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| Specification | Kia Sorento | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | About $32,390 | About $40,000 |
| Seating | Up to 7 | 7 to 8 |
| Base engine | 2.5L I4 / 2.5L turbo (281 hp) | 2.4L turbo (265 hp) / hybrid |
| Hybrid | Yes (hybrid + plug-in) | Yes (hybrid, no plug-in) |
| Drivetrain | FWD standard, AWD available | FWD standard, AWD available |
| Max towing | Up to 3,500 lbs (4,500 on X-Pro) | Up to 5,000 lbs (gas, properly equipped) |
| Basic warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 yr / 100,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Assembly | West Point, Georgia | Princeton, Indiana (USA) |
| Specification | Kia Sorento | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. News value (2026) | Best Midsize Three-Row SUV for the Money | Not the class winner |
| Powertrain choice | Gas, hybrid, and plug-in | Gas and hybrid (no plug-in) |
| Starting MSRP | About $32,390 | About $40,000 |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
Price is the Sorento’s biggest edge here, starting around $32,390 versus about $40,000 for the Highlander, a difference of several thousand dollars before options. At ALM Kia South, a new Sorento also adds ALM VIP Club benefits and, on qualifying new vehicles, our Included Lifetime Warranty.
The Sorento offers a 281-horsepower turbo, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, while the Highlander pairs a 265-horsepower turbo with a hybrid but no plug-in. If you want the most powertrain choice, including the option to plug in, the Sorento has it; if you value Toyota’s hybrid track record, the Highlander delivers.
The Highlander is a touch roomier in the third row and tows more, rated up to 5,000 pounds properly equipped versus 3,500 for the Sorento (4,500 on the turbo X-Pro). If maximum towing or third-row space is the priority, the Highlander has an edge; for most families both are plenty capable.
The Sorento carries the longer warranty: 5-year / 60,000-mile basic and 10-year / 100,000-mile powertrain, versus the Highlander’s 3-year / 36,000-mile basic and 5-year / 60,000-mile powertrain. The Highlander counters with Toyota’s strong reliability and resale reputation, while the Sorento pairs a solid record with much longer coverage.
Choose the Highlander for a slightly roomier cabin, more towing, and Toyota’s reputation. Choose the Sorento for the much lower starting price, a plug-in hybrid option, the longer warranty, and the ownership perks at ALM Kia South. Browse our Sorento inventory or contact our team to compare them in person.
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