2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared many design elements with the Tundra pickup. Both vehicles featured hexagonal grilles, bold wheel arches, pronounced fender creases, and muscular stances. However, the Sequoia's appearance could dramatically shift with different exterior color choices. Our test model was the top-trim Capstone, presented in Celestial Silver, which gave it a slightly dated "cop car" look. In contrast, bolder colors like Solar Octane orange and the trendy Lunar Rock gray transformed its appearance to one more reminiscent of a sturdy "Tonka truck," adding a playful yet robust character.

Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles of the era. The dashboard had a blocky, geometric design, featuring physical dials and buttons for essential functions like volume and climate control. The center console design included a shallow covered compartment, padded armrests, and a spacious cubby beneath. Our Capstone version boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery exclusive to this trim. As you moved up the trim ladder from the base SR5, which came with fabric seats, to the top trims, the seating improved significantly in terms of material quality. All Sequoia models featured power-adjustable front seats and a standard power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with higher trims offering a panoramic version.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia Sorento debuted its first major visual update since 2021. It adopted design cues from the popular Telluride and the EV9, presenting a more cohesive family look across Kia’s SUV lineup. The Sorento received a butch new front end with vertically-stacked LED projector-beam headlights and wing-like amber LED daytime running lights. The front's reworked design gave the Sorento a bigger and more intimidating presence. Subtle yet effective updates to the rear included higher trims getting new LED taillights and refreshed bumpers, along with new wheel designs across most versions.

The Sorento’s trims stayed familiar: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX-Prestige. Notably, the rugged-looking X-Line package was now available only on EX and higher models, with the SX-Prestige also offering a new X-Pro trim. The X-Pro had a similar look to the X-Line but with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires, making it visually robust and practical for light off-roading.

Inside, the Sorento’s cabin featured a new dashboard design reminiscent of the EV9, presenting a clean and horizontally expansive look. Lower trims boasted a gauge cluster integrated into a single pane of glass, while the higher trims came with twin 12.3-inch displays for gauges and infotainment. Though entry trims didn’t have all the posh elements, the upgraded materials and faux open-pore wood grain on models like the X-Line and X-Pro provided a sense of luxury. Optional green and brown interior colors added character, making the Sorento’s cabin feel upscale and solidly assembled compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer or Honda Passport.

For 2024, the Toyota Sequoia transitioned exclusively to a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering a powerful output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This marked a significant improvement from its V8 predecessor, providing not only increased power but also a more pleasant engine note. Fuel economy improved dramatically, with the Sequoia rated at 20 mpg combined for the 4WD variant, compared to the previous model’s 14 mpg.

The TRD Pro trim of the Sequoia was particularly equipped for off-road adventures, featuring exclusive 4WD with a part-time system and a skid plate. Other trims offered a choice between RWD and 4WD, with an additional cost for the latter. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. The on-road handling, while adequate, was typical for the class. For a balance of adventure readiness without heavy-duty off-roading demands, the TRD Off-Road package was available on SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims. It added all-terrain tires, a skid plate, Bilstein shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential, along with driver-assist features like Crawl Control and hill-descent control.

The Sequoia’s maximum towing capacity reached an impressive 9,520 pounds, up from 7,400 in previous versions, especially beneficial for towing enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento offered a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque on the base LX and S trims. However, this engine felt underwhelming, given the Sorento’s weight, resulting in sluggish performance with nearly 10 seconds to reach 60 mph. Higher trims like the EX and above featured a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a more robust performance, with zero-to-60 times around mid-seven seconds. Though the turbo engine could get noisy under hard acceleration, it offered satisfactory passing power and lively acceleration.

Front-wheel drive was standard across Sorento models, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The AWD setup included the X-Line trim package for EX and SX models, adding aggressive styling and increased ground clearance, enhancing usability without compromising road manners. The Sorento X-Pro trim, specifically designed for off-road, swapped larger wheels for smaller 17-inch rims with all-terrain tires, improving ride quality and traction on loose surfaces. The X-Pro also offered improved engine cooling, resulting in a towing capacity of 4,500 pounds compared to the X-Line’s 3,500 pounds and the standard Sorento’s 2,000 pounds.

