2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Kia Sorento, is the new Sorento the best choice for a 3Row SUV?
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- 2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Kia Sorento, is the new Sorento the best choice for a 3Row SUV?
Special thanks for this video goes to Georgetown Toyota:
www.georgetown...
Christian Febel
Lease & Fleet Manager
(905) 702-2806
cfebel@georgetowntoyota.com
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06:14 Highlander 2nd row seat is not all the way back. Come on!
You need to check the specs, Sam. Some comments:
It's true that the Highlander is a larger vehicle. According to Car and Driver Its length ranges from 194.9" to 197.4" depending on the model chosen. (The XSE Highlander's distinct fascia adds 2.5" to the length.) The Sorento, on the other hand, is 188.9" long. So the Toyota is between half a foot and 8.5" longer than the KIA. In fact, the XSE Highlander is even longer than the Telluride (196.9")
As far as the interior is concerned, however, the results are significantly different. For example, total legroom in all three rows is an important measurement that takes into account that the first and second rows can be moved fore and aft to allocate space as needed. The Sorento provides 112.7" of total legroom compared to the Highlander's 110.7" (All models including the XSE). Looking at the maximum default ) legroom for the first and second rows it turns out that the Highlander and Sorento are almost identical (Sorento 83.1" ; Highlander 83.0"). But the third row of the Sorento provides almost two inches more legroom than the Highlander with the 2nd row legroom maximized in each vehicle (29.6" vs 27.7").
Speaking of the third row comparison, KIA calls it "+2" seating. A reasonable and honest characterization that indicates the Sorento seats four or five passengers in the first two rows "plus 2" in the third row. Toyota on the other claims the third row, even more cramped than the Sorento, seats 3 passengers! That's necessary to justify the claim that the Highlander seats 7 or 8 passengers but it's based on nothing more than the number of seatbelts Toyota puts in the third row, not the actual accommodations. In short the claim that the 8 passenger seating in the Highlander amounts to a "huge difference" (6:58) compared to the Sorento's 6-7 seating is bunk.
Finally, keeping in mind that the Highlander is significantly longer than the Sorento (6"-8.5") but with slightly less overall passenger space than the KIA, it's hardly surprising that it provides more cargo space behind the third row of seats (16 cubic feet vs 12.6 cf. Not, as stated in the video "11 cubic ft. That was the last generation). It's obvious that the Sorento offers a compromise; either seat 6 or 7 passengers OR provide adequate cargo space for luggage/gear for 4 or 5 passengers. But even with its extra length the Highlander is much the same. It's 16 cf of cargo space is well below average for a midsize crossover. (Te.g.the Telluride provides 21 cf and the bus-like Traverse offers 23 cubic ft.) An extended trip with 6 or more passengers crammed in the Highlander will find most of their luggage/gear sitting on their laps. No different than the Sorento.
And for everyday use, the 12.6 cf rear cargo space in the Sorento (not 11 cf as stated in the video. The 11.3 cf was the space in the last generation) is certainly small for a midsize SUV but it's approximately the same as the Toyota Corolla and no one claims the Corolla's trunk space is non-existent. In any event, the overwhelming majority of Sorento owners keep the third row stowed nearly always and don't encounter the problem. As noted above, the Sorento is either a 4-5 passenger SUV with generous cargo space or a vehicle that seats six or more with limited space for cargo. Much the same can be said of the Highlander.
Well written points
I also noticed that the reviewer pointed out how to get into 3rd in Sorrento by pushing a button but did not show that in Toyota at all.
Further after you get into 3rd row the second row space was completely ignored.
Seems like the host is more inclined towards Highlander and that is a bias.
Great points. It’s like comparing a Civic and a Avalon and saying how much bigger and nicer the Avalon is .... but then you say, but they’re not exactly the same.
When you compare the legroom that is more accurately reported by Consumer Reports, the two vehicles have virtually the same total legroom. Also, the legroom when the 2nd row is all the way back is actually an advantage for the Toyota. That means that the maximum legroom in the 2nd row is better for the Toyota, which is the way it is usually used.
