Last updated: 2026-05-15
Ford Edge vs KIA Sorento: Reliability Compared
Ford Edge
KIA Sorento
Choosing between the Ford Edge and the KIA Sorento? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The KIA Sorento currently leads with an average score of 70/100 compared to 67/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Ford Edge and KIA Sorento Generations Compare?
Verdict
The KIA Sorento is more reliable than the Ford Edge, scoring 70/100 vs 67/100.
The KIA Sorento edges out the Ford Edge in reliability, with a slightly higher average reliability score of 70/100 compared to the Edge's 67/100. The Sorento also benefits from a lower owner complaint rate of 7.4 per 10,000 sold versus the Edge's 9.4. However, the Sorento has experienced more recalls over a longer period, with 43 recalls over nine years, compared to the Edge's 32 recalls over seven years. Independent repair cost estimates favor the Sorento, with an annual cost of $533, making it a more predictable choice for those prioritizing maintenance expenses.
Key Differences
- 1Ford Edge has 11 fewer total recalls
- 2KIA Sorento scores 3 points higher in reliability
- 3KIA Sorento has 2.0 fewer complaints per 10k sold
Category Scoreboard
Ford Edge vs KIA Sorento: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Ford Edge | KIA Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 67/100 | 70/100 |
| Years Tracked | 7 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 32 | 43 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 9.4 | 7.4 |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2024 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 3 | 4 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Edge and KIA Sorento?
The KIA Sorento and Ford Edge both exhibit significant issues with their power train systems, but the Ford Edge reports a notably higher number of complaints in this category, totaling 683 against the Sorento's 269. Additionally, the Ford Edge has a substantial number of engine-related complaints, with a combined total of 602 complaints for engine and engine cooling, compared to the Sorento's 260 engine complaints. Notably, the Sorento's electrical system issues are more frequently linked to crashes, with 6 incidents, compared to the Edge's 3. Both models also show concerns with service brakes, though the Edge's complaints are slightly higher at 38 compared to the Sorento's 24, but both have a similar number of crash-linked incidents in this category.
| Component | Ford Edge | KIA Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 3.3Average | 1.5Low |
| ENGINE | 2Low | 1.4Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.6Very Low | 1Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.5Very Low | 1.1Low |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 0.9Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.1Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.1Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| SEATS | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | —None |
| TRAILER HITCHES | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Edge or KIA Sorento?
How Does Ford Edge vs KIA Sorento Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Ford Edge | KIA Sorento | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 76/1002R / 38C | 79/1002R / 35C | KIA Sorento |
| 2023 | 74/1004R / 16C | 70/1007R / 120C | Ford Edge |
| 2022 | 69/1005R / 113C | 66/10010R / 171C | Ford Edge |
| 2021 | 69/1007R / 92C | 66/1006R / 217C | Ford Edge |
| 2020 | 64/1004R / 272C | 71/1001R / 115C | KIA Sorento |
| 2019 | 60/1003R / 687C | 64/1002R / 383C | KIA Sorento |
| 2018 | 57/1007R / 746C | 68/1003R / 232C | KIA Sorento |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Edge scored 76/100 and the 2024 KIA Sorento scored 79/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Ford Edge vs the KIA Sorento?
Ford Edge vs KIA Sorento: Common Questions
- Is the Ford Edge more reliable than the KIA Sorento?
- Based on our data, the KIA Sorento is more reliable with an average score of 70/100 compared to 67/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
- Which has more recalls, the Ford Edge or the KIA Sorento?
- The KIA Sorento has more recalls (43) compared to the Ford Edge (32). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Edge or the KIA Sorento?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA Sorento has a lower complaint rate at 7.4 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 9.4 for the Ford Edge. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Is the Ford Edge or KIA Sorento safer?
- Both the Ford Edge and KIA Sorento received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Ford Edge and KIA Sorento? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue