Ding ding, it’s almost time for the 2022 Kia Sorento to take on the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Both of these SUVs have three rows and plenty of fresh features for families. But can the Kia Sorento take down the Toyota Highlander? 

2022 Kia Sorento vs. 2022 Toyota Highlander 

In one corner, we have the 2022 Kia Sorento, with an MSRP of $29,490. In the other corner, we have the 2022 Toyota Highlander with an MSRP of $35,205. These prices are listed before dealership markups, and destination fees have been added. 

The Sorento gets an EPA-estimated 24 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. The hybrid increases these figures to 39 and 35 mpg. Also, the Sorento PHEV gets about 79 MPGe. 

The Highlander gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and up to 29 mpg on the highway. With the Highlander hybrid, these figures are increased to 36 and 35 mpg. 

Is the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander better? 

Let’s look at power. The 2022 Kia Sorento has a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. You can upgrade to the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid provides 177 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and the PHEV creates 261 hp. 

The Sorento can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds. When properly equipped, the Sorento can tow up to 3,500 lbs. 

With the 2022 Toyota Highlander, you get a 3.5-liter V6 with 295 hp and 263 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid generates 243 hp and 175 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

With the Sorento, you get a peppy acceleration with pretty responsive handling and confident brakes. The steering could be a little more accurate. But the ride can be a little bumpy with noticeable road noise at higher speeds. 

The Highlander delivers instant power with controlled body roll around curves. The handling is responsive, but the Highlander can feel like a larger SUV at times. It has a very smooth ride over bumps and a quiet interior. 

Does the Sorento or Highlander have better features? 

The 2022 Kia Sorento provides more passenger space. Adults can fit comfortably in all three rows. The 2022 Toyota Highlander provides ample space in the first two rows, but the third row is cramped. 

With the Sorento, you get 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 75.5 cubes total. The Highlander provides 16 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row with up to 84.3 cubes total. 

The Highlander comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment system that can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch unit. The Sorento comes with an 8.0-inch unit and an optional 10.3-inch unit. Both SUVs include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Both the Highlander and Sorento come with standard automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. But the Highlander also includes blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert. 

The Highlander may provide a smoother and quieter ride, but the Sorento may have better handling. Also, the Highlander offers more cargo space and towing power, while the Sorento has more passenger space. We recommend test driving both options.