VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
265hp @ 6000
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
310lb-ft @ 1700
Towing
3500lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
2.4 L/146cc
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Toyota Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $38,290 for the Sorento and $47,640 for the Highlander. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
2.4 L/146cc
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
197.4in
Width (in)
74.8in
76in
Height (in)
66.7in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3979lbs
4420lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
5000lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($38,290)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Highlander
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sorento or Highlander?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Highlander?
The Sorento starts from $38,290 and the Highlander from $47,640. The Sorento is cheaper by $9,350 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Highlander?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Highlander?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.