I own both vehicles so I can honestly say that the third row is much more comfortable in the Toyota. One, in both seats the chief drawback is that the seat is too close to the floor, but it is worse by a couple of inches in the Sorento. Secondly, you can improve the comfort a lot by reclining the third row in the Toyota. But you cannot recline the 3rd row in the Kia because the seat is too close to the rear window. So I will say that while both 3rd rows are not great, the Toyota is better. And when using the 3rd row, you have far more cargo room. You can say that there is not much difference between 12.6 cu ft vs 16 cu ft, but in practice, the differnce is noticeable. With the third row up, I can only fit 2 carry-ons in the Kia, while I can fit 4 in the Toyota. I can also safely load the luggage all the way to the top in the Toyota because of the digital mirror. Yes, the Toyota is overall longer but that means it has the V6 standard instead of the little turbo 4 cylinder in the Kia. The Kia base engine feels very underpowered. The bigger Kia engine has too much torque steer unless you get the 4 wheel drive. So, if you have older kids or more than two kids, the Toyota is definitely better.
2:57 Highlander space behind 3rd row looks good because seat-backs are VERTICAL and it's empty. Then at 3:27 shows Sorento with 3rd row seats laid back and full of junk. Sure the Highlander is larger, but come on!
Yeah its just the same.
Or maybe not the same because looking at hes knees in the highlander its already outside the door opening meaning sorento is a little but more spacious in the third row but highlander has the big cargo space.
Let's test the 3rd row...
Sorento: reviewer enters pulls the captain chair all way back. You see, no space.
Highlander: reviewer changes side and doesn't even bother to pull back the 2nd row.
You see guys how Highlander has 20% more space on the 3rd row?
Biased?
I noticed that but most of all i was shopping for suv and the third row in sorento much more comfortable than the highlander I'm 6feet tall and driving sorento it's much more fun to drive
All these reviewers working in the sun. While my man is the hardest working reviewer working through snow storm for some great comparison.
Thank you :)
I have a recommendation for your future 3 Row comparison vids that I think will help give a better comparison to the viewers. Sit in the 2nd row and adjust the seat to your comfort level that is reasonable and then sit behind that seat in the 3rd row.
Thannnnkkkkkk you, I was begging him or the camera man to at least move middle seat up a bit to see if there was a possibly of gaining some comfort
The third row isn't going to be used for road trips. It's going to be used when you have a couple of extra people -- usually, a couple of extra kids (your kid's friends or team mates) -- to take to the game/movies/dinner/etc. You aren't going to need the luggage space and the third row at the same time. If you're in a situation where you will need them both, then neither of these vehicles is going to be good for you. These are mid-sized SUVs offering a third row for those times when you need it. For most people, the third row seats are going to spend almost all of their time stowed.
Perfectly said.
Exactly right Sam! The Sorento is a slightly larger, better equipped alternative to the RAV4, CR-V, Edge and so on. If you really need the space, Kia has the class leader in the Telluride.
All true, John. But the Highlander offers little if any more room than the Sorento and it approaches or even exceeds the size of the Telluride (The XSE model is longer than the Telluride). Still, Toyota can always point to the CX-9 as a vehicle with even less efficient packaging.
@@stephenhendricks103 Good point Stephen. Yes, they're not too far apart in terms of size. I found the Sorento to be just a bit tighter inside than the Highlander. In fact, I think it's about the same. But the Kia definitely feels quicker and more nimble! That new engine/ transmission combo is really slick!
Lets all just relax. Toyota is a beast at reliability and Kia will never catch up in a million years. I have a 2006 Lexus IS250 with 480,000 Km and a 2005 Toyota Corolla with 365,000 Kms with no issues at all. run like new. Highlander will never jump head first into technology or any "Modern" changes before it proven to be reliable or tweak it to make it reliable. hence why resale value is one of the highest among any other brand. Toyota still gives you Comfort, quality and something you can pass to 5 generations down the road. Please don't compare KIA in that aspect. yes KIA looks nice and shiny. all goes down to how long you want to keep the car and If you're leasing vs buying/ Financing .
