2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander bursts onto the scene with a commanding 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, promising an exhilarating drive from its powerful turbocharged engine, though it starts at a premium MSRP of $40,320. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento focuses on smart efficiency and affordability; while its 191 horsepower output is noticeably lower, it compensates with a slightly better combined MPG of 26 and a significantly lower entry price of $32,190, saving buyers $8,130 upfront. The Highlander offers more sheer muscle and size, measuring 194.9 inches long, compared to the Sorento’s slightly more agile 189.6-inch frame. Both utilize an 8-speed automatic transmission in these FWD configurations. For those prioritizing outright performance and capability, the Highlander’s 74 hp advantage is palpable, while the Sorento champions pragmatic day-to-day economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 25 MPG.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Highlander is better suited for families needing space, offering 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.
2025 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Toyota Highlander because its 265 horsepower significantly outpaces the Sorento's 191 horsepower.
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento delivers exceptional value by offering a $8,130 lower MSRP than the Highlander.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- You need the extra pull from 310 lb-ft of torque for highway merging or towing tasks.
- Maximum interior utility is crucial, as indicated by its larger 16 cu ft cargo capacity.
- You prioritize the immediate accessibility of 265 horsepower over fuel efficiency savings.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price low is essential, given its $32,190 MSRP.
- You want marginally better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG highway versus the Highlander's 29 MPG.
- You prefer a slightly smaller, more maneuverable vehicle with a 194.9-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 189.6" |
| Width | 76.0" | 74.8" |
| Height | 68.1" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | 41.2 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 | 39.4 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
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 Highlander and 2026 Kia Sorento.
How significant is the power difference on the road?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander boasts a substantial 74 horsepower advantage (265 hp vs. 191 hp) over the 2026 Kia Sorento. This means the Highlander will feel much quicker when accelerating onto busy highways or climbing steep inclines.
Which crossover offers a better deal for budget-conscious buyers?
The 2026 Kia Sorento is the clear value leader, priced at $32,190 compared to the Highlander's $40,320 MSRP. That $8,130 price gap allows significant savings right off the lot.
Are there noticeable differences in fuel efficiency?
The Sorento edges out the competition slightly, achieving 26 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 25 combined MPG. Highway cruising shows a similar trend, with the Sorento hitting 31 MPG to the Highlander's 29 MPG.
Is the Highlander substantially larger than the Sorento?
Yes, the Highlander is physically larger in every dimension listed. It is 194.9 inches long compared to the Sorento's 189.6 inches, and it provides superior storage with 16 cu ft of cargo space versus 12.6 cu ft.
Do both models use premium gasoline?
Neither vehicle requires premium fuel for the standard engines specified here; both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Kia Sorento are rated to run happily on regular unleaded gasoline.
Which transmission provides a more engaging shift experience?
Both utilize 8-speed automatics, but the Highlander is specified with an 8-speed 'shiftable' automatic, suggesting manual control over gear selection might be more emphasized than the Sorento's standard 8-speed automatic.
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