2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

2025 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Toyota Highlander

If you’re in the market for a reliable, spacious, and technology-packed midsize SUV, chances are you’ve got the 2025 Kia Sorento and the 2025 Toyota Highlander on your shortlist. Both are popular choices, offering a balance of comfort, safety, and performance. But which one is the better fit for your needs?

Pricing & Trims

If price is one of your biggest factors, the 2025 Kia Sorento is an easy win. It starts at $31,990, making it one of the most budget-friendly midsize SUVs available. Compare that to the 2025 Toyota Highlander, which starts at $39,520–a difference of over $7,000 before adding options.

Both SUVs offer a variety of trims:

The Sorento comes in LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, plus hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
The Highlander offers LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum, along with hybrid models.

Because of its lower price point, the Sorento allows you to get more premium features without stretching your budget. If affordability is a top priority, the Sorento gives you more bang for your buck.

Gas Mileage

SUVs are more fuel-efficient than ever, and both the Sorento and Highlander offer strong gas mileage. However, the Sorento takes the lead in efficiency:

2025 Kia Sorento

• 23 MPG city / 31 MPG highway (gas model)
• 37 MPG combined (hybrid)

2025 Toyota Highlander

• 21 MPG city / 28 MPG highway (gas model)
• 36 MPG combined (hybrid)

If you’re looking to save money on gas, the Sorento is slightly more fuel-efficient across the board. Both also offer hybrid versions for drivers who want even better mileage.

Safety Options

When it comes to safety, both Kia and Toyota pack their SUVs with cutting-edge features to help keep you and your passengers safe.

Standard safety features on the 2025 Kia Sorento

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Available 360-degree Surround View Monitor (higher trims)

Standard safety features on the 2025 Toyota Highlander

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Road Sign Assist
• Automatic High Beams

Both SUVs offer impressive safety technology, but Toyota includes more features as standard across all trims, while Kia offers advanced features on higher trims. If you’re looking for more built-in safety at the base level, the Highlander has the edge.

Performance

Performance is another area where the Sorento offers more variety. If you like options when it comes to your driving experience, Kia gives you more to choose from.

2025 Kia Sorento:

• 2.5 4-cylinder engine engine – 191 hp, 181 lb-ft torque
• 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder – 281 hp, 311 lb-ft torque
• Hybrid & Plug-in Hybrid models – up to 261 hp

2025 Toyota Highlander:

• 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder – 265 hp, 310 lb-ft torque

While the Highlander’s 2.4L turbo engine is powerful and efficient, Kia’s turbocharged engine produces more horsepower and torque, giving it a slight edge in acceleration and responsiveness. Plus, if you’re considering a plug-in hybrid, the Sorento is the only one that offers it.

If you want a variety of powertrain choices, the Sorento is the more flexible option.

Technology Features

Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the modern infotainment features packed into both SUVs. Here’s how they compare:

2025 Kia Sorento:

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen (12.3-inch available)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard)
• 12-speaker Bose premium audio system (higher trims)
• Digital instrument cluster

2025 Toyota Highlander:

• Standard 8-inch touchscreen (12.3-inch available)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired on base trims)
• JBL premium sound system (available on higher trims)
• Head-up display (Platinum trim)

One big advantage for the Sorento is that it includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, while the Highlander requires a wired connection on some trims. If seamless smartphone connectivity matters to you, the Sorento takes the win.

Final Thoughts

Both the 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Toyota Highlander are excellent choices, but the right one for you depends on what matters most.

Benefits for the Kia Sorento

• A lower starting price with more value-packed trims
• Better fuel economy (especially in hybrid models)
• More powertrain choices, including a plug-in hybrid
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Benefits for the Toyota Highlander

• A larger, more premium-feeling SUV
• More standard safety features across all trims
• Toyota’s strong reputation for reliability

If you want a budget-friendly SUV with great fuel efficiency and modern technology, the 2025 Kia Sorento is the better deal. But if you’re after a larger SUV with more standard safety tech, the 2025 Toyota Highlander may be worth the extra cost.