2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV (Car 1) and the 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (Car 2) lies in their physical size, with the Highlander measuring 5.3 inches longer at 194.9 inches compared to the Sorento’s 189.6 inches, resulting in a substantial cargo advantage. The Highlander offers 16.0 cu ft of storage versus the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft. Performance metrics show the Sorento leading in power, delivering 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, eclipsing the Highlander’s 243 hp output. Conversely, the Highlander secures a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 35 MPG combined compared to the Sorento's 33 MPG combined. The Sorento provides a distinct advantage with its 30-mile all-electric range, whereas the Highlander does not offer a PHEV variant in this comparison. Pricing is very close, with the Highlander having a lower MSRP of $46,820 against the Sorento’s $47,990.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Sorento PHEV’s 30 miles of electric range offers significant zero-emission commuting potential superior to the standard Highlander Hybrid.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid offers superior passenger and cargo hauling capabilities with 16.0 cu ft of cargo space and a larger overall footprint.
2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia Sorento PHEV produces more immediate power with 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Toyota's 243 hp.
2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid achieves better fuel economy (35 MPG combined) while possessing a lower initial MSRP of $46,820.
Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You prioritize plug-in capability and require up to 30 miles of pure EV driving before engaging the hybrid system.
- You prefer a more powerful output, characterized by 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- Maximum cargo volume is essential, as the Highlander provides 16.0 cu ft versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
- You seek marginally better standard hybrid efficiency, achieving 35 MPG combined.
- You require a slightly larger vehicle, evidenced by its 194.9-inch length and 68.1-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.6 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | plug-in hybrid | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 261 hp | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | — |
| 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 | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all 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 | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 33 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 409.2/421.6 mi. | 598.5/598.5 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. | 17.1 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
Frontseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.3 in. | 39.6 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 | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
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. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/55R19 | P235/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| 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. | 8 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 Hybrid.
What is the fundamental difference in powertrain technology between these two models?
The 2025 Kia Sorento (Car 1) is a Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), offering a 30-mile dedicated electric range before gas usage begins. The 2025 Toyota Highlander (Car 2) is a standard Hybrid, relying solely on regenerative braking and gas power, thus lacking the capability for plug-in charging or significant all-electric-only travel.
How much does the lack of an electric range in the Highlander affect fuel economy metrics?
The Highlander Hybrid achieves 35 MPG combined on gasoline, slightly exceeding the Sorento PHEV’s 33 MPG combined. However, the Sorento's effective MPG will be significantly higher if the 30-mile EV range is utilized daily.
Which vehicle offers more space for passengers and cargo?
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 194.9 inches long compared to the Sorento's 189.6 inches. This translates to a clear advantage in cargo capacity, with the Highlander offering 16.0 cu ft versus 12.6 cu ft in the Sorento.
Are there significant differences in performance specifications?
Yes, the Sorento PHEV holds a measurable power advantage, producing 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Highlander Hybrid delivers 243 horsepower.
Do both vehicles utilize the same type of transmission?
No, the Kia Sorento PHEV is equipped with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, whereas the Toyota Highlander Hybrid utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
How close are the starting prices for these two AWD crossovers?
The pricing is competitive, with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid having a lower base MSRP at $46,820. The Kia Sorento PHEV starts slightly higher at $47,990.
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