VS
At a Glance
Power
191hp @ 6100
265hp @ 6000
Torque
181lb-ft @ 4000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Fuel
27 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
2000lbs
5000lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
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 191hp @ 6100 while the Toyota Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Sorento returns 27 mpg est. while the Highlander uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $35,090 for the Sorento and $45,570 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.
Specification
KIA SorentoS FWD 2026 - From $35,090
Toyota HighlanderXLE AWD (Natl) 2026 - From $45,570
Performance
Power Output (hp)
191hp @ 6100
265hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
181lb-ft @ 4000
310lb-ft @ 1700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.4 L/146ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
—
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
27 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23mpg
21 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
28 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
17.9gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
194.9in
Width (in)
74.8in
76in
Height (in)
66.7in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3898lbs
4376lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
2000lbs
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
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Highlander
Fuel Economy
Sorento
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Highlander
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Better fuel economy (27 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($35,090)
Few notable weaknesses
Toyota Highlander
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Highlander?
The Sorento gets 27 mpg est. and the Highlander gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Sorento is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or Highlander?
The Sorento produces 191hp @ 6100 and 181lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. The Highlander is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Highlander?
The Sorento starts from $35,090 and the Highlander from $45,570. The Sorento is cheaper by $10,480 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 2000lbs 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.