Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was available starting at $41,995, including the destination charge, for the base LE trim with front-wheel drive. Buyers could upgrade to higher trims like XLE, Bronze Edition, Limited, and Platinum, with all-wheel drive as an optional feature. The test vehicle was a top-tier Platinum trim with AWD, priced at $54,718. The 2023 model saw minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint option and standard power-folding mirrors on Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was criticized for being overly styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior, while quiet on the road, was noted for its lack of quality, with controls and materials feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since its 2021 debut, aligning more closely with Kia's other SUVs like the Telluride. The Sorento featured a bold new front end, updated taillights, and a more upscale cockpit. The exterior boasted a large grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and new wheel designs. Inside, the Sorento's dashboard was redesigned for a cleaner look, with combined gauge and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were improved, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on higher trims. The Sorento offered a solidly assembled and upscale feel, with optional interior colors adding character.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The AWD version included a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite its hybrid setup, the Highlander Hybrid struggled with high-speed passing due to the gas engine's limited torque of 175 pound-feet. It was capable of towing 3,500 pounds, but the lack of power made this a questionable endeavor. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with an additional Trail mode for AWD models. However, its 8.0 inches of ground clearance and electric AWD were best suited for winter weather traction rather than off-road adventures. The Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but the test vehicle fell short of its EPA-rated 35 mpg, achieving only 28.7 mpg. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lackluster ride.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, which struggled with the Sorento's weight. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine producing 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup offered better acceleration and passing power, with zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento's AWD option added 1.2 inches of ground clearance, enhancing usability without compromising on-road behavior. The Sorento handled confidently, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, with its all-terrain tires, excelled in off-road conditions and offered a 4,500-pound towing capacity. While the gas-powered Sorento's fuel economy was average, the hybrid and PHEV versions provided better mileage.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was designed to accommodate seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Most models featured second-row captain's chairs, making the third row best suited for occasional use. The interior offered three-zone automatic climate control, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs in the test vehicle. The front seats were large and supportive, though additional thigh support was desired. The second-row seats provided comfort and flexibility, with sunshades for added convenience. However, accessing the third row was challenging, and the seats were uncomfortable for adults. The Highlander Hybrid offered 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded. The interior storage design was criticized for being unnecessarily complex and lacking lining.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was modern and comfortable, with ample space in the first two rows. The Sorento offered 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, surpassing many two-row SUVs. The third row, with 29.6 inches of legroom, was tighter but comparable to larger vehicles like the Toyota Highlander. The Sorento's third row was suitable for occasional use, particularly for children. The optional captain's chairs in the second row allowed for easy access to the third row. The Sorento's dashboard was ergonomic, with logical controls and ample storage space. Cargo space was limited to 12.6 cubic feet with the third row in use, expanding to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. Higher trims featured a power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, with upper trims featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display. However, the controls for the screen were not intuitive. The infotainment system included an 8.0-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 12.3-inch display on higher trims, with features like over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Connected service plans offered Wi-Fi connectivity and remote access features. The Drive Connect service plan provided advanced navigation and voice recognition capabilities. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system, which delivered decent sound quality.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, with higher trims adding a second 12.3-inch digital display. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Navigation was standard on most trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now available across the lineup. The system supported over-the-air updates and included USB-C outlets in all rows. Higher trims featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and sharing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. This included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Hybrids also featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, though it occasionally struggled with lane markings and rural roads. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured the Drivewise suite of active safety features, with more standard and optional systems than before. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's adaptive cruise control systems were enhanced with machine-learning capabilities. Available options included surround-view cameras and a rear-view camera mirror. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable." NHTSA ratings were not yet available for the 2024 model.