When you're searching for an on-road companion around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Rio Rancho, New Mexico, two choices you'll come across are the Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander. Both are known for their size and safety. However, which one is right for you?
Doing some research is a great way to start. That's why, we at Pitre Kia created this comparison of the Kia Sorento vs. the Toyota Highlander. Read on to learn about how these rides stack up!
Power to Get Where You're Going
The Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander are powerful rides with multiple engine options.
The Highlander offers two engine options-a hybrid engine and a gas-powered one. The standard 3.5L V6 engine delivers 263 lb-ft of torque when working with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The available hybrid engine brings 175 lb-ft of torque to the table.
The Kia Sorento offers four engine options-two hybrid and two gas engines. The standard 2.5L gas engine delivers 182 lb-ft of torque while the turbocharged version gives you even more at 311 lb-ft of torque.
The turbocharged hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines of the Sorento offer the same impressive amount of torque-258 lb-ft of torque. This means that you can get the type of hybrid engine that's right for your lifestyle.
Interior Features
The interiors of the Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander are spacious and include three rows of seating. You can pile in the whole family, so that no one gets left behind on your next adventure.
Both rides offer standard cloth seats with available leather-trimmed seating options. The Kia Sorento also offers ventilated front seats to keep you cool on those hot days.
Infotainment systems are also standard in both rides. Each of them has an 8-inch touchscreen that lets you hook up your smartphone to your set of wheels via Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.
However, starting with the second trim level in the Sorento, you can upgrade to a 10.25-inch touchscreen. You'll have to jump a few more trims to get a larger touchscreen in the Highlander.
Safety and Driver-Assist Features
Part of what makes the Sorento and the Highlander so safe are their standard driver-assist and safety features. Both of them have their own systems-Toyota Safety Senseâ„¢ 2.5+ and Kia Drive Wise. Both safety suites have features, like:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear View Monitor
- Forward Collision Avoidance-Assist
Where the Kia Sorento slips ahead is with standard Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. This system monitors your driving and alerts you if your driving seems distracted. If you're sitting still in traffic, the system also alerts you when the ride ahead of you begins to move.
Which Model Comes Out Ahead?
While both the Toyota Highlander and the Kia Sorento are impressive, only one can come out on top when they go head-to-head. We compared the Sorento and the Highlander's performance, interiors, and safety features, and the Kia Sorento is the Kia SUV that pulled ahead.
Drivers around Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Rio Rancho, NM, who are interested in getting an up-close look at the Kia Sorento can swing by Pitre Kia. You can get behind the wheel and discuss different available features with our team. Visit our Kia dealer today or schedule a test drive online!
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