Kia Sorento vs Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in Canada, offered a range of trims including LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro. The base LX model was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine. A new paint colour, Panthera Grey, was introduced, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims featured black badges. The X-Pro trim, priced at $55,706, included exclusive design elements like unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced towing capacity. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro did not significantly improve off-road capabilities compared to the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro featured an Olive Brown interior with a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and a 24-inch panoramic display, offering a mix of luxury and practicality.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, was available with a standard turbocharged gas engine, a hybrid powertrain, and a powerful Hybrid Max configuration. The Hybrid Max, with 362 horsepower and full-time AWD, was the focus of this review. The Grand Highlander’s design drew inspiration from the RAV4, resulting in a larger version with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The interior emphasized functionality, with a layer of luxury in the Platinum trim. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Platinum Hybrid Max, priced at $69,060, offered a comfortable ride and secure handling, although it felt large on narrow roads.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was powered by a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, achieving an estimated 9.4 L/100 km in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, standard in other trims, delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offered a more satisfying driving experience with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 L/100 km. The Sorento X-Pro, with its all-terrain tires and AWD system, provided a comfortable ride and impressive handling, making it suitable for both city and off-road driving.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max, with its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, produced 362 horsepower. This powertrain, combined with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, offered a balance of performance and efficiency. The Hybrid Max achieved a fuel economy rating of 8.8 L/100 km, with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. During testing, it averaged 9.1 L/100 km on a mixed driving route. The Grand Highlander’s acceleration was smooth, and its ride quality was soft and isolating. However, its handling was secure only up to a point, with early tire squeal and understeer when pushed hard.

The 2025 Kia Sorento provided ample space for a family of four, with roomy first and second rows. The third-row seat was suitable for short trips if the second-row passengers slid forward. The Sorento X-Pro featured heated and ventilated front seats with power adjustments, while the second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with 357 litres available behind the third row, expanding to 1,090 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered comfortable seating in all three rows and a maximum cargo space of over 2,700 litres. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain’s chairs provided easy access to the third row, which was comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 586 litres, expanding to 1,640 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,761 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the native voice assistant required a Kia Connect subscription. The Sorento also included a digital rearview mirror and an excellent surround-view camera system, enhancing parking and visibility.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, in XLE trim, had a 7-inch digital driver display with analog gauges, while the Limited and Platinum trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to music accounts. The system was user-friendly, but the font was hard to read. The Platinum trim offered a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2025 Kia Sorento came with a range of standard safety features, with more advanced technologies available in higher trims. The X-Line Limited and X-Pro trims included active collision avoidance features, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and an enhanced Highway Driving Assist system. The Sorento received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for 2024.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features. Proactive Driving Assist was standard, but it was found to be irritating in some situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but did not achieve a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to headlight performance and frontal-impact protection.