Compare the2024 Kia Sorento Plug-In HybridVS 2023 VinFast VF 9

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The VinFast VF 9 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

In the past twenty years hundreds of infants and young children have died after being left in vehicles, usually by accident. When turning the vehicle off, drivers of the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are reminded to check the back seat when a sensor determines the back seat is occupied. The VF 9 doesn’t offer a back seat reminder.

When descending a steep, off-road slope, the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid’s standard Downhill Brake Control allows you to creep down safely. The VF 9 doesn’t offer Downhill Brake Control.

Both the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and VF 9 have rear cross-traffic warning, but the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (automatically applies the brakes) to better prevent a collision when backing near traffic. The VF 9’s Rear Cross Traffic Alert doesn’t automatically brake.

Both the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the VF 9 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front and rear side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, 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, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 163 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The VF 9 has not been tested, yet.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. A locking charge port is an option at extra cost on the VF 9. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the VF 9; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1750 to 1800 pounds less than the VinFast VF 9.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is 1 foot shorter than the VF 9, making the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid is 5.3 inches narrower on average than the VF 9, making the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Sorento Plug-In Hybrid uses the Electronic Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The VF 9 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

The Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The VF 9 doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

Consumer Reports® recommends the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid, based on reliability, safety and performance.