Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander

The 2022 Kia Sorento, especially in the X-Line trim, emphasized a bold and somewhat rugged aesthetic that balanced style with functional elements like matte-finish wheels and a lifted suspension. The inclusion of black lower body cladding and robust roof rails not only enhanced its appearance but also suggested a readiness for adventurous pursuits, though it preserved a clean and modern look synonymous with urban appeal. Interior-wise, from leather upholstery to well-crafted dashboard design, the Sorento projected a premium environment that radiated thoughtful layout and high-quality construction without compromising on utility and space.

Conversely, the 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a more contemporary design with its aggressive front-end and aerodynamically friendly silhouette that cleverly disguised its voluminous interior. It maintained an edge with flared fenders and a distinctive kick-up in the third-row windows. The interior, particularly in the XSE trim, was a striking divergence from conventional expectations—bold red leather juxtaposed with a reserved navy blue exterior hinted at a luxury-sport blend. The overall design of the Highlander managed to project both size and sleekness, making it appear less bulky than one might expect for such a spacious vehicle.

Equipped with a standard 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter engine, the Sorento seemed somewhat underwhelming compared to its alternatives, which included a more robust turbocharged option producing 281 horsepower, proving especially satisfying in comparison to the larger Kia Telluride's V6 on the torque front. The Sorento’s elevated ground clearance and torque-vectoring all-wheel drive augmented its agility, making it sportier in drive than expected, despite its raised suspension design mainly adding aesthetic value rather than enhanced rugged capabilities.

On the other hand, the Highlander’s 3.5-liter V6, delivering 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, harmonized power and performance, making it especially capable during highway driving and overtaking maneuvers. Although the Highlander had subtle sporty aspirations, it did not forsake comfort, offering well-weighted and composed handling that reassured across different driving scenarios.

The Sorento’s interior was plush and luxurious, especially in the SX Prestige trim, where both front and second-row passengers enjoyed ample amenities like heated seats and considerable power adjustments. The Sorento, however, fell short in third-row comfort, suggesting the space was more suitable for children or very short journeys. With 75.5 cubic feet available when both rear rows were folded, its cargo capacity was less than the Highlander but still respectable.

The Highlander excelled in practical utility, providing up to 84.3 cubic feet of storage with seats down and maintaining a practical layout that supported passenger comfort even in the third row, albeit minimal compared to the second-row captain’s chairs. The clever arrangement of storage compartments and the ease of altering seat configurations highlighted Toyota’s attention to daily utility and user-friendliness.

For technology, the Sorento boasted a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a comprehensive suite including navigation and satellite radio in all but its base variant, which stuck with an 8-inch display. Despite a sound system limited to higher trims, advanced connectivity, and driver-assistance features, the system suggested a strong technological proposition but lacked wireless capabilities which some users might find limiting.

The Highlander’s infotainment system, though less expansive at 8 inches in standard form, supported essential applications like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto efficiently and was complemented by user-friendly physical controls. The option for a larger 12.3-inch display and enhanced audio options in higher trims, combined with the inclusion of standardized connectivity features across the range, offered a balanced tech profile that catered effectively to family and tech-savvy drivers alike.

Kia’s Sorento was commendably equipped with Drive Wise, offering a robust array of safety features that scaled with higher trims, topping out with advanced assists like Junction Assist and a Blind View Monitor. Despite a somewhat mixed bag in crash-test ratings, its overall safety proposition was strengthened by innovative monitoring systems and semi-autonomous capabilities.

Toyota’s Safety Sense in the Highlander presented a comprehensive safety suite standard across the lineup. Enhanced safety options available in upper trims, including the surround-view monitor and adaptive headlights, provided added reassurance. The integration of active lane management systems, although aggressive, underlined Toyota’s commitment to safety across driving conditions.