2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Kia Sorento often comes down to balancing immediate savings against long-term space and capability. If your budget is tight, the Sorento immediately jumps out with a starting MSRP of $32,190, saving you a significant $8,670 compared to the Grand Highlander's $40,860 entry price. However, that extra cost buys noticeable physical size; the Grand Highlander is 11.8 inches longer at 201.4 inches, which translates into better utility. Performance metrics also show a gap: the Toyota offers 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Sorento's 191 hp, though the lighter Kia achieves slightly better fuel economy at 26 combined MPG versus the Toyota's 24 combined MPG. Ultimately, choosing means weighing size and power versus the substantial initial savings.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento is the better commuter choice due to its superior combined MPG rating of 26 compared to the Grand Highlander's 24.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers significantly more passenger space reflected in its larger overall footprint and higher cargo capacity of 20.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
With 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, the Grand Highlander provides 74 more horsepower for more engaging driving than the Sorento.
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento presents better immediate value by offering an $8,670 lower starting MSRP than its larger competitor.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You regularly need maximum hauling space and prefer the security of 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You prioritize raw power and acceleration, benefiting from the 265 horsepower engine.
- You need the extra presence and interior room provided by the 201.4-inch length.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, saving $8,670 at the $32,190 MSRP.
- Your daily driving favors fuel efficiency, as evidenced by its 26 combined MPG.
- You don't need the largest vehicle possible, given its smaller 66.7-inch height and 74.8-inch width.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 189.6" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.8" |
| Height | 70.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 12.3 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 | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Kia Sorento.
How much more power does the Grand Highlander actually have?
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has a significant advantage in power output, generating 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more than the 2026 Kia Sorento, which produces 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque.
Is the price difference worth the extra size in the Grand Highlander?
The Toyota commands an $8,670 higher MSRP, reflecting its larger dimensions (201.4 inches long) and greater utility. If you frequently use all three rows or need 20.6 cu ft of cargo space, the size may justify the cost over the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
Which crossover is better on gas for daily highway driving?
The 2026 Kia Sorento edges out the Toyota for efficiency, achieving 31 MPG highway compared to the Grand Highlander's 28 MPG highway. This 3 MPG difference adds up over the course of a year for commuters.
Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Kia Sorento are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which keeps fueling costs straightforward for both owners.
If I’m prioritizing the lowest upfront cost, how do these compare?
The 2026 Kia Sorento is the clear winner on initial investment at $32,190. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander starts $8,670 higher at $40,860, making the Sorento the budget-friendly entry point.
How much smaller is the Sorento compared to the Grand Highlander in physical size?
The Sorento is noticeably smaller, being about 11.8 inches shorter in length (189.6 inches vs. 201.4 inches) and nearly 3.5 inches narrower (74.8 inches vs. 78.3 inches), which might be easier for tight parking situations.
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