Driving the Sorento felt nimble and confident, with precise steering, effective brakes, and a smooth ride. Despite its size, it handled corners well, providing a comfortable and controlled driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia, especially in the Capstone trim, boasted automatic power-deploying running boards, enhancing accessibility though requiring some adjustment to avoid shin bumps. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum cargo capacity of 86.9 cubic feet with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, the space measured 49 cubic feet, and behind the third row, it ranged between 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet, depending on the slider position of the third-row seats.

Accessing the third row was easy, but the seats did not fold flat, as they were positioned above the hybrid powertrain’s battery pack. This positioning reduced headroom and compromised comfort for taller passengers, especially in the third row where legroom was between 28.1 to 33.7 inches. The second row offered 39.2 inches of legroom, and the front row provided 41.2 inches, slightly trailing competitors in the large SUV segment.

For higher trims, the second-row bench seat was replaced by captain’s chairs, which, while wide, lacked bolstering to keep passengers securely in place during turns. Over time, the Sequoia’s cargo and seating configurations proved somewhat less practical compared to rivals due to these design choices.

On the other hand, the 2024 Kia Sorento excelled in maximizing its interior space within a smaller footprint. The cabin remained comfortable for the first two rows, though the third row was tight with only 29.6 inches of legroom. This was comparable to and even better than some larger vehicles in its class, making it suitable for occasional use by children.

The Sorento offered 41.4 inches of front-seat legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, accommodating more space than most two-row SUVs of similar size. The optional captain’s chairs in the second row allowed for easy movement and provided a closer eye on passengers in the third row. The cargo space in the Sorento was compromised when the third row was in use, offering 12.6 cubic feet. However, with the third row folded down, the space increased to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, and with all seats down, up to 72.1 cubic feet—more versatile than the Sequoia in practical use for its size category.

For technology, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia excelled with its impressive features. Our Capstone trim model was packed with advanced technology, starting with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims like the SR5 had to make do with an 8-inch touchscreen, but all other trims featured an expansive 14-inch center touchscreen. Toyota’s Audio Multimedia infotainment system might have lacked aesthetic flair, but its user-friendly interface made everyday use seamless.

Sequoia’s driver-information display was a full-color 12.3-inch setup, standard across all trims, ensuring all drivers enjoyed attractive and legible graphics. The Panoramic View monitor and optional 10-inch color head-up display were excellent features, particularly useful for a vehicle of the Sequoia’s size. The higher trims such as Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone also came with a powerful 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Kia Sorento made significant strides in technological sophistication. Inspired by higher-end models, the Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All trims now came with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, replacing the former 8-inch and 10.3-inch options. The new infotainment software, termed “Connected Car Navigation Cockpit” (CCnC), was redesigned for easier use, emphasizing the most frequently utilized features.

The Sorento’s navigation system was standard on all trims except the base LX, and voice command functionality, while not perfect, was part of the new system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensured seamless smartphone integration, and over-the-air updates promised long-term relevance for the infotainment system. USB-C outlets were abundant, and certain trims featured a high-quality Bose 12-speaker surround sound system. Additionally, the Digital Key 2.0 feature available on higher trims allowed for keyless entry and vehicle operation using smartphones or smart cards, adding convenience and futuristic appeal.

Toyota ensured robust safety features across the 2024 Sequoia lineup through its standard Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite, which included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Standard front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert provided additional safety for everyday driving. The Trailer Merge Warning system added vital functionality for towing scenarios. The only optional safety features were bundled in the Tow Technology Package, further enhancing trailer maneuvering safety.

The 2024 Sequoia had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but its mechanical cousin, the Toyota Tundra, achieved a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS, suggesting a high level of safety.

Kia’s 2024 Sorento came with the extensive Drivewise suite of safety features, which offered even more comprehensive protection than before. Standard features included adaptive cruise control with stop and go, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection assistance, lane-following and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert with emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and safe exit warnings. The system added navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist, and on higher trims, Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes.

The Sorento also offered optional features such as surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror (on the SX-Prestige only), enhancing driver awareness in various scenarios. Although the 2024 Sorento had not yet been fully evaluated by the IIHS or NHTSA, it had shown strong safety performance in previous tests, ensuring confidence in its safety credentials for buyers.