m
11. ALPINA XD3 2013
11 m
13. Ford Edge 2016
11 m
14. Volvo XC60 2008
11 m
15. Dodge Nitro 2007
11 m
17. Ford Kuga 2008
11 m
20. VW ID.4 2020
11 m
21. KIA Sorento 2024
11 m
22. ALPINA XD4 2021
12 m
23. BMW X5 2000
12 m
26. Audi Q8 2018
13 m
