2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

$31,990 · Crossover

$40,320 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento grabs attention immediately with its approachable starting MSRP of $31,990, making practical utility budget-friendly. Conversely, the 2025 Toyota Highlander punches harder with a robust 265 hp and a massive 310 lb-ft of torque, delivering palpable on-road enthusiasm over the Sorento’s 191 hp. While both are efficient, the Sorento nudges ahead slightly in efficiency, claiming a combined 26 MPG compared to the Highlander's 25 MPG. However, the larger Highlander offers more breathing room for gear, boasting 16 cu ft of cargo space against the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft. The $8,330 gulf in pricing necessitates a clear look at priorities: do you prioritize raw accessible power, or lean towards the Sorento's disciplined, cost-conscious packaging across its 189.6-inch frame?

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its lower initial cost of $31,990 and slightly better 26 MPG combined efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The larger Toyota Highlander provides superior utility with 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander’s substantial advantage of 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque provides a demonstrably superior driving rush.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento offers adequate performance for $8,330 less than the Highlander, providing superior overall dollar-for-dollar value.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Your primary budget concern necessitates staying under the $32,000 mark for a new crossover.
You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the Sorento achieves 31 MPG highway versus the Highlander's 29 MPG highway.
You are comfortable with the standard 191 hp, needing competent rather than blistering acceleration.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You absolutely require the extra power provided by the 74 hp advantage over the Sorento.
Family hauling demands the larger 16 cu ft of storage space offered by the Highlander.
You are willing to spend $8,330 more upfront for the significantly higher torque rating of 310 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Toyota Highlander
Length	189.6"	194.9"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	66.7"	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 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓

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 shiftable 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	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	393.8/519.1 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	17.9 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	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	✓	✓
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.	41.2 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: 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.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	38.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	58.7 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	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted 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.
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 Highlander.

How significant is the performance gap between the 2025 Sorento and Highlander?

The difference is substantial; the Highlander packs 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, completely outmuscling the Sorento's 191 hp and 181 lb-ft rating. This 74 hp margin means the Highlander will feel noticeably quicker merging onto highways.

Is the higher price of the 2025 Toyota Highlander justified by fuel economy improvements?

No, the Highlander costs $8,330 more and is slightly less efficient overall, achieving 25 MPG combined versus the Sorento's 26 MPG combined. The Sorento maintains a better fuel footprint for daily driving.

Which crossover offers more room for luggage and gear?

The 2025 Toyota Highlander is the roomier option, offering 16 cu ft of cargo capacity. The 2025 Kia Sorento provides 12.6 cu ft in comparison, which is a difference of 3.4 cubic feet.

Since both use regular unleaded and similar transmissions, are the driving dynamics comparable?

While both use 8-speed automatics and accept regular fuel, the Highlander's superior power output fundamentally changes its dynamic character compared to the Sorento. The Highlander offers a muscular feel the Sorento cannot match.

For budget-conscious city drivers, is the Sorento always the better pick?

The Sorento is compelling due to its $31,990 MSRP. Its slightly better city MPG of 23 MPG (vs. 22 MPG for the Highlander) reinforces its status as the more economical choice for navigating urban traffic.

If I need the absolute lowest cost of entry, which vehicle should I consider?

The 2025 Kia Sorento is the clear winner here with a starting MSRP of $31,990. This price point undercuts the larger Highlander by a significant margin of $8,330.