2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$47,990 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV ignites the efficiency race with its electrified powertrain, boasting a 30-mile all-electric range and a segment-leading 33 combined MPG, immediately differentiating it from the robust 2026 Toyota Highlander. The Highlander counters with superior brute strength, producing 310 lb-ft of torque from its conventional setup compared to the Sorento's 258 lb-ft, even though the Kia offers slightly more horsepower at 261 hp versus the Toyota's 265 hp. Despite its smaller footprint (189.6 inches long), the Sorento PHEV compromises on space, offering only 12.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the larger Highlander (194.9 inches long) provides a more generous 16 cu ft. This comparison boils down to an almost $2,720 difference in MSRP, weighing the Highlander's power and space against the Sorento's incredible 9 MPG advantage in combined fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV’s 30-mile electric range dramatically reduces daily fuel expenditure for typical commuting patterns.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The 2026 Highlander offers substantially more utility with 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander’s 310 lb-ft of torque provides noticeably stronger acceleration feedback than the Sorento's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

While costing nearly $2,700 more initially, the Sorento PHEV’s superior efficiency offsets the price difference rapidly through lower running costs.

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

Your daily driving distance is reliably under the 30-mile electric range.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is paramount, leveraging the 33 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the slightly nimbler handling suggested by the Sorento’s shorter 189.6-inch length.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You require the absolute maximum hauling capability offered by 16 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the immediate responsiveness delivered by the Highlander’s higher 310 lb-ft of torque.
You want the newest drivetrain architecture via the 8-speed automatic transmission over the Sorento's 6-speed.

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	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	2.4 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	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Toyota
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	21/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	24 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
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	P235/65R V
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.	—
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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial; the Kia Sorento PHEV achieves 33 combined MPG, while the Toyota Highlander manages 24 combined MPG, resulting in a 9 MPG advantage for the Kia.

Does the Sorento PHEV truly run on electricity for short trips?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid offers an EPA-estimated 30 miles of pure electric range, ideal for emission-free local errands.

Which vehicle offers better raw power output?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander technically produces slightly more peak power with 265 horsepower versus the Kia's 261 horsepower.

Is the lower MSRP of the Highlander enough to offset its lower efficiency?

The Highlander has a lower initial MSRP, but the Sorento's significant fuel savings over several years often make it the better long-term value proposition, despite its higher starting price of $47,990.

What is the tradeoff regarding cargo space between the two AWD crossovers?

The Toyota Highlander is the clear winner for cargo volume, providing 16 cu ft, whereas the battery placement likely reduces the Sorento PHEV's capacity to just 12.6 cu ft.