Nicely said👏👏👏... what an insult to Toyota
What a long way to say your mindset to still stuck in the early 2000s.
Go back to your Toyota showroom and sell some more cars.
You have a quota to make.
@@paulnieder4236 Instead of trying to get personal here, why not attempt to debate it in a civil and an educated manner? It's my opinion and everyone has their own opinion and beliefs. You don't have to like it or agree with it. But at least show some decency and try deliver your opinion without trying to sound like a 10 year old. Something to think about in your future comments and debates.
@@memoalkatib Toyota generally lack tech and style. They're made for people that care about utility instead of style and fun. They are marginally more reliable because their car generations last too long so they have plenty of time to iron out kinks.
Hi Sam, a small correction. The Highlander has had Driver Speak a generation ago for talking to the third row.
I wasn’t aware of that. Are you sure?
Absolutely, I had it in my 2015 and my 2021 highlander. BTW, you might mention the sunglasses holder/mirror to see the back passengers in the highlander.
@@SamCarLegion Yes, we had it in our 2016 XLE model and again in our 2021 Limited model.
Did I skip over the section where you mention the price difference? Here is Australia there's about $16,000 between the two cars.
11:30 Toyota Highlander for a family of 7? Only if your luggage goes up on the roof. For a family of 7 save thousands and look at the Kia Carnival/Sedona. Much more room in 2nd row, 3rd row and the boot/trunk.
Some people buy Toyota because it's Toyota. KIA can offer me a golden car and I won't look at it. Last time I checked KIA (7 years ago) two things were funny about it: interior quality and price. They lost me back then.
@Jas S The Sequoia is not sold in Australia, nor are any of its US competitors. Hyundai/Kia sell the Palisade here, but not the Telluride. In many areas the Palisade is a little ahead of the Highlander, but I still think the Kia Carnival/Sedona is the best buy for a large family. Main drawback is the choice of engines in Australia; just the fuel-guzzling V6 or the economical but noisy 2.2L diesel. Petrol is expensive here, so mileage is an important factor when choosing a new car. That's why hybrids are selling so well.
@Jas S Yes, we bought a Kluger Grande Hybrid about seven months ago. Love it. The other great contender for a large family is the Hyundai Staria. Toyota have severe supply shortages here. The new Landcruiser 300 series is about AU$40K more than a top-of-the-range Kluger, but probably a six to nine months wait from placing an order. My brother-in-law in the Philippines has a Alphard. Wonderful limousine, but not many big families have that budget. I've seen a couple in Australia, but can't find any available through the Toyota dealerships. Grey imports? Hyundai and Kia have a good reputation in Australia for strong, feature-packed vehicles. The new fully-electric Ionic 5 look exciting, but again limited supply. Cheers, Greg.
@Jas S That V6 hybrid was never offered in Australia by Toyota. The current model 2021 Kluger is the first Kluger to offer hybrid. The petrol engine is 2.5L, the same is the Rav4 hybrid, just tuned a little for more power to drag along the extra weight. We get between 6 and 7 litres/100km motorway or suburban. Best ever is 5.3L/100km. That's 44.3 miles per US gallon, two people on board with aircon always on. As I mentioned before, fuel economy is a key decision point here, with standard grade petrol at AU$1.84 per litre and rising. That's US$4.92 per US gallon if I did my calculations correctly.
*According to research surveys..Toyota has the best build quality, materials, reliability and resale value of any brand of vehicle. And according to most reviewers..this Highlander feels like a Lexus product. So for my money it's Highlander.* 🙂
kia took the #1 spot in reliability, Kia dash has style( I drive a GV80)
Great review! Love the comparison videos. I'll add that I just traded in my 2016 Kia Sorento for the 2021 Sorento SX. I have to say, Kia definitely tuned their suspension on the 2021 model to be more sporty over the 2016-2020 models. My old Kia soaked up the bumps beautifully while I definitely feel them more in this 2021. The improved steering however is the trade off.
