Tale of the Tape: 2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Toyota Highlander | Driving

I often describe mid-size crossovers as the main force in the SUV market—family cars and trucks. Generally speaking, they do not shock people with their sexy appearance, sporty driving behavior or powerful engine. On the bright side, they also don’t tend to be overvalued.

In the past few years, this mid-size SUV segment has been crowded with well-known, established nameplates and some relative newcomers, totaling more than 20. In terms of sales volume, high-end cars are Ford Explorer, Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Grand Cherokee and other models, as well as the two cars compared here: Toyota Highlander, and Kia Sorento, which was redesigned for the 2021 model. It is traditionally the car manufacturer’s best-selling car in Canada.

There are currently six decorations: LX +, LX Premium, X-Line, EX, EX + and SX, all with standard AWD, third-row seats, and two powertrains. X-Line is a brand new interior. It will be the entrance to the 2.5-liter engine, with 20-inch wheels and the interior of the second-row captain's chair.

The base LX+ starts at $33,995, while the level 1 LX Premium starts at $36,495. The new 2021 X-Line starts at $39,495, while the superior EX and EX+ are priced at $40,995 and $43,995, respectively. Finally, we have a fully loaded SX at a price of $47,495.

Fourth Generation

And provide 10 models and decoration combinations, including front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain. In 2021, Toyota Motor Corporation of Canada will add a sporty model, the Highlander XSE, which has a specially adjusted suspension, a second-row captain's chair and unique interior and exterior styling features.

For comparison, leaving aside the hybrid powertrain, the price of the gasoline engine model is as follows: The basic Highlander LE FWD starts at $40,150, but if you want all-wheel drive, the price will rise to $43,650. XLE ($43,650) and XSE ($46,150) were in the mid-range, while Limited and Platinum reached $51,850 and $54,150, respectively. Except for the basic Highlander LE, AWD is standard on all other models.

Sorrento offers two engines in 2021: the basic 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which outputs 191 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque, and the high-end turbocharged version of the 2.5L four-cylinder, which outputs 281 hp and 311 lb. -ft. Torque. The 290 hp 3.3L V6 provided by the previous model has been deleted. Similarly, although the US market includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid front-wheel drive versions, battery assistance will arrive in Canada in the second half of 2021, apparently because Kia wants to pair the powertrain with all-wheel drive.

The basic 2.5-liter engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the turbocharged version is matched with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. Kia said this is an exclusive product for this market segment. The AWD system uses torque vector control with a center locking differential to provide additional power to the rear wheels in the event of a skid. As for fuel economy, the comprehensive rated power of the basic engine is estimated to be 9.7 L/100 km, which is 4.9% higher than the outgoing 2.4L four-cylinder engine. The total rating of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is 9.9 L/100 km, which is 10.8% higher than the V6 engine. The downside is that the towing capacity has dropped by 1,500 pounds, and now the maximum is 3,500 pounds. The maximum power rating of the basic engine is 2,800 pounds.

Toyota offers FWD and 5 AWD Highlander models powered by conventional gasoline engines, as well as four AWD Hybrid models. All gasoline models use a 3.5-liter V6 engine with a power of 295 hp and a torque of 263 lb-ft, which is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The fuel economy totals 10.3 L/100 km and the maximum towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. The traction kit includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler and improved fan performance.

For LE and XLE models, the AWD system can transmit up to 50% of the available torque to the rear wheels when necessary. The limited and platinum versions have dynamic torque vector AWD with drive mode selection and drive train disconnection. In addition to controlling the torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, the system also uses a special coupling to actively manage the torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels.

Kia Sorento 2021

2020 Toyota Highlander

2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum

Neither the Highlanders nor Sorrento will be described as amazing. However, the new Sorento looks more like a typical mid-size SUV than the minivan of its predecessor. Clearer, modern lines, Kia’s “tiger face” update, standard LED headlights and optional LED headlights, and other minor details emphasize the more muscular and dynamic equipment. Four different alloy wheel styles are provided, ranging from 17 to 20 inches.

Similarly, last year's updated version of the Highlander has a more sculpted shape, giving Toyota a significantly stronger posture. The L, LE and XLE trim panels come with black front grilles and silver trims, while the Limited and Platinum grades feature black grilles. The black grilles have chrome trims and a chrome-plated lower rear trim panel. The projector is large Lights and 20-inch alloy wheels. The platinum version comes with silver front bumpers and rear fascias, as well as unique 20-inch wheels. The XSE’s grille and front and rear bumpers make it unique, with its headlights and taillights receiving a smoky environment.

There is a trade-off between the two in terms of space for spouses, children, pets, and all the appliances that come with the family. That is, if you want to compare the new Sorento with the previous model, please know that the wheelbase of the new version has been increased by 35 mm to provide more internal space, and the second row of legroom has increased by 93 mm.

The fourth-generation Highlander is 60 mm longer than its predecessor in its cargo area. Externally, in all major dimensions (height +36mm, length +50mm, width +30mm and wheelbase +36mm), the Highlander is larger. Those rough bungalow roads also have greater ground clearance (203 mm and 175 mm).

Internally, it depends on how many seats have to be filled and by whom. For example, in addition to the third row (Highlander has a clear advantage), higher front and second row passengers will appreciate Sorrento's slight headroom advantage. Same as above, including the third row. However, in Highlander, those with a slightly wider size (ie the shoulder and hip area) will be more comfortable. However, it should be pointed out that the third row of the two cars is best reserved for fry.

When it comes to camping equipment, hockey equipment, bicycles or other things, active people will prefer Highlanders. Folding the second and third rows of seats, Toyota provides 2,387 liters of space, while Sorrento’s is 2,138 liters. Only in the third row are Highlander 1,371 liters and Sorento 1,274. Behind the back row of seats, the Highlander has a 456-liter Sorento 357.

2021 Kia Sorrento preview

2020 Toyota Highlander Entune System

A brand new model means a brand new cabin in Sorrento. Kia’s interior designers call it a “delicate and bold” appearance. The materials used include shiny satin finishes, available metal textures or perforated wood inlays, embossed quilt patterns on models with leather, and optional The second row of captain chairs.

The list of Sorrento's technical features includes a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster (all SUVs provided by Kia Canada are Sorrento's first and first), a 360-degree surround view display that can monitor the vehicle in all directions, and Kia's blind vision display projection instrument panel Real-time video view of adjacent lanes in the middle. The standard configuration is an 8-inch high-resolution touch screen and a 10.25-inch display screen. Moreover, UVO Intelligence Link telematics technology provides a series of advanced networked vehicle functions, such as networked routing, networked weather, SOS Connect and roadside assistance.

Like Sorrento, the standard configuration of Highlander is eight or seven seats, replacing a pair of heated and ventilated captain chairs with second-row seats. All decorations include a display audio system with a touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a multi-information display, a smart key with button activation, and a driver's seat with adjustable power.

High-end touches include soft, padded and stitched surfaces, available ambient LED lighting and embedded steering wheel controls. The center console provides usable wireless charging, usable 12.3-inch touch screen display and usable JBL audio system.

In the first 11 months of 2020, the sales of Sorento and Highlander are very close, with only a few hundred between the two. The new Sorento will help Kia in 2021, although abandoning the V6 optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine may not be good for those who need/want towing capacity. Although turbocharged engines are becoming more and more common in mid-size crossovers, the easy power of its normally aspirated V6 engine may be beneficial to the Highlander, and its larger size and greater load capacity also Can make a difference. Given how close these two family cars are, we look forward to a driving comparison between Sorrento and Highlander.

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