2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Toyota Highlander

2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Toyota Highlander View Inventory

2023 Kia Sorento Overview

If you’re in the market to purchase or lease a three-row midsize SUV, the team at Arapahoe Kia recommends comparing the 2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Toyota Highlander, which is the breakdown we’re going to look at here. The Highlander continues to be one of the best-selling options in this space. That popularity has led to a significant MSRP increase on a yearly basis to the point that the starting MSRP for the 2023 Toyota Highlander is about 20% higher than the 2023 Kia Sorento. Meanwhile, the Sorento has earned critical praise and has continued to claim more market share with each passing model year.

Centennial CO - 2023 Kia Sorento's Overview

Exterior - Kia Dealer serving Centennial CO

The 2023 Kia Sorento and 2023 Toyota Highlander are quite similar in form factor. These are both midsize SUVs that are at the smaller end of the range. Both have four doors and a rear liftgate. The Sorento has an 8.2-inch minimum ground clearance, a 110.8-inch wheelbase and a 189.0-inch length, which is 15.75 feet. The Highlander has an 8.0-inch minimum ground clearance, a 112.2-inch wheelbase and a 194.9-inch length, which is about 16.25 feet or a half foot bigger. Standard features in both cases include aluminum-alloy wheels, heated exterior mirrors and LED headlamps. Kia includes roof rails starting with the up-level trim, and Toyota includes them starting with the third option in the lineup.

Centennial CO - 2023 Kia Sorento's Exterior

Interior - 2023 Kia Sorento in Centennial CO

Another similarity in comparing the 2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Toyota Highlander is that both seat seven in the base setup but many of the models have upgraded second-row seats and thus seating for six. The larger overall size of the Highlander may lead you to believe that the Toyota model is more spacious inside, but that really isn’t the case. Headroom is comparable. Front legroom is about the same, and legroom in the second and third rows is actually greater in the Kia. The Highlander does have more dedicated cargo space, but we encourage you to compare these in person. Cubic feet measurements for cargo areas are not consistent because there is no uniform means of measuring these areas.

Centennial CO - 2023 Kia Sorento's Interior
Kia Sorento Mechanical specs

The engine options are an interesting topic as well, and for this comparison, we’ll be focusing on the traditional gas models. Kia offers two engine options for the 2023 Kia Sorento. The standard option is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, and it should appeal to the average consumer as it strikes an excellent balance between fuel performance and responsiveness and acceleration. Drivers who want more performance and greater towing capabilities have the option of a turbocharged four-cylinder. Toyota only offers a turbocharged four-cylinder. It’s not as fuel efficient as the base Kia offering, but it also doesn’t match the performance or capabilities of the more powerful Kia engine so exists in a weird middle ground.

Centennial CO - 2023 Kia Sorento's Mechanical
Technology - 2023 Kia Sorento dealer

The base infotainment packages for the 2023 Toyota Highlander and Kia Sorento are comparable as both include an 8-inch touch screen with all the bells and whistles modern car shoppers expect, including wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Both automakers also offer a larger screen as an upgrade. Arapahoe Kia offers integrated navigation as well, which is an option that Toyota has dropped. Both automakers offer a robust suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard equipment and add to that suite as you move up the trim levels. There are blind spots in both collective offerings. Kia does not offer a digital rearview mirror whereas Toyota does not offer driver attention monitoring. Overall, Kia compares more favorably because you’re going to pay less for what you want even if you want it all.

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If you have any questions that we didn’t cover in comparing the 2023 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Toyota Highlander, we encourage you to call, email or reach out to us via the live chat feature on the Arapahoe Kia website. We’re happy to answer them and discuss current brand incentives, explore financing and leasing options, provide custom quotes, value your trade-in and much more.

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