Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim reaching $61,800 in Canada. It featured minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The design was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and a lack of subtlety both inside and out. The interior was criticized for its mismatched textures, reflections, and a lack of quality in primary controls and storage areas. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid was noted for its quiet ride on the road.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento received its first major visual update since 2021, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. It featured a new front end with a big grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving it a more intimidating presence. The interior was updated with a cleaner dashboard and combined gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were improved, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching adding a touch of luxury. The Sorento was praised for its solid assembly and upscale feel.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It featured standard AWD and offered a Predictive Efficient Drive system to maximize fuel efficiency, though it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid was noted for its soft suspension, making it suitable for city and suburban driving, but it lacked engaging driving dynamics and high-speed passing power.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing 281 horsepower. The turbocharged engine provided lively performance with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The Sorento featured AWD as standard in Canada, with varying ground clearance depending on the trim. It handled confidently on the road, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim offered improved off-road capability with all-terrain tires and a higher towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid could accommodate seven or eight passengers, though the third-row seat was best for occasional use. It featured standard three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with additional comfort features in higher trims. The interior offered power-adjustable front seats and second-row captain’s chairs, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access. Cargo space was generous with the third row folded, offering up to 2,387 litres.

The 2024 Kia Sorento provided comfortable seating in the first two rows, with 1,052 millimetres of front legroom and 1,060 mm in the second row. The third row was tighter, with 752 mm of legroom, but it was more spacious than some competitors. The Sorento offered practical storage solutions and a logical layout of controls. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided up to 1,274 litres, and with all seats down, up to 2,139 litres.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a new 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim included a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a JBL sound system. The system was user-friendly, though the graphics could be improved for better visibility.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen across all trims. The new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit software prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all rows and a Bose 12-speaker audio system in higher trims. Digital Key 2.0 was available on top trims, allowing smartphone access to the vehicle.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. It included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured an extensive suite of standard and optional safety systems, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Advanced options included Highway Driving Assist 2 with automated lane changes. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in several IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable."