2026 Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander

The Kia Sorento brings bold, contemporary styling with sharp lighting signatures and sculpted body lines. Available X-Line trims add a more rugged character for drivers who want added visual presence. Its proportions feel athletic and refined without appearing oversized.

The Toyota Highlander maintains a clean and sophisticated look. Its exterior design leans toward traditional SUV styling with smooth contours and a wide stance. While both SUVs look modern, the Sorento's updated design language gives it a more distinctive and forward-thinking appearance.

Inside, both SUVs offer three rows of seating. The Sorento seats up to seven passengers and offers available second-row captain's chairs. Its cabin features include panoramic displays that combine digital instrumentation and infotainment into one cohesive visual layout. Premium materials and available ventilated front seats elevate comfort.

The Highlander can seat up to eight passengers, depending on configuration. Its interior focuses on comfort and usability, with a large touchscreen available and soft-touch materials throughout. While both interiors are comfortable and spacious, the Sorento's available dual-display setup creates a more modern and visually engaging environment.

The Kia Sorento gives you a real choice under the hood. Its standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower, offering steady, confident power for everyday driving. Step up to the available turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, and output jumps to 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, delivering noticeably stronger acceleration when merging or passing on the highway. An available 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission adds quick, smooth shifts that make the drive feel more refined and responsive. Available all-wheel drive with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control further enhances stability and control when road conditions change.

The Toyota Highlander features a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that provides solid performance and comes with standard all-wheel drive on gas models for added traction.

Both SUVs are capable in daily driving situations, but the Sorento stands out for offering distinct powertrain options and a higher available horsepower rating. That flexibility allows drivers to choose the level of performance that fits their lifestyle, whether that means efficient commuting or stronger, more confident highway acceleration.

The Kia Sorento brings a modern, driver-friendly tech experience that enhances every journey. Available 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays combine the digital gauge cluster and touchscreen into one seamless, curved surface that makes navigation, media, and vehicle information feel integrated and intuitive. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your favorite apps, music, and messages at your fingertips without the clutter of cords. The Kia Sorento also offers available Bose® premium audio for rich sound quality that turns every commute into a first-class ride. Kia Connect services add smart convenience features such as remote start, vehicle status alerts, and real-time information that help you stay connected with your SUV wherever you go.

In the Toyota Highlander, you'll find touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility plus available upgraded audio options. While both SUVs cover the essential connectivity features most drivers want, Sorento's available panoramic display layout and integrated digital experience feel more advanced and visually engaging, giving it an edge for anyone who likes tech that's both easy to use and enjoyable to interact with.