2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$47,990 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (car1) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander (car2) boils down to whether you prioritize upfront savings or long-term electric flexibility. The Highlander commands a significant initial advantage with an MSRP of $40,320 compared to the Sorento PHEV's $47,990, saving buyers $7,670 immediately. However, the Sorento PHEV counters with superior fuel economy, offering a combined 33 MPG versus the Highlander's 25 MPG, augmented by a 30-mile all-electric range. While the Highlander has a slight edge in power with 265 hp versus the Sorento's 261 hp, the Kia provides better torque efficiency in city driving due to its plug-in nature. Furthermore, the Highlander boasts a larger overall footprint, measuring 194.9 inches long and offering 16 cu ft of cargo space, marginally better than the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft, making the trade-off between efficiency and space a key consideration for potential owners.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30-mile electric range, drastically cutting daily fuel costs compared to the Highlander.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is better suited for families as it provides more cargo capacity at 16 cu ft and a lower entry price point.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Toyota Highlander because it produces more torque at 310 lb-ft compared to the Sorento's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

While pricier upfront, the Sorento PHEV offers better long-term value through its 33 combined MPG efficiency versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

You commute less than 30 miles daily and can frequently recharge to maximize the electric-only driving capability.
You prioritize fuel savings, evidenced by the 8 MPG combined efficiency advantage over the Highlander (33 MPG vs 25 MPG).
You require all-wheel drive for varied driving conditions, as the Sorento PHEV includes AWD while the base Highlander uses FWD.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

Your budget is tight, as the Highlander offers a significant upfront savings of $7,670 compared to the Sorento PHEV.
You need maximum available cargo space, as the Highlander provides 16 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
You prefer a slightly more powerful engine setup with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for occasional spirited driving.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Toyota Highlander
Length	189.6"	194.9"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	66.9"	68.1"
Wheelbase	110.8"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	77/71 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	74 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	30 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	45	—
Charging Time (240V)	3.4 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	17.9 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Toyota
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	59.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	57.2 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	57.0 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	2 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	2 yr./ 25000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Toyota Highlander.

How much more does the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV cost compared to the Toyota Highlander?

The 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $47,990, making it $7,670 more expensive than the 2025 Toyota Highlander, which starts at $40,320.

Which vehicle is significantly more fuel-efficient for long highway trips?

The Kia Sorento PHEV is more efficient overall, achieving 33 combined MPG compared to the Highlander's 25 combined MPG, although the Highlander's gas-only highway rating is slightly better at 29 MPG versus the Kia's 34 MPG highway (when the battery is depleted).

Does the electric range difference impact daily commuting for the Sorento?

Yes, the Sorento PHEV offers a 30-mile electric range, meaning drivers with shorter commutes might rarely use gasoline; the Highlander has no electric capability.

How do the size and cargo capacities compare between these two crossovers?

The Toyota Highlander is physically larger, measuring 194.9 inches long versus the Sorento's 189.6 inches, and it offers better cargo capacity at 16 cubic feet compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet.

Which crossover provides better performance figures in terms of horsepower and torque?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander has a slight edge in raw output, boasting 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the Sorento PHEV delivers 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

What are the implications of the standard drive types (AWD vs FWD)?

The Kia Sorento PHEV comes standard with all-wheel drive, offering better traction in poor weather, whereas the base Toyota Highlander utilizes front-wheel drive.