The Kia Sorento is here to prove that a premium driving experience doesn’t necessarily have to come at a premium price. The SUV’s value is hard to ignore, and the midsize Sorento represents one of the most efficient, stylish, and feature-packed models in its segment. With three rows of seating, an arsenal of advanced safety tech, and kid-friendly features like an available rear-seat entertainment system and onboard WiFi hotspot, the Sorento is a great option for those seeking an affordable family vehicle.
The crossover offers a range of available powertrains, including gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options that’ll give every driver a good reason to seek out a Kia Sorento for sale near Porter. It’s a compelling package to be sure, but how does the Sorento fare against the Toyota Highlander, another three-row heavy hitter? Let’s see how the two models measure up and learn why the Sorento might be the midsize segment’s hidden gem.
Performance and Efficiency
It’s selection, not pure performance, that separates the powertrains you’ll find on the 2026 Sorento and 2026 Highlander. Both models are available in gas and hybrid (HEV) forms, but Kia adds a third option in the form of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that can provide an estimated 30 miles of all-electric driving thanks to its large 13.8 kWh battery pack.
The Toyota’s base engine—a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder—gets off to a strong start with 265 hp, but upgrading to the hybrid actually sees a reduction in power. The HEV is equipped with a larger 2.5-liter inline-four, but the lack of a turbocharger means that the HEV offers just 243 hp. That’s not way off the mark in the midsize segment, but it’s put to shame by much of the Sorento lineup.
The 2026 Sorento’s entry-level 2.5-liter engine is a model of gas-powered efficiency, getting an estimated 26 MPG combined. However, most of the 2026 lineup is powered by a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that boosts the fun factor with 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It even comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that can be operated like a manual, thanks to the addition of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
That’s enough power to spirit the Sorento from zero to 60 mph in six seconds flat and leave even the speediest Highlander—which clocks in at 7.2 seconds to 60 mph—in the dust. The Sorento’s HEV and PHEV models are equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. While the plug-in version is the more powerful of the two, at 261 hp, the regular hybrid is the most economical, with an EPA-estimated 37 MPG combined.
Interior Tech Features
Today’s vehicles are judged as much by their interior tech as they are by their performance and efficiency. In-vehicle technology has come a long way since the days of tape players and LCD clocks, and cars are now as digitally connected as most other aspects of modern life. That’s why it’s so disappointing to see Toyota saddle the 2026 Highlander with an undersized eight-inch infotainment display that detracts from the ergonomic appeal of the SUV’s infotainment system.
An eight-inch screen might have passed muster on an older model, but in the year 2026, it’s an underwhelming design that’s difficult to explain. Drivers can upgrade to a larger 12.3-inch screen on some of the higher trims of the Highlander, but that happens to be the same size as the 2026 Sorento’s standard display. Kia’s crossover also supplements the large infotainment display with a 12.3-inch digital gauge display, allowing Porter drivers to track important metrics and opening the door to some satisfying customization potential.
Aside from the considerable difference in display size, the Sorento and Highlander stick to a pretty similar script as far as interior tech is concerned. Both models offer wireless charging pads, premium stereo systems, and handy connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features can be used to leverage the full power of your smartphone every time you step behind the wheel, giving drivers the ability to stream their favorite content, access popular apps, and display turn-by-turn GPS navigation in a familiar interface.
Standard and Available Driver Assist Features
The 2026 Sorento and 2026 Highlander both offer a comprehensive suite of safety tech, including many advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), but the difference comes down to how generous each brand has been with its entry-level trim.
The Sorento’s base LX trim delivers an impressive array of standard safety tech, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning, as well as surprisingly premium features designed to prevent everything from fender benders to serious accidents. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist can automatically brake for traffic passing directly behind the Sorento when you’re backing out of a parking spot, while Junction Turning Detection reduces the risks that come with making a tricky left-hand turn.
The Kia Drive Wise safety package only improves as you climb the trim ladder, with upper trims adding front and rear parking sensors, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, and two intriguing camera-based features. The 360-degree Surround View Monitor offers a bird’s-eye view of the Sorento’s surroundings to aid in the parking process, and the Blind-Spot View Monitor sends a live video feed directly to your instrument panel so that you don’t overlook any hard-to-see vehicles when cruising through Porter.
The Highlander is equipped with many of the same safety features as the Sorento, but is just a little less generous in terms of standard tech. Every trim does come with a Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. However, higher-end features like front and rear parking sensors, the digital rearview mirror, and a Panoramic View Monitor are limited to the pricier models. This would be a little easier to stomach if the two SUVs could be had for a similar price, but the sad reality is that the Highlander is significantly more expensive than the Sorento.
Warranty Coverage Details
The most enticing aspect of the 2026 Kia Sorento might not be its diverse powertrain options, standard safety features, or tech-forward cabin, but its generous warranty. Kia has long provided drivers with some of the most comprehensive warranty coverage on the market, and the 2026 Sorento is no different.
A five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty covers all Sorento trims, while pricey powertrain components are safe for 10 years or 100,000 miles. But what about the hybrid model? The batteries and motors that power today’s hybrid models can result in a hefty repair bill should something go wrong, but Kia treats these pricey components to the same 10-year or 100,000-mile warranty as any other powertrain parts.
Kia’s extensive warranty isn’t a reflection on the brand’s quality. While some automakers attempt to improve their image by covering up subpar vehicles with comprehensive warranty programs, Kia is actually a leader in the realm of reliability. The automaker ranks in the top six for reliability among non-luxury brands, according to recent studies by both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. This, combined with the impressive warranty, should give drivers valuable peace of mind when they hit the road.
Toyota isn’t quite as liberal when it comes to the Highlander’s warranty. The brand’s three-year or 36,000-mile limited warranty and five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty are pretty standard for the modern market, but they look downright stingy when compared to Kia. Toyota does earn some points for providing Highlander buyers with two years of free scheduled maintenance, but it’s a classic case of too little, too late for the midsize crossover.
Crowning a Champion
While the Sorento has a clear edge in terms of performance, standard safety features, interior tech, and of course, the class-leading warranty, it’s the model's value that really makes the midsize SUV such a difficult option to pass up. This isn’t surprising when comparing the upper trims, but even the base model Highlander costs over $10,000 more than the entry-level Sorento.
It’s difficult to see how Toyota has managed to justify the price discrepancy. While Highlander is also regarded as one of the industry’s more reliable options, the Sorento keeps pace and even surpasses the Highlander in most categories. Kia might have started off as a more value-focused brand—and the automaker still designs some of the most affordable models on the market—but it’s made significant gains in terms of performance, premium tech, and eye-catching design over the last decade. If you’re eager to discover one of the best deals around, make your way from Porter to visit Parkway Family Kia today.