2025 Kia Sorento vs. 2025 Toyota Highlander Comparison

There are seemingly countless options out there for 3-row SUVs. A couple of midsize SUVs that are on the smaller side of this class include the Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander. The Sorento gets a facelift this year to keep it fresh, while the stalwart Highlander just last year was freshly imbued with a new turbocharged engine.

Let’s see how the refreshed Kia Sorento compares to the tried-and-true Toyota Highlander.

2025 Kia Sorento

Not quite small enough to be called a compact but not as big as many other midsize SUVs, the Kia Sorento is just right … the right size for a just-in-case third row. It’s ideally suited to haul smaller people on shorter trips and is nice to have when you need extra seats in a pinch.

The Sorento comes standard with a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, 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. The Sorento is basically unchanged for 2025 with the exception of the X-Line and X-Pro trims getting black badges.

A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are also available but not part of this comparison.

Kia Sorento Highlights

Exceptional warranty: Kia’s warranty coverage is as good as it gets. 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.

X-Line: The X-Line models in the Kia Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.

Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Sorento models.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.

2025 Toyota Highlander

The Toyota Highlander has been a popular entry in this segment for years, especially since it can carry eight passengers (the Kia Sorento can carry up to seven), depending on the trim level.

It’s powered by an efficient 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that puts out 265 hp. That’s more than enough power to handle one’s daily errands while allowing this SUV to boast a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined, which is better than most competitors in this segment. Those seeking even higher efficiency can look to the Highlander Hybrid.

With an open, comfortable interior and many technological upgrades, including the XSE trim now getting a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a Sport Mode startup screen, the Toyota Highlander remains a benchmark in the segment.

Toyota Highlander Highlights

All-wheel drive: The Highlander is available with two versions of all-wheel drive. In its higher trim levels, buyers can choose a Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that can manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels, as well as the front and back. It also provides additional inputs to improve driver response.

Plenty of ports If you’re going to cart seven or eight passengers around, you’ll need to connect several devices. The Highlander has you covered with five USB ports throughout the cabin and two 12-volt power outlets to power other items. Also, if a stop for a beverage is in order, no worries — this SUV has 14 cupholders.

Safety Sense: The brand’s Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard on all Highlander trims. It includes driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring also comes standard.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Highlander models near you.

Similarities

The Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander are practical, attractive people carriers with solid technology, which is important when you’ve got seven or eight people in your vehicle. They also deliver about the same combined mileage.

Pricing

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 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 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.

Conclusion

On the surface, it’s hard to ignore the Toyota Highlander’s standing in the segment. Toyota knows how to make this kind of vehicle, and they do it consistently well year after year. However, the Kia Sorento is significantly less expensive, particularly in the lower trim levels. And, you can’t argue with that outstanding Kia warranty. This is a situation where it’s critical to get behind the wheel and simulate your daily use of the SUV. However, at the end of the day, we think those constrained by budget considerations will be quite pleased with the Sorento. However, those not as confined to a budget will appreciate the somewhat more refined Toyota and the prospects of better value retention at trade-in time.