There are seemingly countless options out there for 3-row SUVs. A couple of midsize SUVs that are on the smaller side of this class include the 2024 Kia Sorento and 2024 Toyota Highlander. The Sorento gets a facelift this year to keep it fresh, while the stalwart Highlander just last year was freshly imbued with a new turbocharged engine.
Let’s see how the refreshed Kia Sorento compares to the tried-and-true Toyota Highlander.
2024 Kia Sorento
Not quite small enough to be called a compact but not as big as many other midsize SUVs, the 2024 Kia Sorento is just right … the right size for a just-in-case third row. It’s ideally suited to haul smaller people on shorter trips and is nice to have when you need extra seats in a pinch.
The Sorento comes standard with a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, or you can opt for a more potent 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that pushes output to 281 hp. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional with either engine.
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are also available but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including destination charges.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Exceptional warranty: Kia’s warranty coverage is as good as it gets. The Kia Sorento is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This beats Toyota’s warranty by a significant margin.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Kia Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.
Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Sorento models.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2024 Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander has been a popular entry in this segment for years, especially since it can carry eight passengers (the Kia Sorento can carry up to seven), depending on the trim level.
One of last year’s changes includes a more efficient 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that puts out 265 hp. That’s more than enough power to handle one’s daily errands while allowing this SUV to boast a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg combined, which is better than most competitors in this segment. Those seeking even higher efficiency can look to the Highlander Hybrid.
With an open, comfortable interior and many technological upgrades, the Toyota Highlander remains a benchmark in the segment. Pricing starts at $40,665, including the destination fees.
Toyota Highlander Highlights
All-wheel drive: The Highlander is available with two versions of all-wheel drive. In its higher trim levels, buyers can choose a Dynamic Torque Vectoring system that can manage torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels, as well as the front and back. It also provides additional inputs to improve driver response.
Plenty of ports If you’re going to cart seven or eight passengers around, you’ll need to connect several devices. The Highlander has you covered with five USB ports throughout the cabin and two 12-volt power outlets to power other items. Also, if a stop for a beverage is in order, no worries—this SUV has 14 cupholders.
Safety Sense: The brand’s Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard on all Highlander trims. It includes driving aids like adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, and road sign assist. Blind-spot monitoring also comes standard.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Highlander models near you.
Similarities
The 2024 Kia Sorento and 2024 Toyota Highlander are practical, attractive people carriers with good technology, which is important when you’ve got seven or eight people in your vehicle.
Conclusion
On the surface, it’s hard to ignore the Toyota Highlander’s standing in the segment. Toyota knows how to make this kind of vehicle, and they do it consistently well year after year. However, the Kia Sorento is significantly less expensive in the lower trim levels. The prices get very close at the top end of the range. This is a situation where it’s critical to get behind the wheel and simulate your daily use of the SUV. The more affordable Kia Sorento provides more bang for the buck, but the well-earned reputation of the Toyota Highlander has real value, too.
| 2024 Kia Sorento | 2024 Toyota Highlander | |
| Starting Price | $33,365 | $40,665 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 265 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 22 city/29 highway/25 combined |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo; AWD; Hybrid; PHEV | AWD; 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 8 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 112.2 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 194.9 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | 36.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 42.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | 28.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 59.0 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 58.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | 55.0 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 38.5 cubic feet | 48.4 cubic feet |
