2024 Kia Sorento vs 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual transformation, aligning more closely with its Kia siblings like the Telluride and EV9. This update included a robust new front end, enhanced taillights, and a more sophisticated interior. The exterior featured a prominent grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more assertive appearance. The rear received subtle updates, with higher trims boasting elegant LED taillights and new bumpers. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, while the new X-Pro trim offered a more aggressive look with smaller wheels and all-terrain tires. Inside, the Sorento showcased a redesigned dashboard with a cleaner layout, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The materials used in the cabin were upgraded, providing a more upscale feel, and optional green and brown interior colors added character.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser offered two trim levels, with the base model, the 1958, featuring a retro look reminiscent of its early years. The Land Cruiser model, without a trim level appended, presented a more modern and upscale appearance, with additional color options and a refined interior. The Premium Package added leather, larger screens, and essential off-roading hardware. The Land Cruiser's design maximized off-road clearances and utility, with a traditional two-box SUV shape and dark gray cladding. The interior was utilitarian, with traditional switchgear and Java-colored leather providing contrast. The dual 12.3-inch digital displays enhanced the technological appeal, and the steering-wheel controls were intuitive. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road capability, with features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Monitor camera views, making it a capable vehicle for adventurous journeys.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in a sluggish 0-60 mph time of nearly 10 seconds. The EX and higher models featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine generating 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, offering improved performance with mid-seven-second 0-60 mph times. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims provided enhanced off-road capabilities, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The X-Pro trim excelled in challenging conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. While the gas-powered Sorentos had average fuel efficiency, the X-Pro demonstrated its capability in various terrains.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota's i-Force Max hybrid system, combining a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with an electric motor, producing 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The full-time 4WD system, with electronic locking differentials, enabled a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. The Land Cruiser excelled in off-road performance, with features like Downhill Assist Control and Crawl Control. However, its handling on twisty roads was less impressive due to its tires and suspension tuning. The Land Cruiser's suspension absorbed rough terrain effectively, providing a comfortable ride in urban and off-road settings. Despite its power, the Land Cruiser's real-world fuel efficiency fell short of expectations, achieving only 15.7 mpg during testing. The Land Cruiser's off-road capabilities, combined with its powerful hybrid system, made it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered a comfortable and modern cabin, with ample space in the first two rows but limited room in the third row. With 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, the Sorento provided more space than many two-row SUVs. The third row, with 29.6 inches of legroom, was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's interior featured ergonomic controls and ample storage space, though the third row limited cargo capacity to 12.6 cubic feet. Folding the third row expanded cargo space to 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, and with all seats down, it offered up to 72.1 cubic feet. Higher trims included features like heated and ventilated front seats and a power liftgate.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior featured SofTex artificial leather in the base model, with the Premium Package adding real leather and a power sunroof. The front seats provided excellent support, while the second-row seats lacked comfort and thigh support. The Land Cruiser's rear window design was less practical, and the center console's cool box reduced storage space. The Land Cruiser offered 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with a high load floor requiring effort to load heavy items. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expanded to 82.1 cubic feet, providing ample room for various needs.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a redesigned software system called "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC). The system prioritized popular features and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The SX and SX-Prestige models included a second 12.3-inch digital display. The Sorento's infotainment system was user-friendly, with stylish graphics, though voice commands were a weak point. The system supported over-the-air updates and included USB-C outlets in all rows. The SX-Prestige models featured a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser upgraded from the 1958 model with dual 12.3-inch displays and the Toyota Audio Multimedia (TAM) system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. The Premium Package added a 14-speaker JBL sound system, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and digital key technology. The TAM system featured a cloud-based navigation system and a digital assistant, providing accurate directions and passing voice recognition tests.

The 2024 Kia Sorento included Kia's Drivewise suite of active safety features, with adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The SX-Prestige model offered advanced features like Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's safety systems performed well, though some sensors were affected by weather conditions. The IIHS rated the Sorento "Good" in several tests, while the NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist provided semi-autonomous highway driving. The Premium Package added front cross-traffic alert and Traffic Jam Assist. The Land Cruiser's safety features varied in effectiveness, with some systems requiring manual intervention. The NHTSA rated the Land Cruiser four stars overall, with five stars in side-impact testing.