Choosing from the multitude of 3-row midsize SUVs can be daunting. The Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander are two familiar standouts in this class. Although they’re both practical and sensible family SUVs, each has its own set of strengths that discerning shoppers should know about. Let’s take a closer look at these SUVs and see which is better for you.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento is a pragmatic midsize SUV that is a good fit for the average-sized family. The third row is there for the kids’ friends to go on an outing, or you can fold it down for extra cargo space.
The Sorento comes standard with a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that delivers an EPA-reported 26 mpg combined with front-wheel drive (FWD), or you can opt for a more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 281 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional with either engine.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Exceptional warranty: Kia’s warranty coverage still can’t be beat. The Kia Sorento is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This beats Toyota’s warranty by a significant margin.
Safety: Along with a superb vehicle warranty, the Kia Sorento offers a collection of safety features, referred to as Drive Wise. These include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, driver attention warning, and more.
Trim options: There are seven (7) trim levels, with a variety of configurations. EX-trim and up offer the Smart Power Tailgate, making it easy to open the hatch while your hands are full. The X-Line provides an extra inch of ground clearance and a rugged appearance package.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander is well recognized as a roomy, family-friendly SUV. It comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that will smoothly transition from the driveway to the highway. Standard all-wheel drive (AWD) is a nice new perk for 2026, but the affordable LE trim was discontinued.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
Equipment: The 2026 Toyota Highlander comes with all-wheel drive as standard in all trim levels, as well as a hands-free power liftgate, which frees up your hands to hold that load of groceries, or that baby and stroller.
Cupholders: Yes, you read that right. The Highlander has 14 cupholders, enough for two drinks per passenger. Families know that you can never have too many cupholders.
Cargo capacity: Who doesn’t need space for those road trips to the grandparents? Toss in the stroller and suitcases, and with 16 cubic feet behind the third row, or 48.4 when folded, there is plenty of room.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Highlander models near you.
Similarities
Whether you prefer the Kia Sorento or the Toyota Highlander, both vehicles can get your family or friends around town or on a road trip. These midsize SUVs offer plenty of seating and storage, with similar combined miles per gallon (MPG).
Pricing
New 2026 Kia Sorento Prices
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Retail Price
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Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,635 |
TBD |
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$36,535 |
TBD |
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$39,735 |
TBD |
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$43,535 |
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$44,035 |
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$45,335 |
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$48,035 |
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$49,035 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2026 Toyota Highlander vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2026 Kia Sorento | 2026 Toyota Highlander | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 5,000 pounds |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | automatic, 8-speed |
| Fuel Economy | N/A | N/A |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 59.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 12.6 feet | 16.0 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.0 feet | 48.4 feet |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.5 feet | 84.3 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Toyota Highlander has a longer reputation and greater cargo capacity, but it’s not a clear-cut winner over the Sorento. On the contrary, the Kia Sorento boasts class-leading warranty coverage and a significantly lower starting price, bolstering its value proposition. We recommend you take both for a test drive to see which one best fits your lifestyle and budget.
