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 Grand Highlander is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Toyota Grand Highlander produces 265hp @ 6000. Pricing starts at $43,890 for the Sorento and $42,260 for the Grand 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
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
21 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
27 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
17.8gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
201.4in
Width (in)
74.8in
78.3in
Height (in)
66.7in
70.1in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
116.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4211lbs
4440lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Toyota Grand Highlander
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Grand Highlander
Practicality
Grand Highlander
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Toyota Grand Highlander
Lower starting price ($42,260)
Higher towing capacity (5000lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sorento or Grand Highlander?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Grand Highlander delivers 265hp @ 6000 and 310lb-ft @ 1700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Grand Highlander?
The Sorento starts from $43,890 and the Grand Highlander from $42,260. The Grand Highlander is cheaper by $1,630 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Grand Highlander?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Grand Highlander can tow 5000lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Grand 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.