2019 Chevy Blazer VS the 2019 KIA Sorento – Cincinnati, OH

When it comes to SUVs, horsepower, and a responsive engine are top priorities. These are vehicles that ought to be ready for heavy lifting and should offer at least moderate towing capability. At the same time, the modern SUV is a vehicle that makes fuel economy a priority just as much as engine power. Gas prices are on the rise, and it is good to know that you have a vehicle that is designed to conserve gasoline instead of burning it frivolously.

So, how do the 2019 Chevy Blazer and the 2019 KIA Sorento compare in this area? The standard model of the 2019 KIA Sorento is equipped with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine which offers up 185 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This is a reasonable package that is bound to satisfy SUV-fanatics, but it falls short of what the 2019 Chevy Blazer brings to the table.

Unlike its competitor, the 2019 Chevy Blazer is tooled with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine as standard. However, with 198 horsepower and 188 lb-ft worth of torque, the level of power behind each tap of the accelerator blows its competitor out of the water.

Both vehicles can be upgraded to a similar V6 option, but once again, the Chevy Blazer ends up on top, defeating the KIA Sorento's sluggish 3.3-liter V6 engine with a robust 308 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine.

As mentioned prior, horsepower and torque aren't the only factors that define a quality SUV; towing capacity plays a huge role as well. 

The 2019 KIA Sorento starts strong offering a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs with its V6 equipped trim option but this is only available with all-wheel drive. Here, the 2019 Chevy Blazer falls short, topping out at 4,500 lbs. While the KIA Sorento is the victor in terms of towing capacity, it is difficult to disregard both vehicle's degree of similarity in this subject.

So, the Chevy Blazer is far more powerful, however, how do these two vehicles compare when it comes to gas mileage? Well, the 2019 KIA Sorento comes out swinging, with a reasonable degree of fuel efficiency, offering up an EPA-rated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Here, the 2019 Chevy Blazer drops the ball again but not enough to really matter, only offering 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. Although, like with towing capacity, these slim differences still put these two SUVs neck and neck in our comparison.

Performance is just one way to gauge a quality SUV. Sure, you can have an SUV that offers up a thrilling driving experience, but chances are you won't enjoy it if you can't enjoy the quality of the interior. When it comes to comparing two SUVs, the level of comfort and driving amenities play almost as much a  role as engine performance.

When it comes to the degree of comfort of both the 2019 KIA Sorento and the 2019 Chevy Blazer, drivers will certainly be pleased with what's being offered. However, only one of these SUVs is considered as superior in comfort.

The 2019 KIA Sorento presents a classy interior that for the most part feels polished and well designed. All trim options of the 2019 KIA Sorento offers well crafted front seats and plenty of wiggle room for both passenger and driver. Owners can even opt for higher quality materials like Nappa leather in the highest trim option. Moving to the rear seats, the 2019 KIA Sorento falters. While the owner's manual may describe that there is enough room for three passengers, it isn't telling the entire truth. Buyers who hope to get better legroom with a higher trim option will be severely disappointed. Behind the second row is a cramped third row, which could certainly be a plus for big families and drivers who make personal transport a leading priority. Although, when this third row is up, drivers can expect a big hit to cargo room, offering only 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space. That said, with the third and second row down, drivers can take advantage of an essentially sprawling 73 cubic feet of cargo space.

How does the 2019 Chevy Blazer compare? While the 2019 Chevy Blazer doesn't offer three rows of seating, drivers will hardly notice. Behind the front seats is a roomy second row with more than enough space for three adult passengers. And when it comes to cargo space, the 2019 Chevy Blazer over-doubles the KIA Sorento when it is at full capacity, offering 30.5 cubic feet of cargo space for drivers to take full advantage of. 

The standard edition of the 2019 KIA Sorento offers up a pretty basic infotainment package, including simple yet practical features like a 7.0-inch infotainment screen that is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In order to receive a more reasonable upgrade, drivers will have to upgrade to the highest trim option which offers an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, Harmon Kardon speakers, a heated steering wheel and LED headlights. All that said, the KIA Sorento does come with their patented UVO infotainment software which provides a futuristic personal assistant, as well as easy access to alert emergency services if needed. 

The Chevy Blazer offers a more appealing and highly rated infotainment package, as base models come included with premium-level features like an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, as well as key-less ignition and in-car wireless hardware. As a result, the 2019 Chevy Blazer provides a base package that rivals the higher trim options of other similar vehicles. While the KIA Sorento is fair competition against the Chevy Blazer in this regard, the Chevy SUV stands to be the superior vehicle. 

Automotive technology has drastically changed what drivers have come to expect from their vehicles. No longer are drivers settled by just seatbelts and airbags. Instead, manufacturers satisfy their car buyers by including incredible features like adaptive cruise control and forward collision warnings. When it comes to the 2019 KIA Sorento and the 2019 Chevy Blazer, both vehicles offer their fair share of technological innovation, but only one outdoes the other.

When it comes to safety the base model of the 2019 KIA Sorento is trimmed of all the different bells, and whistles drivers may be able to find in other vehicles. However, the KIA Sorento does come at a lower sticker price, so drivers who want the bare minimum might be pleased by having a more straightforward option. If you're looking for something a little more fleshed out in terms of safety, the KIA Sorento does offer a more robust package in their higher trim options including top-of-the-line options like forward-collision warnings and automatic emergency braking; but, you'll definitely have to pay a higher sticker price to do so. 

The base model of the 2019 Chevy Blazer, starts a stage higher than the KIA Sorento, providing an intuitive rear-seat warning system which alerts drivers when the rear seatbelts aren't fastened. Like the KIA Sorento, you can expect more features as you move up the trim options ladder. Pay a little more, and you can get add-ons like all-wheel-drive, a rear-camera mirror, blind-spot monitors, rear-parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings, and automatic emergency braking. On top of that, the Chevy Blazer offers peace of mind for new drivers as well, thanks to their innovative Teen Driver technology offered on all trim levels. This feature is a kind of built-in coaching system intended to make teaching a new driver safe driving practices. 

So, when it comes to safety, which is superior? While both base models offer similar packages, the addition of the Chevy Blazer's rear seatbelt sensors and teen driver on all trim levels puts it above the competition, offering greater peace of mind and awareness of the vehicle.