Toyota Land Cruiser vs Kia Sorento Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of the current form, offered a nostalgic nod to its heritage with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was available in four colors, with Midnight Black being the standout choice, complemented by bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof storage basket. The standard Land Cruiser, however, arrived in Magnetic Gray with Terra semi-aniline premium leather upholstery. Its exterior design, reminiscent of a first-generation Toyota Highlander, featured oversized headlights and taillights, with chrome accents adding a touch of flair to its otherwise basic two-box shape. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed Toyota parts-bin switchgear with Lexus design themes, offering plush, high-quality materials and a traditional hand-operated parking brake. The overall experience was akin to a journey back in time, capturing a bygone era of SUV design.

In contrast, the 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid presented a modern and cohesive design, borrowing elements from other Kia models while maintaining a distinct identity. Available in two trims, S and EX, the Sorento Hybrid featured LED headlights, body-color mirrors, and Satin Chrome accents. The EX trim added fog lamps, a gloss black grille, and a panoramic sunroof. Riding on 17-inch alloy wheels, the Sorento Hybrid stood out for its attractive design. Inside, it offered a well-executed interior with leatherette seat trim, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and dual-zone climate controls. The Sorento Hybrid's interior was a blend of hard and soft-touch surfaces, with dark silver plastic trim adding a touch of style. Despite some distractions from sunlight reflections, the Sorento Hybrid's interior was functional and appealing.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra. This engine delivered a quiet yet powerful performance, with 401 pound-feet of torque available at just 2,200 rpm. The Land Cruiser's eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel-drive system, featuring a Torsen limited-slip differential, provided impressive off-road capabilities. With features like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, the Land Cruiser excelled in challenging terrains. On the road, it offered a refined driving experience, though its nearly 3-ton weight required some effort when maneuvering. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was rated at 8,100 pounds, making it a formidable choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency with its turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 177 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Available only in front-wheel drive, the Sorento Hybrid offered drive modes like Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Smart. While Eco mode provided a seamless driving experience, Sport and Smart modes resulted in a noisier powertrain. The Sorento Hybrid excelled in fuel economy, achieving 39 mpg in the city and 37 mpg combined, outperforming competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Its steering was well-calibrated, making it easy to maneuver and park. Overall, the Sorento Hybrid was designed for efficiency rather than speed, offering a practical choice for eco-conscious drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with plush leather upholstery and heated, ventilated front seats. The SUV featured a four-zone automatic climate control system with 28 air vents, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The second-row bench seat was roomy and heated, while the third-row seat accommodated adults with some compromise on leg support. Cargo space was limited to 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 82.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split clamshell-style liftgate provided easy access to the cargo area, making it practical for outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a well-thought-out interior with split-level dashboard vents for precise climate control. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy operation. The Sorento Hybrid's seats were comfortable, though the passenger seat lacked power adjustments. The third-row seating was less spacious, with limited legroom compared to competitors. Cargo space was adequate for everyday needs, with the option to fold rear seats for additional room. The Sorento Hybrid EX featured a power liftgate, enhancing convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Entune technology. While functional, it lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system relied on tap commands and offered basic voice recognition. The dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was dated, supporting DVDs and game systems via HDMI connections. A 14-speaker JBL Synthesis audio system provided good sound quality, though it fell short of high-end audio systems in other SUVs.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, offering a responsive and user-friendly experience. Standard features included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The Sorento Hybrid also offered USB ports, push-button start, and a rearview camera. Buyers could opt for a wireless phone charger for added convenience. The infotainment system was straightforward, providing essential features without unnecessary complexity.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. However, the Land Cruiser lacked advanced driving assistance systems like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, leaving its safety performance uncertain.

The 2021 Kia Sorento Hybrid offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including rear occupant alert, blind-spot collision avoidance, and adaptive cruise control. The Sorento Hybrid EX added advanced features like junction collision avoidance assist. While the lane-keeping system needed improvement, the Sorento Hybrid's safety technology was generally effective. Although not crash-tested by the IIHS, the similar 2021 Kia Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating, indicating strong safety performance.