For my my family of 4 with an 8 year old and 6 year old, the size is perfect! We love having the option for the third row when needed for friends and my kids think it's fun going inbetween the captains chairs to get to the 3rd row.
It was a very hard decision deciding between the Sorento and Telluride for us. The Telluride was quieter, roomier, and drove much more to my liking with the softer suspension. The Sorento felt and looked sportier imo, was cheaper, had a cooler layout design, and fit our size requirements a bit better. Fuel mileage has been disappointing so far though as I'm only getting around 25mpg on the interstate at 70 mph. Only 900 miles though so hopefully that will improve a bit. The only other thing I hate about the 2021 Sorento, is how they stripped the American SX trim of some common upper trim options. I spent $41.6k on the car and it doesn't even come with a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, or memory seats. Preferred the look of the regular SX trim over the X line prestige which also cost another $2-3k more so I went without those options. But still, a heated steering wheel should be mandatory on a 42k dollar car imo.
Overall, we are happy with the 2021 model, but it's definitely not perfect. In another 3 years we will most likely be trading it in on the redesigned 2022 Infinity qx60 coming to market soon.
Thank you!
I also wish heated steering wheels were a more common feature. I've been looking all over this segment and it is very rarely offered on anything but the the top trim. It seems like it should be a fairly cheap feature, but I suppose it only affects us in the colder climates so they don't want to lose out on the profit for all the vehicles they sell in the southern US that don't care about it.
I definately agree! I also paid $41k for my 23 Sorento SX and am disappointed that it doesn’t have a heated steering wheel or memory seats. Especially since My wife’s 23 Sportage XPRO has both features. But overall I do love the car 😊
Please compare Mazda CX9 vs Sorento
I am actually comparing to the CX5
I recently drove all three of these. If you actually want to use the third row, it’s the Mazda CX-9, hands down. Roomier than advertised, great upscale style, great handling, good value for the available options. If you’re not using the third row and want something that drives smaller, the new Sorento is great. The Highlander is fine, but feels like a compromise on all counts (though there’s something to be said about reliability record).
@@robertzoch122 The only midsize SUV with LESS room in the third row than the Mazda CX-9 is the Highlander.
Honestly, the back of the CX-9 didn’t feel so bad to me.
@@robertzoch122 I should have said "legroom". Typically cited as the most critical measure of passenger room. My bad. Here are the 3rd row stats of the CX-9 (199" long) vs the Sorento (189") and the Highlander (195") .
CX-9: Headroom 35.4". Legroom 29.7". Shoulder Room 53.1". Hip room 40.1" Claims to seat 6-7
Sorento: Headroom 36.8". Legroom 29.6" Shoulder Room 53". Hip room 42.5" Claims to seat 6-7
Highlander: Headroom 36.1" Legroom 27.7" Shoulder Room 55" Hip room 45.6 Claims to seat 7-8
For comparison. Here's the 3rd row stats for the Telluride (197" long)
Headroom 38.1" Legroom 31.4" Shoulder room 55.3" Hiproom 43.7" Claims to seat 2
I like the tow rating on the Toyota . Can u compare the Highlander with the Teluride and palisade ?
Get a Palisade... Recommend it... The Highlander is boring... The Palisade has heated and cooled second row seats for the kids and power 3rd row...
@@tavo3234 I don’t ride in the second row lol . I prefer manual seats over power & I think I like the known rather than the unknown meaning I’ve had 4 Toyota’s since 1981 with 315k to 500k on the odometer . I like boring no drama lol. I like to buy a new loaded car that I can drive 15 to 20 years . I’ve done it with Toyota Hyundai has had serious trans and engine problems in the recent past. The toy is known to me . The v6 can leak a little in the front , the brakes can shimmy but I know y and can fix it . Hyundai is to new to me I feel . Good luck and a great week to u.
Apples and oranges bub. In case you didn't know the Telluride is the next size up.
