Chevy Blazer vs Kia Sorento: 2026 Blazer vs 2027 Sorento Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Blazer and Kia Sorento are midsize SUVs in the same price range, but the Blazer is a sporty two-row and the Sorento a compact three-row with hybrid options. Here is the 2026 Blazer, the newest Blazer on sale, against the 2027 Sorento, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
On paper the 2027 Sorento offers more for the money: a lower starting price with FWD ($32,590 vs $34,300), a third row that seats up to seven, more cargo space (75.5 vs 64.2 cu ft), a hybrid rated up to 37 mpg combined and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. With AWD the two are effectively tied ($37,000 vs $37,490 MSRP, or $38,995 vs $38,985 with destination). The 2026 Blazer offers more horsepower with its V6 (308 vs 274), has more ground clearance than most Sorentos and is the sportier two-row choice. Both tow up to 4,500 lbs.
Shop the Blazer at Emich Chevrolet
New 2026 Blazer RS models on our Lakewood lot, with real-time pricing.
The Matchup: Sporty Two-Row vs Practical Three-Row
Kia priced the 2027 Sorento on October 1, 2026, and the 2027 Sorento Hybrid on October 15; changes are minimal on the gas model, the Hybrid adds an X-Line EX trim, and the plug-in hybrid is still a 2026 model. Chevrolet has not announced a 2027 gas Blazer, so the 2026 is the newest Blazer on sale. The Sorento has three rows; the Blazer is a two-row, five-seat SUV.
The Sorento LX and S use a 186-hp 2.5L four-cylinder, and the EX and above get a 274-hp 2.5L turbo with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission; the Sorento Hybrid makes 232 hp combined. AWD is available on the S and EX and standard on X-Line and X-Pro, but not offered on the LX or SX. The Blazer has a standard 228-hp 2.0L turbo and an available 308-hp V6 on the RS, with AWD available on every trim.
The Sorento is 2.2 inches shorter (189.6 vs 191.8 in.) yet holds more: 38.5 to 45.0 cu ft behind its sliding second row vs 30.5 behind the Blazer’s rear seat, and 75.5 vs 64.2 maximum. Its third row is tight, with 29.6 inches of legroom and 12.6 cu ft of cargo space behind it.
Blazer vs Sorento Specs
| Spec | 2026 Chevy Blazer | 2027 Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $34,300 (2LT FWD); $37,000 with AWD; $1,995 destination | $32,590 (LX, FWD only); $37,490 with AWD (S); hybrid $39,090; $1,495 destination |
| Seating | 5 | 7 (6 with second-row captain’s chairs) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (228 hp / 258 lb-ft); 3.6L V6 (308 hp / 270 lb-ft, RS) | 2.5L 4-cyl (186 hp / 178 lb-ft); 2.5L turbo (274 hp / 311 lb-ft); hybrid 232 hp / 270 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic (2.5L); 8-speed dual-clutch (2.5L turbo); 6-speed automatic (hybrid) |
| AWD | Available on every trim | Available on S and EX; standard on X-Line and X-Pro; not offered on LX or SX |
| Best gas combined mpg | 25 mpg (2.0L FWD) | 26 mpg (2.5L FWD) |
| Hybrid | Not offered | 37 mpg combined (FWD) |
| Max towing | 4,500 lbs (RS with V6) | 4,500 lbs (X-Pro); 3,500 lbs (2.5L turbo with towing package); 2,000 lbs (2.5L) |
| Cargo behind 2nd row | 30.5 cu ft | 38.5 to 45.0 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 64.2 cu ft | 75.5 cu ft |
| Second-row legroom | 39.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Ground clearance | 7.5 to 7.6 in. | 6.9 in. (kia.com lists 8.3 in. for the X-Pro) |
| Length | 191.8 in. | 189.6 in. |
| Center screen | 10.2 in. | 12.3 in. |
| Adaptive cruise control | Available (packages) | Standard |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 5 yr/60,000 mi; 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain (original purchaser) |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2026 Blazer); Kia’s 2027 Sorento and Sorento Hybrid pricing, specifications and features, and kia.com; fueleconomy.gov. Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
Max cargo (behind 1st row)
Horsepower (most powerful gas engine)
Best combined fuel economy
Sorento X-Pro vs Blazer RS
The Sorento X-Pro SX-Prestige ($47,990, AWD only) adds all-terrain tires, bumpers with molded-in skid plates, Snow, Mud and Sand modes and a standard 4,500-lb tow rating, and kia.com lists 8.3 inches of ground clearance for it. The Blazer RS with the V6 also tows 4,500 lbs and starts at $45,250 with FWD or $47,500 with AWD.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Blazer if you want
- AWD for about the same price, with a 228-hp turbo vs the Sorento S’s 186 hp
- More horsepower from the available 308-hp V6
- AWD available on every trim, including the base 2LT
- More ground clearance than most Sorentos
- A sportier two-row design
Choose the Kia Sorento if you want
- A third row and seating for up to seven
- More cargo space and second-row legroom
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen and adaptive cruise as standard
- A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Interior and Technology
The Blazer has a 10.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim, and the RS adds an 8-inch driver display, connected navigation and Bose audio. Every Sorento has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the SX and above add a 12.3-inch digital cluster.
Kia Drive Wise is standard, including Smart Cruise Control, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Highway Driving Assist is on the EX and above. The Blazer has Chevy Safety Assist plus Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Park Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard, with Adaptive Cruise Control available. Neither offers hands-free driving. NHTSA rates both five stars overall.
The Bottom Line
If you need a third row, a hybrid or maximum cargo space, the Sorento is the more practical pick. If you want a sportier two-row SUV with AWD available on every trim, V6 power and a little more ground clearance, the Blazer is the better fit.
More Comparisons
Find Your Blazer at Emich Chevrolet
Browse in-stock 2026 Blazers, or value your trade before you visit.
Blazer vs Sorento FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Blazer or the Sorento?
The 2027 Sorento starts lower with FWD ($32,590 vs $34,300). With AWD they are essentially even: $37,000 for the Blazer 2LT AWD vs $37,490 for the Sorento S AWD, or $38,995 vs $38,985 with destination. Destination is $1,995 for Chevrolet and $1,495 for Kia.
How many seats do the Blazer and Sorento have?
The Blazer seats five in two rows. The Sorento has three rows and seats seven, or six with second-row captain’s chairs.
Which tows more?
Both top out at 4,500 lbs: the Blazer RS with the V6 and the Sorento X-Pro. Turbo Sorentos are rated 3,500 lbs with a towing package, and the Blazer’s 2.0L turbo 3,250 lbs with trailering equipment.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Sorento Hybrid is EPA-rated up to 37 mpg combined. Among gas models, the Sorento 2.5L FWD is rated 26 mpg combined and the Blazer 2.0L turbo FWD 25.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2026 Blazer page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.