Compare the2024 Audi Q8 e-tronVS 2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Safety
Warranty
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Q8 e-tron’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The Audi Q8 e-tron has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The Q8 e-tron’s standard pretensioning seatbelts also sense rear collisions and remove slack from the seatbelts to help protect the occupants from whiplash and other injuries. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard Secondary Collision Brake Assist, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Earlier warning of stopped traffic, traffic signals, dangerous road conditions, weather, or accidents, can keep driver's safer and prevent crashes. The Q8 e-tron has Car-to-X Services, a system that seemlesly communicates important warnings to the driver about impending danger, if they're available. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a system that can receive automated systems from infrastructure.

Both the Q8 e-tron and the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and available around view monitors.

The Audi Q8 e-tron weighs 1296 to 1572 pounds more than the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Audi Q8 e-tron is safer than the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q8 e-tron	Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
	Driver
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	212	334
Neck Compression	16 lbs.	22 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	137/335 lbs.	212/405 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	4 Stars	4 Stars
HIC	323	390
Chest Compression	.5 inches	.5 inches
Neck Injury Risk	38%	53%
Neck Stress	157 lbs.	159 lbs.
Neck Compression	67 lbs.	89 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Audi Q8 e-tron is safer than the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q8 e-tron	Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	8 inches	15 inches
HIC	279	280

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the Q8 e-tron, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 6.7% less likely to roll over than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, which received a four-star rating.

The Audi Q8 e-tron achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2024 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS for 2024.

Warranty

The Q8 e-tron’s corrosion warranty is 7 years and unlimited miles longer than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s (12/unlimited vs. 5/100,000).

Engine

The Q8 e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 141 more horsepower (402 vs. 261) and 232 lbs.-ft. more torque (490 vs. 258) than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid. The SQ8 e-tron’s standard electric motors produces 235 more horsepower (496 vs. 261) and 459 lbs.-ft. more torque (717 vs. 258) than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s 1.6 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Motor Trend the Audi Q8 e-tron (base engine) is faster than the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q8 e-tron	Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Zero to 60 MPH	5.1 sec	7.4 sec
Quarter Mile	13.7 sec	15.5 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	102.4 MPH	91.7 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Q8 e-tron with its standard motors gets better mileage than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid running on electricity (80 city/83 hwy vs. 83 city/75 hwy MPGe).

On the EPA test cycle the Q8 e-tron with its standard motors gets better mileage than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid running its gasoline engine (80 city/83 hwy MPGe vs. 35 city/33 hwy).

The Q8 e-tron can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 218 to 285 miles. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has to start its internal combustion engine after only 32 miles.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Audi Q8 e-tron higher (10 out of 10) than the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (7). This means the Q8 e-tron produces up to 11.8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The Q8 e-tron’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Q8 e-tron’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid:

	Q8 e-tron	Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Front Rotors	15.7 inches	12.8 inches
Rear Rotors	13.8 inches	12.8 inches

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Q8 e-tron has larger standard tires than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (255/50R20 vs. 235/55R19). The Q8 e-tron’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (265/45R21 vs. 235/55R19).

The Q8 e-tron’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 50 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s standard 55 series tires. The Q8 e-tron’s optional tires have a lower 45 series profile than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Q8 e-tron has standard 20-inch wheels. Only 19-inch wheels are available on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid. The Q8 e-tron offers optional 21-inch wheels.

Suspension and Handling

The front and rear suspension of the Q8 e-tron uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The Q8 e-tron has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The Q8 e-tron’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Q8 e-tron’s wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer than on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (115.1 inches vs. 110.8 inches).

The Q8 e-tron 55 Launch Edition executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Prestige (26.6 seconds @ .71 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Q8 e-tron has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (8.1 vs. 6.9 inches), allowing the Q8 e-tron to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Q8 e-tron uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Cargo Capacity

The Q8 e-tron has a much larger cargo volume than the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid with its rear seat up (28.5 vs. 12.6 cubic feet).

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is limited to 2000 pounds. The Q8 e-tron offers up to a 4000 lbs. towing capacity.

Servicing Ease

The Q8 e-tron uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Audi service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Audi 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 31% lower rating, Kia is ranked 26th.

Ergonomics

Unlike the driver-only memory seat and mirrors in the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, the Q8 e-tron Prestige has a passenger memory, so that when drivers switch, the memory setting adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel position and outside mirror angle and the front passenger seat also adjusts to the new passenger’s preset preferences.

The Q8 e-tron’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Q8 e-tron Prestige has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the Q8 e-tron the driver can close them all at the outside door handle or from a distance using the remote. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The Q8 e-tron’s standard Audi Advanced Key allows you to unlock the doors from any outside door handle, open the cargo door, and start the vehicle, all without removing the key from the pocket or purse. Smart Key standard on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer a sensor on the rear doors, so you’ll have to reach a front handle to unlock the rear door.

When the Q8 e-tron is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Q8 e-tron’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

The Q8 e-tron Prestige/Launch Edition has standard massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

The Q8 e-tron Prestige/Launch Assist’s Intelligent Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Audi Q8 e-tron and the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.