@@krane15 funny other people have reviewed and compared the 2 . The Kia and the Hyundai r a little bigger , but I don’t care as it’s just for me and my 3 dogs . They r priced similarly. And I’m asking Sam not u . Thank u for your opinion which does nothing for me or any . Bub . Lol 😂
Can the sorento be in the level of quality and durability and solidity of the highlander ?
Kia sorento competes with toyota venza yes or no ?
Awesome video. Subscribed!
If you going to buy one which one would you get? Notice me please!
nice review with good detail , merci
Glad it was helpful!
you did not show us the panel
I don't know why but it was clearly visible to us that Toyota Higlander you were stuck in the 3rd row as there was no leg room.
Kia Sorento, on the other hand, did have some room for your height.
But you chose to not mention it 😕. But we saw it.
I give him credit for telling us his height and getting back there -- "one picture, is worth a thousand words."
@@krane15 he did admit but he somehow didn't push the 2nd row all the way back while sitting on the 3rd row. And failed to mention that there is no legroom back there.
Sorento on the other hand, he was able to sit properly in the 3rd row and was able to pull the 2nd row seat all the way back and didn't fail to mention that there's little leg room.
Compared to both, Sorento clearly wins the 2nd and 3rd row leg and head room.
The difference between highlander and Sorrento is not that big as you making it out? However agree with the hybrid engines.25mm in width and 50mm in length is the difference in physical size. Which is nothing in the grand scheme of things. It’s purely perception.
77 degrees here today . Spent all day drinking in the pool
Jealous
Can you test the new Kia K5 with AWD in snow? Nobody has done that yet. That would be great.
My scion tc '07 Barely made it home alive today in Baltimore from D.C. ...I can't wait til I get an SUV this year.
@@andrewchoi857 my sister just bought a new Sorento SX. It is a great car. You should give it a try
@@eugeneb37 I have an appointment on Monday. After today struggling in a 13+ year old car. I'm so ready + that blue though.
@@andrewchoi857 Come back here after you do your test drive and maybe buy it to share your experience. I would love to hear what you think of it.
@@eugeneb37 Will do. I like the fact that it's not as big as the highlander but does mid-size things but slightly more. I've never been a Kia fan til just recently.
Engine is a big difference. These are not sports cars, automakers trying to lure with quickness nowadays. For an SUV, a proper V6 is a must. Engine noise from the 4 cylinder, for the life of the SUV, would be a pain. Also, the Highlander is just more mature. Branding is so important here.
You’re a joke
@Jas S I have owned/own Porsche, Audi, BMW, Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Chevy, Subaru and now I shall make room for Kia. I don’t think the car makes the man. It’s the man behind the wheel that handles the car.
I don’t see any difference of getting in and out and the space of third row is just the same in my eyes
It is the same. The third row is no place for any adult unless they're Lilliputian. As a seat for small kids its great.
Exactly. Fold the 3rd row and forget about it.
Again, great review Sam.
Glad you enjoyed it
Let's be honest no one is transporting adults in the third row, unless you are running an illegal shuttle service! That third row is for your kids' friends to come along somewhere once in a while. As an owner of a 2018 Sorento EX+ V6 with a third row I can say that most of the time that 3rd row is down but if you need it it's there. All these auto-bloggers tend to base entire reviews on the fact that adults are not comfortable in the third row, think of it as an added bonus. Oh yeah and you get a 5y/100,000km warranty so sorry Toyota!
The Kia is a lot more expensive than the Highlander in New Zealand.
I test drove both car and sorento is more comfortable and better specs and looking overall
I had toyota highlander hybird limited 2020. I had almost 100 k miles. I got 0 problems. The car is easy to maintenance. Also, it so cheap.
Subscribed. Am thinking about buying One between Sorento and Telluride. I like the Sorento much better but am scared of the new Wet DCT and that Turbo 4 engine. Am 25 of age with two kids plus My wife. Will u recommend the Sorento or The Telluride for us. Plz reply. Am new to your channel so far I like your reviews
You are young, u will love the sorento! If your family grows, you can move to a bigger 3 row! Cheers 🥂
Kia has a 7-year warranty. Test drive the Telluride. Much larger than the Sorento, and if you option the V6 with lower-level options there won't be much difference in price and they don't have the DCT. Of course consumption is higher. And if you extend your family with a couple of dogs you'll still have room. While you're test-driving the Telluride, have a look at the Carnival/Sedona. Even more room. (My comments are based on the Australian scene. Might be different where you are, particularly if it's Europe.)
