There are some truly outstanding choices in the mid-size crossover segment, and we believe the leading candidate is the new Kia Sorento. It has a very upscale interior and includes a long list of standard features. This is a three-row SUV that can seat as many as seven people. You might also be looking at another worthy competitor in the 2022 Toyota Highlander. So here at Liberty Kia in South Ramsey NJ we’ve prepared a comparison so you can see why we believe the Kia Sorento is the clear winner.
A comparison of performance
For 2022, the Kia Sorento has a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder gas engine under the hood that generates 191 horsepower. There's also a turbocharged version that is good for 281 horsepower. The Kia Sorento gives you front wheel-drive standard and all-wheel drive as an available option. In any case you'll get a smooth-shifting high-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Kia Sorento offers a plug-in hybrid while the Toyota Highlander does not. Go with that option and you’ll get an energetic 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The Toyota Highlander has a V6 engine in 2022 and a four-cylinder in 2023 but in both cases, the Toyota Highlander comes up short when it comes to fuel efficiency.
A comparison of fuel economy
The Kia Sorento pulls ahead of the Toyota Highlander when it comes to efficiency, giving you 24 MPG in the city with the base model compared to only 21 MPG in the city for the Toyota Highlander. That provides a very generous range of 425 miles in the city which is considerably more than the 376-mile range offered by the Toyota Highlander.
A comparison of maneuverability
It makes sense to look for a vehicle that can maneuver like a compact sedan, especially if you do a lot of driving on narrow city streets. Because the Kia Sorento’s frame is slightly smaller than the Highlander’s, it's easier to handle tight roads and fit into parking spaces. The Kia Sorento has a 2.3-foot tighter turning radius than the Toyota Highlander so it will serve you well on urban streets.
A comparison of advanced technology
This is a category where both the Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander treat you well. Both vehicles offer Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ along with wireless charging and heated front seats as standard equipment. In terms of safety, both will give you a lane departure warning system and lane keeping assist as standard features on higher trim levels. Rear parking assist is one more safety feature both mid-size SUVs have in common.
A comparison of interior comfort
This is another area where both the Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander acquit themselves well. The Kia Sorento offers second row captain’s chairs which would give you seating for six or you can go with the second row bench seat and get seating for seven. One advantage of the captain’s chairs is that they make it easier to reach the third row. The driver in the Kia Sorento gets the relaxing comfort of a 14-way power adjustable seat and two- way lumbar support.
A comparison of value for the money
The Kia Sorento has a base price that's thousands of dollars less than the Toyota Highlander. In addition, Kia gives you a much stronger warranty: The Toyota Highlander has a basic warranty of only three years or 36,000 miles while the Kia Sorento protects you for five years or 60,000 miles. Shop our new inventory to find the Kia Sorento you like most and schedule a test drive soon at Liberty Kia in South Ramsey NJ.
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