2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander

When you’re shopping for your next family vehicle to take on Columbus roads, you’re likely going to come across the 2021 Kia Sorento and the 2021 Toyota Highlander. While both the Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander are popular options for many Hilliard drivers, how do they stack up against each other? Today at Celebration Kia Dublin, we’re going to go over the Toyota Kia SUV comparison and see which one comes out on top. You can also research other Kia models to help you with your car-buying decision!

Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander: Starting Price

One of the most important factors, when you’re deciding on your next family vehicle, is the price. If you find the perfect vehicle that fits all your needs except for the budget, then what’s the point if it’s going to break the bank? Let’s explore the mid-size SUV comparison price for the Kia Sorento and Toyota Highlander:

• 2021 Kia Sorento Starting Price: $29,390 MSRP

• 2021 Toyota Highlander Starting Price: $34,910 MSRP

When comparing the Kia vs. Toyota you’ll notice the Kia Sorento is much more affordable. It starts off at over $5,000 cheaper than the Highlander while not sacrificing any standard features like three-row seating. It’s clear in this Toyota Kia SUV comparison that the Sorento is the winner.

Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander: Powertrain & MPG

Whether you’re taking short trips around town or going on a road trip to Worthington, having the power to pass other vehicles while still being fuel-efficient is the best of both worlds. You want your SUV to contain usable power without being over the top. So which one in this mid-size SUV comparison stands out from the other? Let’s take a look:

2021 Kia Sorento

• Standard engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM.
• Available engine: 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque at 1700 RPM.
• FWD max estimated MPG: 24 city/29 highway
• AWD max estimated MPG: 21 city/28 highway

2021 Toyota Highlander

• Standard engine: 3.5L V6 engine producing 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque at 4700 RPM.
• Available engine: no upgraded engine available.
• FWD max estimated MPG: 21 city/29 highway
• AWD max estimated MPG: 20 city/27 highway

In this Toyota Kia SUV comparison, there are a couple of things going on here. The Kia Sorento is the clear winner if you’re after something more fuel-efficient. Not only that, the Kia Sorento offers two engine choices, with torque figures that are available lower in the RPM range. The Toyota Highlander has one engine option that has 263 lb-ft of torque available at 4700 RPM.

When you dissect these performance numbers, at first glance, the Toyota Highlander appears to have more horsepower than both the standard engines in the Kia Sorento. But, when you take a bit of a deeper look, the upgraded Sorento engine not only has more torque, but it has more torque available in the lower RPM range. RPM or revolutions per minute is how quickly the engine turns per minute. If more torque is available lower in the RPM range, that means you’ll have access to more passing power at a quicker rate in the Sorento than you would in the Highlander.

Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander: Features

If you’re considering the Kia vs. Toyota, both SUVs are loaded with features. From safety to technology, you’ll find that you and your passengers will enjoy everything both SUVs have to offer such as:

• Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ connectivity
• Remote keyless entry
• Second-row captain’s chairs
• Optional AWD
• Third-row seating
• Power liftgate
• Rearview camera
• And many more!

While both the Kia vs. Toyota have many of the same features. The Sorento is just a step ahead of the Highlander by offering extra features at a more affordable price. 

The Sorento has 6 standard USB ports (8 available) whereas the Highlander only has up to 5, the more USB charging ports, the less everyone will compete against who gets to charge their device. The 2021 Sorento also offers Kia exclusive technology such as UVO link and Kia Drive Wise to keep your family safe and secure on Dublin adventures.

Explore a New Kia Sorento at Celebration Kia Dublin Today!

Even though the Toyota Highlander provided good competition for the Kia Sorento, the 2021 Sorento is just on another level in this mid-size SUV comparison. It’s more affordable, more fuel-efficient, has better usable power, and even offers exclusive features not found on its competitor.

If you’re ready to explore a new Kia Sorento, visit Celebration Kia Dublin today. Our finance experts will work with you to get you behind the wheel of a new Sorento. If you have any questions, please contact us online or visit us in Dublin. We look forward to meeting you!