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

$40,860 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the spacious 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the efficient 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid comes down to prioritizing size versus cutting-edge fuel savings. Buyers face a $7,430 initial price jump for the Kia, which offers a significant 33 combined MPG versus the Toyota's 24 combined MPG. The Grand Highlander feels much larger; its 201.4-inch length translates to a cavernous 20.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the third row, almost double the Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cu ft. However, the Kia's plug-in technology allows for 30 miles of pure electric driving before relying on gasoline. While the Toyota's 265 hp engine is slightly more powerful than the Kia's 261 hp, the Sorento PHEV compensates with standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) compared to the Grand Highlander's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). This comparison highlights a classic trade-off between pure interior volume and advanced powertrain savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its superior 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of electric range for short daily drives.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander offers substantially more utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Grand Highlander offers more straight-line power with 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, beating the Sorento PHEV's output of 261 hp and 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Despite the higher MSRP, the Sorento PHEV's 9 MPG efficiency advantage over the Grand Highlander promises substantial long-term fuel savings.

Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...

You absolutely need maximum cargo space, as the Grand Highlander offers 20.6 cu ft compared to 12.6 cu ft.
You prefer the robust output of 310 lb-ft of torque from its standard gasoline engine.
You want the lower initial purchase price, starting at $40,860 versus the Kia's $48,290.

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

Your daily commute is under 30 miles, allowing you to maximize the 30 miles of electric range.
Fuel economy is paramount, where the Sorento PHEV’s 33 combined MPG easily beats the Toyota’s 24 combined MPG.
You need standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) capability right out of the box.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Grand Highlander	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	201.4"	189.6"
Width	78.3"	74.8"
Height	70.1"	66.9"
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	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	265 hp @ 6000 rpm	261 hp
Torque	310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	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	Toyota	Kia
Transmission Type	8-speed automatic	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	24 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	373.8/498.4 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.8 gal.	12.4 gal.
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.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
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	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
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	Toyota	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.2 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.5 in.	40.3 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	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Toyota	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/65R18	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 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.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

What is the primary fuel economy advantage of the Kia Sorento PHEV over the Toyota Grand Highlander?

The Kia Sorento PHEV boasts a 33 combined MPG rating, providing a significant 9 MPG advantage over the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander's 24 combined MPG. Furthermore, the Kia can travel up to 30 miles purely on electricity before engaging its gasoline engine.

Which vehicle is genuinely bigger for hauling gear or luggage?

The Toyota Grand Highlander is the significantly larger vehicle; it measures 201.4 inches long compared to the Kia's 189.6 inches. This difference is evident in cargo capacity, where the Toyota offers 20.6 cu ft versus the Kia's 12.6 cu ft behind the third row.

Do I need premium fuel for either of these crossovers?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires premium fuel; both the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid specify regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable.

How much more expensive is the Kia Sorento PHEV initially?

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid has an MSRP of $48,290, making it $7,430 more expensive than the base 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander, which starts at $40,860.

If I prioritize driving excitement, which one has the edge?

The Toyota Grand Highlander technically has the performance edge with slightly higher outputs: 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kia's 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Does the difference in drive type matter for buyers in snowy climates?

Yes, the Kia Sorento PHEV includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment, whereas the Toyota Grand Highlander comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which might favor the Kia for slippery conditions.