2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial distinction between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the $8,870 MSRP difference, with the Sorento starting at $31,990 versus the Grand Highlander's $40,860. This price gap correlates with substantial performance variance; the Grand Highlander delivers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly outperforming the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. However, efficiency slightly favors the Sorento, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. Size is another major factor: the Grand Highlander is over 11 inches longer (201.4 vs. 189.6 inches) and offers substantially more utility, boasting 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission and offer FWD configurations.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento wins for commuting due to its superior fuel economy of 26 combined MPG and lower entry price.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Toyota Grand Highlander is the family choice because its substantial 20.6 cu ft cargo capacity dwarfs the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft offering.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the Grand Highlander, which produces a commanding 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 191 hp.
2025 Kia Sorento
The Sorento offers better immediate monetary value, priced $8,870 less while still achieving competitive 23/31 MPG city/highway.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Budget constraint is primary, given the $31,990 base MSRP.
- Maximizing miles per dollar is key, as it delivers 26 combined MPG.
- A more compact footprint is desired, with a length of 189.6 inches.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- Maximum passenger/cargo volume is mandatory, evidenced by 20.6 cu ft of space.
- Superior acceleration is sought via the 265 hp and 310 lb-ft torque output.
- The larger dimensions (201.4 inches long, 70.1 inches high) are necessary for the owner's needs.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Sorento | Toyota Grand Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.6" | 201.4" |
| Width | 74.8" | 78.3" |
| Height | 66.7" | 70.1" |
| Wheelbase | 110.8" | 116.1" |
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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 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 | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/31 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 26 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 407.1/548.7 mi. | 373.8/498.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.7 gal. | 17.8 gal. |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| 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. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.1 in. | 60.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.6 in. | 56.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 58.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside 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. |
| 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 and 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander.
What is the core difference in power output between the 2025 Sorento and Grand Highlander?
The Toyota Grand Highlander holds a significant performance advantage, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Kia Sorento produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 74 hp deficit.
How does the cargo capacity compare for hauling luggage or supplies?
The Grand Highlander provides substantially more utility, offering 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the standard seating area. The Sorento is limited to 12.6 cubic feet in the same configuration, meaning the Toyota offers nearly 63% more initial storage volume.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient for daily highway driving?
The Kia Sorento is marginally more efficient, achieving 31 MPG on the highway compared to the Grand Highlander's 28 MPG highway rating. The Sorento also leads in combined ratings at 26 MPG versus 24 MPG.
Is the difference in size noticeable between the two FWD crossovers?
Yes, the Grand Highlander is physically larger across all dimensions, measuring 201.4 inches in length and 70.1 inches in height, while the Sorento is shorter at 189.6 inches and lower at 66.7 inches.
What is the price justification for choosing the Toyota Grand Highlander over the Kia Sorento?
The Grand Highlander commands an $8,870 higher MSRP ($40,860 vs. $31,990). This premium buys the owner significantly more horsepower, greater torque figures, and substantially increased overall vehicle and cargo dimensions.
Are there differences in the standard fueling or transmission types?
No, both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel and are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission for both FWD variants reviewed here.
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