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Kia Sorento Hybrid vs. Toyota Highlander

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sorento Hybrid and Toyota Highlander contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Kia Sorento Hybrid and the Toyota Highlander.

When we compare the Kia Sorento Hybrid's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sorento Hybrid has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Toyota Highlander has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sorento Hybrid's and the Toyota Highlander's specifications and ratings, the Toyota Highlander is a better car than the Kia Sorento Hybrid.

Pricing: A used 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid ranges from $34,998 to $48,530 while a used 2025 Toyota Highlander is priced between $42,944 to $56,895. For a new model, the Kia Sorento Hybrid's price is between $38,296 and $49,077, with the Toyota Highlander priced between $44,569 and $56,389.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Kia Sorento Hybrid loses 53 percent of its value and the Toyota Highlander loses 41.8 percent of its value. This means the Toyota Highlander retains 11.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sorento Hybrid.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sorento Hybrid’s base engine makes 227 horsepower, and the Toyota Highlander base engine makes 265 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Toyota Highlander, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The Kia Sorento Hybrid, a hybrid SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Toyota Highlander has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento Hybrid, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.19 out of 5 Stars.

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Model & Pricing
Kia Sorento Hybrid
Toyota Highlander

2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid
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Kia Sorento Hybrid for Sale

2025 Toyota Highlander
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Toyota Highlander for Sale

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

38296 - 49077

Starting MSRP:

38690

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

48413

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

37800 - 60490

New Car Pricing

Asking Price:

44569 - 56389

Starting MSRP:

40320

Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)

38382

Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

31990 - 43000

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

40518

Price Range:

34998 - 48530

Category Avg Price:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

51507

Category Avg Price Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

40518 - 65239

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

Used Car Pricing

Avg Used Car Price:

49825

Price Range:

42944 - 56895

Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)

45804

Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

36966 - 59949

# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:

Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:

# Good or Great Deals:

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

Depreciation %:

Resale Value $:

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

0.38635449

Category Depreciation Range:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

0.32753242 - 0.55374955

5-year Depreciation

Depreciation $:

17002

Depreciation %:

0.4216697

Resale Value $:

23318

Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.48432299

Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

0.30530799 - 0.56163117

Kia Sorento Hybrid Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

Not available

Reliability:

Not available

Retained Value:

7.6 / 10

Safety:

7.2 / 10

Toyota Highlander Scores & Rankings

Overall Score:

8.5 / 10

Reliability:

8.1 / 10

Retained Value:

8.3 / 10

Safety:

9.0 / 10



iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Kia Sorento Hybrid

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

Typical Category Life Expectancy:

N/A

Category Life Expectancy Range:

N/A

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Toyota Highlander

Avg Life Expectancy (years):

13.8

Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)

10.9

Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)

8.7 - 16.6

Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:

0.387



Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

4.981994628498972

Typical Category Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2.5

Category Range for Recalls:
(Hybrid Midsize SUVs)

2.2 - 7.9

Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls

Expected Lifetime Recalls:

2.499754929635315

Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

2.9

Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)

1.5 - 39.2

Kia Sorento Hybrid Rankings

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

2 / 14

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

2 / 9

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

2 / 9

Most Affordable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

3 / 12

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 36

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

5 / 31

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

5 / 9

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 9

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 31

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 14

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

6 / 9

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Tall People

7 / 14

Most Comfortable Hybrid Midsize SUVs

7 / 14

Best Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

7 / 9

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows

7 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

8 / 36

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Tall People

8 / 31

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

8 / 9

Hybrid SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

9 / 9

Best Hybrid SUVs for Tall People

10 / 36

Most Comfortable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

12 / 31

Best Hybrid Midsize SUVs for Towing

12 / 14

Best Off-road Hybrid Midsize SUVs

12 / 14

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

12 / 14

Hybrid Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

13 / 14

Most Comfortable Hybrid SUVs

14 / 36

Most Affordable Hybrid SUVs

14 / 32

Most Affordable Hybrid Crossover SUVs

14 / 28

Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs for Towing

17 / 31

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

19 / 31

Safest Hybrid SUVs

21 / 36

Best Hybrid SUVs for Towing

22 / 36

Best Off-road Hybrid Crossover SUVs

22 / 31

Hybrid SUVs with the Most Horsepower

24 / 36

Best Gas Mileage Hybrid SUVs

25 / 36

Best Off-road Hybrid SUVs

27 / 36

Hybrid Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

28 / 31

Hybrid SUVs with Best Resale Value

33 / 36

Toyota Highlander Rankings

Best Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 17

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs Under $40k

1 / 17

Best Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs Under $40k

1 / 16

Best SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows Under $40k

1 / 10

Best Family Crossover SUVs

3 / 67

Best Family SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Most Reliable SUVs with 3 Rows

