2025 Kia Sorento Vs. Toyota Highlander Full Comparison
2025 Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander at a Glance
- The Kia Sorento offers better fuel economy with its base engine, at 26 MPG (Combined)1 vs. 25 MPG (Combined)2 on the Toyota Highlander base powertrain.
- The Kia Sorento has the highest maximum horsepower rating, at 281 horsepower, while the Toyota Highlander stays firmly behind at up to 265 horsepower.
- Want a maneuverable ride? The Sorento length of 189.6 inches makes parking and driving less stressful.
- Despite being the shorter vehicle, the base Sorento grants over 2 inches of extra second-row and 1 inch of extra third-row legroom compared to the base Toyota Highlander.
- Kia Sorento models come standard with an advanced 12.3-inch infotainment display – you'll have to upgrade your Toyota Highlander to get a screen of the same size.
Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander: Which Midsize SUV Reigns Supreme?
When looking for a travel companion designed with growing families in mind, most shoppers will consider the Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander comparison. These three-row midsize SUVs offer comprehensive safety technology, excellent performance, and attention-commanding exteriors. However, only one can come out on top, and Wallace Kia of Bristol is here to show you why it's the Kia Sorento, with its stronger set of standard amenities at a significantly lower starting MSRP than the Toyota Highlander.
Toyota Highlander vs. Kia Sorento Specs & Performance
Both the new Kia Sorento for sale and the Toyota Highlander bring potent engines, but the Kia SUV gives a more varied gas-only selection. The standard Toyota Highlander engine is an all-gas 2.4-liter turbo engine with 265 horsepower. The Kia Sorento standard powertrain is a more tame beast, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder setup with 191 horsepower.
The Sorento takes the lead with its optional powertrain, though. The Toyota Highlander only has a hybrid alternative that downgrades its net horsepower to 243. The Kia SUV allows you to rocket past the competition with a turbocharged version of its 2.5-liter four-cylinder, generating 281 horsepower.
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Toyota Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine |
|
|
| Max. Horsepower | 281 (turbo) | 265 (turbo) |
| Max. Torque | 311 lb-ft (turbo) | 310 lb-ft (turbo) |
| Transmission |
|
|
| Max. Gas EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb) | 23 / 31 / 261 | 22 / 29 / 252 |
| Max. Towing Capacity | 4,500 lbs3 | 5,000 lbs4 |
| Seating Capacity | 6 - 7 | 7 - 8 |
| Length | 189.6 - 189.8 in | 194.9 - 197.4 in |
| Width | 74.8 in | 76 in |
| Height | 66.7 - 70.3 in | 68.1 in |
| Max. Cargo Volume | 75.5 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft |
| Max. Headroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) (Base Model) | 40.3 / 39.1 / 36.8 in | 41.2 / 39.4 / 36.1 in |
| Legroom (1st / 2nd / 3rd) (Base Model) | 41.4 / 41.7 / 29.6 in | 42 / 38.7 / 28 in |
| Standard Features |
|
|
| Available Features |
|
|
| Limited Basic Warranty | 5-yr/60,000-mi5 | 3-yr/36,000-mi6 |
| Limited Powertrain Warranty | 10-yr/100,000-mi5 | 5-yr/60,000-mi6 |
Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
As you can see in the chart above, what the 191-horsepower engine lacks in output, it makes up for with its fuel efficiency. The Kia Sorento wins out over the Toyota Highlander in terms of non-hybrid EPA-estimated MPG ratings, earning 26 MPG (Combined)1 vs. the Highlander at 25 MPG (Combined).2
Compare Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander Trim Levels
The Kia Sorento has eight distinct trim levels, adjusting your technology upward no matter your choice:
- LX
- S
- EX
- SX
- X-Line EX AWD
- X-Line SX AWD
- X-Line SX Prestige AWD
- X-Pro SX Prestige AWD
The Toyota lineup is technically 10-strong, including hybrid options:
- LE
- XLE
- Hybrid XLE
- XSE
- Limited
- Hybrid XLE Nightshade
- Hybrid Limited
- Platinum
- Hybrid Limited 25th Edition
- Hybrid Platinum
Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander Infotainment & Technology
As the more expensive option, you may expect the Toyota Highlander to craft a more luxurious cabin. Surprisingly, that's not quite the case. Compare Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander interiors, and you'll see that the Kia SUV shows off significant advantages. A larger standard touchscreen display and more available speakers with the Bose® audio experience are just a few examples of how the Sorento elevates your purchase with unbelievable quality.
Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander Reliability: A Warranty Comparison
To finish up, check out how much more the Kia brand can pack into your post-purchase protection. Toyota cars and SUVs get a decent warranty package with a 3-year/36,000-mile Basic Warranty6 and a 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.6 However, it doesn't hold a candle to what Kia offers. No matter which of our Kia Sorento lease deals or finance incentives you select, you'll be bolstered by a 5-year/100,000-mile Basic Warranty5 and an industry-leading 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.5
Shop the Winner at Wallace Kia of Bristol
It's best to experience the Sorento performance, safety, and technology benefits in person! Visit our showroom to test-drive the Kia Sorento. Apply for financing with an experienced, professional team and uplift your daily driving right away!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2025 Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander have better performance options?
The Kia Sorento has better performance options than the Toyota Highlander. With its available turbocharged engine, the Kia Sorento makes 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque – the Highlander only offers up to 265 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. When comparing gas-only engines, the Sorento also earns better fuel economy ratings at 26 MPG (Combined).1
Which vehicle has better warranty coverage: the Kia Sorento or the Toyota Highlander?
The Kia Sorento has significantly better warranty coverage. You'll have protection under the Kia Basic Warranty for five years or 60,000 miles,5 whichever comes first, while your powertrain gets 10-year/100,000-mile coverage.5 The Toyota Limited Warranty is just for three years or 36,000 miles,6 alongside a 6-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty.6
Which SUV has more advanced infotainment technology: the 2025 Kia Sorento or the Toyota Highlander?
The base models of the Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander offer two different technology experiences. The Kia SUV provides a consistent 12.3-inch infotainment console across all trims, while the Toyota SUV forces its buyers to select the Limited level to unlock a touch screen of the same size. The actual technology – like available built-in navigation and connectivity services – is similar between models.
Discover More Kia Model Comparisons
1Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3Towing requires additional equipment. See Owner’s Manual for towing capacity, additional instructions and warnings. Always use caution while towing.
4Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual. The maximum you can tow depends on base curb weight plus the total weight of any cargo, occupants, and added vehicle equipment. "Added vehicle equipment" includes additional standard/optional equipment and accessories added by the manufacturer, dealers, and/or vehicle owners. The only way to be certain of your vehicle's exact curb weight is to weigh your vehicle without passengers or cargo. [Calculated with the new SAE J2807 method.] Installation of a tow hitch receiver or other accessories located near the rear bumper or side-door kick sensors may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. See Owner's Manual for limitations.
5Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.