2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$40,320 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Toyota Highlander thrills with a potent 265 hp and a stout 310 lb-ft of torque delivered through a traditional 8-speed automatic, offering a familiar and robust feel for its $40,320 base price. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid captures attention with its cutting-edge efficiency, boasting a 33 combined MPG and a 30-mile all-electric range, though its MSRP starts significantly higher at $48,290. While the Highlander is dimensionally larger at 194.9 inches long, the Sorento PHEV counters with superior mileage, creating a clear division: raw, predictable power versus electrified versatility. The eight MPG gulf in efficiency separates these crossovers, forcing buyers to weigh the Highlander's higher torque (310 lb-ft vs. 258 lb-ft) against the Sorento's ability to run purely on electric power for significant daily commutes.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid wins for commuters due to its outstanding 33 combined MPG and 30 miles of electric range.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Toyota Highlander offers a more accommodating 16 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Highlander delivers more outright pulling power with 310 lb-ft of torque, which is substantially more than the Sorento's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander starts at a compelling $40,320 MSRP, representing a $7,970 savings over the Kia Sorento PHEV.

Choose the Toyota Highlander if...

You prioritize traditional gasoline responsiveness, benefiting from the 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
You need the slightly larger footprint and superior cargo area of 16 cu ft.
You are looking for the lower entry price point, starting at $40,320 MSRP.

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

Your daily driving needs can be covered by the 30 miles of pure electric range.
Maximizing fuel economy is paramount, leveraging the 33 combined MPG rating.
You prefer the security of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) paired with a hybrid powertrain.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Toyota Highlander	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	194.9"	189.6"
Width	76.0"	74.8"
Height	68.1"	66.9"
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓

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 shiftable 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)	22/29 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	25 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	393.8/519.1 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.9 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	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	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	39.4 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	40.3 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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	18 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P235/65R V	235/55R19
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	19 x 7.5 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.	—
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the main driving dynamics difference between the two models?

The 2025 Highlander feels punchier thanks to its higher torque output (310 lb-ft) and conventional 8-speed transmission, offering immediate responsiveness. The 2026 Sorento PHEV is quieter during low-speed operation due to its electric drive but utilizes a 6-speed automatic that might feel less assertive when the gasoline engine engages.

How significant is the price gap between the Highlander and the Sorento PHEV?

There is a substantial $7,970 difference in the starting MSRP; the Highlander begins at $40,320 while the Sorento PHEV lists for $48,290. This must be weighed against the Sorento's fuel savings.

Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for long highway trips?

The 2026 Sorento PHEV maintains a strong advantage even when running on gas, achieving 34 MPG highway compared to the Highlander's 29 MPG highway, an 8 MPG difference overall.

Is the 2025 Highlander noticeably larger than the 2026 Sorento PHEV?

Yes, the Highlander is longer by over five inches (194.9 inches vs. 189.6 inches) and slightly wider and taller. This results in more usable interior space, particularly the 16 cu ft of cargo room versus the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

Do both vehicles use the same type of fuel?

Both the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, which is a benefit for ease of refueling when the battery charge is depleted.

Which crossover provides superior traction in poor weather conditions?

The 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), giving it an advantage in slippery conditions over the front-wheel-drive (FWD) standard setup of the 2025 Toyota Highlander.