2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Toyota Highlander

$31,990 · Crossover

$45,270 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Toyota Highlander often boils down to budget versus capability. Buyers frequently ask if saving over ten thousand dollars is worth sacrificing significant power. The Sorento starts at a very attractive MSRP of $31,990, whereas the Highlander commands $45,270, a difference of $13,280. While the Highlander boasts a robust 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the Sorento offers a more frugal 26 combined MPG compared to the Highlander's 24 combined MPG. The Sorento is also slightly smaller at 189.6 inches long, making parking a bit easier than the 194.9-inch Highlander. Ultimately, balancing a lower entry price and slightly better fuel economy against superior performance is the core decision point here.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento wins for daily commuting due to its lower price and slightly better fuel economy of 26 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander provides a larger, more robust platform with better power reserves and 16 cubic feet of cargo space for family hauling.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Toyota Highlander

Enthusiasts will clearly prefer the Highlander's significant advantage of 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque over the Sorento's 191 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Sorento presents superior value by saving the buyer $13,280 upfront while still delivering respectable efficiency.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Your absolute priority is keeping the initial purchase price low, starting at only $31,990.
You want to maximize fuel stops, benefiting from the Sorento's 23/31 MPG city/highway ratings.
You prefer the maneuverability of a slightly shorter vehicle, measuring 189.6 inches in length.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You need the confidence of All-Wheel Drive standard and a higher output of 265 horsepower.
You routinely carry extra gear, as the Highlander offers 16 cubic feet of cargo space.
You prioritize maximum towing and passing power derived from its 310 lb-ft of torque.

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	2
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	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

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.	375.9/501.2 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	✓	✓
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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

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.	58.4 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	✓	✓
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

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	P235/65R V
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody 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 2026 Toyota Highlander.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2026 Toyota Highlander?

The performance gap is substantial; the 2026 Highlander offers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, while the 2025 Sorento is rated at 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Toyota Highlander than the Kia Sorento?

The Highlander carries a significant cost difference, with its MSRP starting $13,280 higher than the Sorento's base price of $31,990.

Does the difference in MPG matter significantly between these two crossovers?

Yes, the Sorento is slightly more efficient, achieving 26 combined MPG compared to the Highlander's 24 combined MPG, which adds up over long commutes.