3 / 34

Best Family Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs

3 / 32

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for the Money

3 / 30

Most Reliable Crossover SUVs

4 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with Best Resale Value

4 / 34

Most Reliable Midsize SUVs

4 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for the Money

4 / 28

Best Gas Mileage SUVs with 3 Rows

5 / 34

Best Gas Mileage Midsize SUVs

5 / 32

Midsize SUVs with Best Resale Value

5 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs

6 / 67

Safest SUVs with 3 Rows

6 / 34

Safest Midsize SUVs

6 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for Towing

7 / 67

Best Crossover SUVs for Tall People

9 / 67

Best Midsize SUVs for Towing

10 / 32

Best Midsize SUVs for Tall People

11 / 32

Crossover SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

12 / 67

Crossover SUVs with Best Resale Value

13 / 67

Most Affordable SUVs with 3 Rows

13 / 30

Midsize SUVs with the Most Cargo Space

14 / 32

Most Comfortable Midsize SUVs

14 / 32

Most Comfortable Crossover SUVs

15 / 67

Safest Crossover SUVs

16 / 67

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Tall People

16 / 34

Most Comfortable SUVs with 3 Rows

17 / 34

Most Affordable Midsize SUVs

17 / 28

Best SUVs with 3 Rows for Towing

18 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Legroom

19 / 32

Best Off-road Midsize SUVs

20 / 32

Best Crossover SUVs for the Money

21 / 56

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Cargo Space

24 / 34

Best Off-road SUVs with 3 Rows

25 / 34

Crossover SUVs with the Most Horsepower

26 / 67

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Legroom

27 / 34

Midsize SUVs with the Most Horsepower

27 / 32

SUVs with 3 Rows with the Most Horsepower

28 / 34

Best Off-road Crossover SUVs

30 / 67

Crossover SUVs with the Most Legroom

32 / 67

Best Gas Mileage Crossover SUVs

36 / 67

Most Affordable Crossover SUVs

47 / 56

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Body Styles

SUV

Available Drivetrain Options

Hybrid

Available Drivetrain Options

Gasoline

Kia Sorento Hybrid Trim Levels

EX, SX Prestige

Toyota Highlander Trim Levels

LE, Limited, Platinum, XLE, XSE

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

10 years / 100000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty Information

Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:

3 years / 36000 miles

Warranty, Powertrain:

5 years / 60000 miles

Warranty, Roadside Assistance:

2 years

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

4.19 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Safety Ratings

NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:

5 out of 5 Stars

2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:

4 out of 5 Stars

IIHS Safety Rating:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

227 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.054 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Base Drivetrain Specs

Horsepower:

265 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

310 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm

Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):

0.064 hp per pound

Towing capacity:

Not yet available

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

1.6 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


36 / 36 / 36

Range (city/hwy):

637 / 637 miles

Recommended Fuel Type:

Regular Unleaded

Engine Specifications

Engine Size:

2.4 liters

Engine Configuration:

Inline

Number of Cylinders:

4

Transmission:

Automatic

Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:

FWD / AWD

EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):


Not yet available

Range (city/hwy):

Not yet available

Recommended Fuel Type:

Not yet available

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Standard

Heated Seats

Standard

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Standard

Navigation System:

Standard

Paddle Shifters:

Standard

Parking Sensors:

Standard

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Standard

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Standard

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

N/A

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wifi:

N/A

Standard/Optional Features

Adaptive Cruise Control:

Standard

Alloy wheels:

Standard

Android Auto:

Standard

Apple CarPlay:

Standard

Bench Seats:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Standard

Captain's seat:

Available

Heated Seats

Available

Keyless Entry:

Standard

Keyless Ignition:

Standard

Leather Upholstery:

Available

Navigation System:

Available

Paddle Shifters:

N/A

Parking Sensors:

Available

Power Lift Gate:

Standard

Power outlet:

Standard

Quad Seats:

Available

Roadside assistance:

Standard

Satellite radio:

Standard

Voice Recognition:

Standard

Wireless Smartphone Charging:

Available

Cooled/Ventilated Seats:

Available

Heated Steering Wheel:

Available

Roof Rack:

Available

Sunroof/Moonroof:

Available

Trailer Hitch:

Available

Air Suspension:

N/A

Automatic Parking:

N/A

Front Bench Seats:

N/A

Internet Radio:

Standard

Massage Seats:

N/A

Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof

N/A

Wifi:

Standard

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

Standard

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Safety Features

Backup camera:

Standard

Blind Spot Monitoring:

Standard

Driver Attention Monitoring:

N/A

Forward Collision Warning:

Standard

Lane Departure Warning:

Standard

Lane Keeping Assist:

Standard

Pedestrian Detection:

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:

Standard

Rear Seat Reminder:

Standard

360-Degree Camera:

Available

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

40.3 inches

Front Leg Room:

41.4 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59.1 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.1 inches

Rear Leg Room:

40.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.1 inches

Cargo Space:

12.6 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

75.5 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

121.3 cubic feet

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room:

41.2 inches

Front Leg Room:

42 inches

Front Shoulder Room:

59 inches

Rear Head Room:

39.4 inches

Rear Leg Room:

38.7 inches

Rear Shoulder Room:

58.7 inches

Cargo Space:

16 cubic feet

Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:

84.3 cubic feet

Overall Interior Volume:

157.8 cubic feet

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4211 lbs

Width:

74.8 inches

Height:

66.7 inches

Length:

189.6 inches

Wheelbase:

110.8 inches

Ground Clearance:

6.9 inches

Exterior Dimensions

Curb Weight:

4155 lbs

Width:

76 inches

Height:

68.1 inches

Length:

194.9 inches

Wheelbase:

112.2 inches

Ground Clearance:

8 inches

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

19.0 x 7.0 inches

Wheel Type:

aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

235/55R19

Standard Wheel/Tire Information

Wheel Size:

18.0 x 8.0 inches

Wheel Type:

painted aluminum alloy

Tire Size:

P235/65R18

Exterior Colors

Beige

Volcanic Sand

Black

Aurora Black

Blue

Mineral Blue

Gray

Interstellar Gray / Steel Gray

Green

Cityscape Green

Silver

Silky Silver

White

Snow White Pearl

Red

Not available

Exterior Colors

Beige

Not available

Black

Midnight Black Metallic

Blue

Blueprint

Gray

Magnetic Gray Metallic

Green

Cypress

Silver

Celestial Silver Metallic

White

Wind Chill Pearl

Red

Ruby Flare Pearl

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

Gray

Interior Colors

Black

Black

Gray

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