Kia Sorento 2021 vs. Toyota Highlander 2021: Fresh Design, Great Performance

Kia Sorento 2021 vs. Toyota Highlander 2021: Fresh Design, Great Performance

The Sorento continues a long tradition of SUV excellence with the 2021 model. Fresh with a new design, capable powertrains, advanced technology, and more, the AWD Sorento secures itself for another great run. Six well-equipped trims offer attractive standard features that suit many budgets and preferences.  

It's important to compare the Sorento to other vehicles to understand how it stands out. Here, we compare it to the 2021 Toyota Highlander. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento offers performance and efficiency

Are you looking for a powertrain with solid capability with a focus on efficiency? The Sorento offers it. Or, are you looking for a powertrain that emphasizes power and torque without the gas guzzling? The Sorento has one of those, too. The LX+ and LX Premium include a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. These models have a fuel consumption rating of 10.1 L/100 km in the city and 9.2 L/100 km on the highway, which has the best city rating for gas powertrains in this comparison. 

The Sorento also features a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. Standard in the X-Line, EX, EX+, and SX trims, it produces 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain features the most torque between any Sorento and Highlander model, and there is no contest. You will find better performance while on the trail, going away on the weekends, or just getting ahead of traffic in the city or highway. It also has an impressive consumption rating of 11.1 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 L/100 km on the highway.

It's tough to beat the 2021 Kia Sorento

The Toyota Highlander also offers two powertrains. A 3.5-litre V6 is the only all-gas engine offered, producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. The significantly reduced torque places it at a disadvantage, and its AWD fuel economy rating of 11.8/8.6 L/100 km (city/highway) is the least efficient out of all gas engines—even with the Sorento's boost in torque.

The Sorento also features more rear legroom and better third-row passenger dimensions than the Highlander.

The Highlander is quite expensive, too. The LE FWD version starts at $42,789. If you want AWD, you’ll have to dish out $46,289. The Sorento starts at $35,960 with standard AWD.

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