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Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander

At a Glance: Sorento vs. Highlander

When you’re on the search for a spacious and powerful set of wheels to be your partner all over Oxnard, Thousand Oak, or Simi Valley, CA, you’re probably deciding between two popular models: the Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander. Ultimately, though, which one is going to be the right choice for you?

Here at Kirby Kia, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way through your shopping journey, and we know that starts right here with the research process. To make that as simple as possible for our drivers, we’ve created this handy breakdown of the 2023 Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander.

Let’s see how these two rides stack up against one another!

See the Difference for Yourself

EFFICIENCY

Whether you’re heading into the city, driving during rush-hour traffic, or embarking on a long road trip with your friends, you’ll want to keep driving as long as possible before pulling over to add more fuel. Let’s look at how these models compare.

Fuel Efficiency

When you’re researching, it’s important to pay attention to MPG ratings because they’ll provide an idea of how often you’ll need to stop to refuel. Let’s glance at the fuel ratings of each of these roadsters:

EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy

2023 Kia Sorentovs.2023 Toyota Highlander
24 MPG*City22 MPG
29 MPG*Highway29 MPG
26 MPG*Combined25 MPG

While both models match up when it comes to highway ratings, in both the city and the combined categories, the Kia SUV pulls out on top.

Fuel Tanks

When it comes to how much gas your ride can hold, the Sorento and the Highlander match up once again. Both rides hold more than 17.5 gallons of fuel. When combined with the above MPG ratings, you’ll have a high range.

However, due to the Kia model’s higher city and combined MPG ratings, you won’t have to pull over at the gas station in the Sorento as often as you would in the Highlander.

SAFETY

When it comes to protecting you and your passengers, you’ll need a plethora of driver-assistance safety features designed to act as a second set of eyes on the road. Fortunately, both rides have what you’re looking for.

Safety Features

The Sorento and the Highlander are packed with baseline protection, and each one comes with the following standard safety systems:

  • Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist with Pedestrian and Vehicle       Detection
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Lane Following Assist
  • High Beam Assist

These features work together to help mitigate or avoid frontal collisions, travel on the highway with ease, stay securely in the center of your lane, and provide advanced visibility when parking, reversing, and traveling at night.

Pay Attention on the Road

Additionally, the 2023 Kia Sorento comes standard with Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. This feature keeps an eye out for drowsy or distracted driving to help you stay more alert. It also lets you know if the car ahead has moved forward when you haven’t yet made a move.

Unfortunately, the Toyota Highlander doesn’t have a comparable system to offer.

INTERIOR

3rd-Row Measurements

With three rows of seating in both the 2023 Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander, everyone will be able to come along for the ride. However, passengers in the third row may prefer the Sorento thanks to the extra space it provides:

Kia Sorento

  • 3rd-Row Headroom: 36.8 inches
  • 3rd-Row Legroom: 29.6 inches

Toyota Highlander

  • 3rd-Row Headroom: 36.1 inches
  • 3rd-Row Legroom: 28 inches

The extra inches the Sorento provides to passengers in the rear row will ensure everyone can stretch out comfortably, no matter the length of the trek.

Versatility

Let’s talk about your comfort as the driver. Both models come with available heated front seats and automatic climate control systems , but which one has more adjustability? In the Toyota, you’ll find an available 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support. While impressive, it falls behind the Kia.

In fact, the Kia Sorento offers a 14-way power adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar support and 2-way thigh extension. This seat will provide more versatility to find the best position for you.

The Verdict

Now that you know a bit more about these two models, it’s clear they’re both decent choices for your commutes around Oxnard, Thousand Oak, or Simi Valley, CA. Ultimately, however, the Sorento outperforms the Highlander in crucial categories like fuel efficiency, comfort and versatility, and driver-assist safety features.

Here at Kirby Kia, we’re dedicated to providing a fun and informative shopping experience. You can find the perfect Kia SUV for your lifestyle. For more information or to schedule your next test drive, give us a call or stop by today!

All of the tools you need to move forward with experiencing a new 2023 Sorento for yourself are conveniently available right here online.

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Explore our extensive new inventory, receive an estimate on your trade-in, apply for credit or contact us to schedule your in-person test drive using the quick links here.

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*EPA fuel economy estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and your vehicle's condition.