2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

$47,990 · Crossover

$47,020 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV ignites the segment with a spirited 261 horsepower, significantly outpacing the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 243 horsepower, offering a more engaging drive for the spirited pilot. However, the larger Highlander Hybrid commands space, boasting a superior 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento PHEV's tighter 12.6 cubic feet. While the Sorento PHEV provides a specific 30 miles of pure electric travel on its plug-in capability, the Highlander Hybrid edges out slightly in pure fuel economy, achieving 35 combined MPG versus the Kia's 33 combined MPG. Priced nearly identically, the Kia starts at $47,990, while the Toyota is slightly more accessible at $47,020. Both utilize AWD, but the Sorento's 6-speed automatic offers a different dynamic feel than the Highlander's CVT.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV is the superior choice for commuters due to its dedicated 30-mile electric range, reducing daily fuel consumption significantly.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for families by offering substantially more utility with 16 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

With 261 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Sorento PHEV offers a genuinely punchier performance envelope than the Highlander Hybrid's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid offers a slight edge in combined MPG at 35 and slightly lower MSRP, delivering marginal year-over-year efficiency benefits.

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

You prioritize immediate acceleration, benefiting from the 261 horsepower output.
You want the flexibility of a PHEV system with a stated 30-mile electric-only range.
You prefer the mechanical engagement of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...

Maximizing cargo space is crucial, as it offers 16 cubic feet versus Car 1's 12.6 cubic feet.
You value the absolute best non-plugged fuel economy, achieving 35 combined MPG.
You prefer the slightly larger exterior footprint for a more commanding road presence (194.9 inches long).

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 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Does the 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV have a better pure electric range than the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Yes, the Sorento PHEV is explicitly designed for electric capability, boasting a dedicated 30-mile electric range before the gasoline engine engages. The Highlander Hybrid utilizes a traditional hybrid system without plug-in capability, meaning it cannot travel 30 miles purely on battery power.

Which crossover offers superior cargo hauling for trips?

The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is the clear winner for cargo volume, offering 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This is notably larger than the 12.6 cubic feet provided by the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid in its configuration.

How much more horsepower does the Kia Sorento PHEV provide over the Highlander Hybrid?

The Sorento PHEV packs 261 horsepower, giving it a 18-horsepower advantage over the Highlander Hybrid, which is rated at 243 horsepower. This power difference translates to quicker acceleration metrics.

Are the starting prices significantly different for these two AWD crossovers?

No, the starting MSRPs are very close; the Kia Sorento PHEV begins at $47,990, while the Toyota Highlander Hybrid starts just under at $47,020. Both command a similar initial investment for their respective AWD powertrains.

Which vehicle uses a more traditional automatic transmission?

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV utilizes a more traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, offering drivers a more conventional gear-shifting experience. In contrast, the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid employs a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).