If you're in the market for a family-friendly, three-row vehicle that can handle your busy lifestyle, the choices can seem overwhelming. Among the sea of SUVs and minivans, the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Kia Sorento stand out as strong contenders. In this detailed comparison, we'll delve into these two models and help you find one that best suits your needs.
2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2022 Kia Sorento: Three-Row Crossovers Compared
Look and Feel
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander at 8 out of 10 and the 2022 Kia Sorento at a perfect 10 out of 10 in terms of aesthetics and overall design.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander boasts a modern and somewhat aggressive front-end design. Its flared fender arches and cleverly designed third-row window give it an appearance of being more compact than it actually is. Step inside, and you'll find a spacious cabin with ingenious storage solutions for everyday items like iPads and juice boxes.
The Highlander offers a range of trims to cater to various needs and budgets, including L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Even the base L trim comes well-equipped with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, pushbutton start, proximity keyless entry, three-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.
As you move up the trim ladder, you'll find added luxuries like leather upholstery, a power moonroof, wireless device charging, and premium audio systems. The top-of-the-line Platinum trim offers adaptive headlights, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree parking camera, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
Kia's 2022 Sorento, which received a redesign the previous year, exudes style and presence. The X-Line package, available for S, EX, and SX Prestige trims, adds rugged bumpers, matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and robust roof rails to enhance its sporty appearance.
Inside the Sorento, you'll find a genuinely luxurious atmosphere with comfortable seating. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, stands out with a 14-way power driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Second-row captain's chairs are standard starting with the EX trim and are now heated in the SX Prestige X-Line.
However, it's worth noting that the Sorento's third-row seats are less spacious and comfortable for adults, making them suitable mainly for short trips.
Performance
CarGurus experts rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander at 7 out of 10 and the 2022 Kia Sorento at 8 out of 10 in terms of performance.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is powered by a robust 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers precise control. The Highlander's acceleration is solid, making it a reliable choice for highway cruising and overtaking.
The Highlander handles well, with a sport-tuned suspension available in the XSE trim, which reduces body roll while maintaining ride comfort. It's equipped with various drive modes, including Sport, Normal, and Eco, along with an AWD system featuring Mud/Sand, Rock, and Normal modes. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it suitable for towing tasks.
The 2022 Kia Sorento offers two powertrains, plus a hybrid and plug-in hybrid model (the Highlander is also offered as a hybrid). The gas-only Sorento comes standard with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower. While this engine provides adequate performance, it might feel sluggish to some buyers. The more satisfying option is the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder, available from the EX trim onwards, which generates 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine offers lively acceleration and pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Sorento's handling impresses, offering a balanced blend of comfort and composure. It's particularly enjoyable when equipped with the turbo engine and AWD, providing responsive performance. However, the base engine's performance may leave some wanting more.
Form and Function
Both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Kia Sorento excel in terms of form and function, both earning a high 9-out-of-10 rating from CarGurus experts.
The Highlander impresses with its practicality, offering up to 84.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third-row seats folded. Even with the second-row seats in use, you still get a generous 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space. With all seats in place, there's 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Quick-release latches make lowering the seats a breeze, and every trim above the base L comes with a power liftgate.
Inside the cabin, the Highlander is cleverly designed, with ample storage space, deep cargo pockets, and thoughtful compartments throughout. Second-row captain's chairs provide a comfortable center aisle and space between passengers, particularly handy for long road trips.
The Kia Sorento also excels in terms of interior quality and design. The SX Prestige trim, in particular, offers luxurious features like a 14-way power driver's seat and heated second-row captain's chairs. However, it's worth noting that the third-row seat, while available, is less spacious and comfortable for adults.
Cargo space in the Sorento is adequate, with 38.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down and 75.5 cubic feet with both the second and third-row seats folded. The Sorento also features a "smart" power tailgate for added convenience.
Technology
CarGurus experts rate the Highlander's technology at 8 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia Sorento receives a 6 out of 10. The Highlander features a standard 8-inch touchscreen with support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While lacking wireless smartphone integration, it compensates with a user-friendly layout and hard buttons for easy navigation. Additional tech highlights include a wireless charging pad, USB and USB-C ports, and an available 12.3-inch touchscreen and 11-speaker JBL premium audio system.
Most Kia Sorento trims come standard with a generous 10.25-inch touchscreen, which offers navigation, satellite radio, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unfortunately, wireless smartphone integration is not available on Sorento models with this 10.25-inch screen, meaning smartphone projection will require a wired connection. While the infotainment system is feature-rich, its unique font style and graphics may not suit everyone's taste.
In the tech department, both SUVs offer a good set of features, but the Highlander takes the lead with its more intuitive infotainment system and available larger touchscreen.
Safety
CarGurus experts rate the Highlander's safety at 8 out of 10, but the Sorento edges out the Highlander with an impressive 9 out of 10. In the Highlander, you can expect the Toyota Safety Sense suite included as standard equipment. This includes essential features like forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on higher trims, with optional safety extras such as front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, a surround-view camera, and adaptive headlights.
All Sorento trims come with the Kia Drive Wise package, which varies in content depending on the trim level. Standout safety features include a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist to prevent unsafe turns, a Blind View Monitor system, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, and Highway Driving Assist, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. The Sorento is also a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS and boasts a high rating for its LED headlights.
While both SUVs offer a strong safety package, the Kia Sorento edges ahead with its innovative safety technologies.
Cost Effectiveness
Both the Highlander and Sorento score well in terms of cost effectiveness, with the Highlander receiving a 9 out of 10 rating and the Sorento a 10 out of 10. The Highlander offers cost-effective options with the FWD L and FWD XLE trims returning the best fuel economy at 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined. The base MSRP for the Highlander starts at $35,855, with a generous five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The Kia Sorento stands out in cost-effectiveness, especially with its hybrid models. The Sorento is rated to return 24 mpg in combined driving, although we struggled to match that in our testing. It's also competitively priced, and the hybrid model can even be cheaper than the gas-only version in certain trims. However, the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid comes at a premium price point.
Verdict
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2022 Toyota Highlander is 8.2 out of 10, while the 2022 Kia Sorento scores slightly higher at 8.7 out of 10.
Choose a 2022 Toyota Highlander if:
- You prioritize a user-friendly infotainment system.
- Safety features like adaptive headlights and a head-up display are essential.
- You want a versatile family SUV with various trim options.
Search for a 2022 Toyota Highlander on CarGurus
Choose a 2022 Kia Sorento if:
- You seek a cost-effective hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV.
- Innovative safety features like Junction Assist and Blind View Monitor appeal to you.
- You value a stylish design and modern safety tech.
Search for a 2022 Kia Sorento on CarGurus
In conclusion, both the 2022 Toyota Highlander and the 2022 Kia Sorento have their merits, but the Sorento shines in terms of safety innovation and cost-effectiveness, making it a compelling choice for families in search of a modern and efficient SUV.
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