Dang, 25 and married with 2 kids already??
For the extra $15,000 I would get some cool whhels and more aggressive tires for the Sorento, a new stereo that would make your ears bleed and another turbo and a tune and a new suit. Oh and a Big Mac
Hylander 3rd row seat is not convenient..This guy try to make like unfortable in 3rd seat. They can move 2nd row and adjust
Toyota Highlander all the way just purchased a 2023 most amazingly fast turbo engine. I’ll take Toyota reliability any day kids reliability is not up to Toyota to date
Hi sam, which of both feel solid of the better quality???
Toyota slightly
@@SamCarLegion Are the warranties the same there? In Australia Toyota have recently moved from 3 to 5 years or 100,000k whichever comes sooner. Kia is 7 years unlimited kms. In the US Kia now have a 10-year warranty or up to 100,000 miles on the powertrain. (I own a 2008 Highlander (Kluger here) and it's been super-reliable apart from two oil leaks from the transfer case. I've shortlisted Toyota Highlander and Hyundai Palisade for my new car later this year Kia Telluride is not sold here unfortunately.)
After 10 test drive i went with sorento over the highlander
I'm about to do same.
@@elshad2965 you won't regret it but take the xline( turbo)
The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder looks sharper and bigger than both of them.
Very bias. Looks like he had the Kia Sorento seat reclined slightly and the Highlander seat leaning forward to make it look like it had more room.
I fail to understand the emphasis of the comparisons of Mid Sized SUVs denoting 3 Rows of passenger space? There is no point to comparing this feature in this sized vehicle. How many people are really going to put full sized adults in the 3rd Row. IMO, it is actually space for small children in a pinch, not long rides. Sam, I would stick to the real GUTS for the comparison (which you do). But too many references to "a proper 3 row SUV".
The third row looked equally small on both so the Telluride if you plan to use the 3rd row constantly. The Sorento needs to offer a bench for the second row on higher trims to be more practical.
Similar not equally
Kia Sorento Vs Toyota Highlander
Shhsd
Sam how are you bro
I am well thank you
Kia Sorento 👍
Toyota’s for life
From start to finish, this guy only favor for Toyota Hilander like Toyota fanboy. Very negative to Kia.
Sorento is better!
@floyd watt yeah but in my opinion the Sorento actually looks better and also has a slightly nicer interiror than the Telluride
Great 😊
Thank you! Cheers!
Toyota 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
kia have better siting position handling Brake system . toyota will last forever
TFL took the Sorento on a dirt hill, and it struggled. The engine ended up overheating! Kia's are cheap for a reason...
I took it in deep snow, it did amazing
@@SamCarLegion You got lucky.
FYI Kia's AWB system was developed by Canadians. My sorento Handles snow amazingly
Ofcourse you Japanese would look down on Kia because it's a Korean brand lol
@@kfx3907 I'm American. But, I guess you know everything about me, huh?
If u tow a lot u need a truck!! Haha
HIGHLANDER BEST 😎
Kia Sorento is the king
@@iqsuperkid7523 tbh i had the 2017 tucson worst car ever so many dam issues with the transmisson and burning oil tbh i dont trust hyundai or Kia anymore and its funny that they can add 5 year warrantee and add more futures but when it comes to value and reliability toyotas are better !
@@saadtheman1 because it's the old one go get the 2022 hyundai Tuson and say what is wrong
@@iqsuperkid7523 toyota for life
Review paid by Toyota.
To compare two vehicles it like compare your wife
Toyotas
i have new Highlander, swtiched for top version from new lexus rx it is and feels what lexus should be... reminds me my old rx 450h.... never would go for KIA.
Can the sorento be in the level of quality and durability and solidity of the highlander ?
No