Comparison - Toyota Highlander XSE 2021 - vs - Kia Sorento SX 2020

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Kluger

Also called:

Kia Sorento R,Naza Sorento

2021 Toyota Highlander XSE – Agressive SUV – Interior and Exterior Design
2021 Toyota Highlander XSE – Redline: First Look – 2020 Chicago Auto Show
2020 Toyota Highlander Gets Badly Needed Redesign & Improved Tech - Behind the Scenes First Look!
2017 Toyota Highlander - First Look
Toyota Highlander Hybrid review // Some nice updates for 2023
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2019 Kia Sorento overview | Large family SUV
2020 Kia Sorento S Review | CarAdvice
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Walkaround 2017 Kia Sorento SXL V6 Overview
Is the 2021 Kia Sorento the BEST all new SUV to BUY?
2021 Kia Sorento SX (2.5L Turbo) // POV Test Drive
2020 Kia Sorento Black Edition review | Runout deal or no deal?
Make: 
Average Price: 
$
43,355
Updated: 
06 Feb 2020
$
41,790
Updated: 
31 Mar 2019
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2021
2020
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
8-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
yes
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
17.90gals
18.80gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Ruby Flare Pearl
#740000
Celestial Silver Metallic
#979CA0
Blizzard Pearl
#ECE7EA
Magnetic Gray Metallic
#4E4E4E
Blueprint
#323C71
MIDNIGHT BLACK METALLIC
#24231E
Color: 
Ebony Black
#121212
Snow White Pearl
#FAFAFA
Dragon Brown
#504744
Passion Red
#9E212B
Gravity Gray
#61656A
Imperial Blue
#273A5B
Everlasting Silver
#7C7C78
Sangria
#270710

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2021 Toyota Highlander learned new tricks to keep us entertained on the road, when we’re not asleep in the back anyway.

Pros
Better style
New sporty XSE look
Still practical…
...and fuel efficient
Great standard safety

Cons
Infotainment is still a headache
Exterior is a little busy
Pricey top models
Small-ish third row

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The sporty-looking XSE trim level joins the Highlander lineup for 2021. It punches up the looks with more aggressive exterior styling, unique 20-inch wheels, black exterior accents, and a sportier calibration for the suspension. Elsewhere, LED projection headlamps are now a standard feature and all models receive additional driver-assistance features, including semi-automated emergency steering technology that's designed to help a driver avoid collisions.

Pros
Attractive design,
optional hybrid powertrain,
generous standard features.

Cons
Few driving thrills,
skimpy third-row room,
fussy interior styling.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2021 Toyota Highlander comes with a 3 yr./ 36000 mi. basic warranty, a 2 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 5 yr./ 60000 mi. powertrain warranty.New sporty XSE trim debuts.

Pros
Comfortable, quiet ride
Easy to see out of
Good power and fuel economy from V6 engine

Cons
Third row is kids-only
Below-average cargo space behind the third-row seat

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2020 Kia Sorento comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic, 6-speed shiftable automatic.Lightly refreshed bumpers and exterior lighting.EX Sport and SX Limited trims dropped.

PROS
Convenient size should fit many families
Ample feature content for the money
Stylish and quiet interior
Extra-long warranty coverage

CONS
Less cargo space than other three-row models
Third-row seat is strictly for kids
Lackluster acceleration even from the V6 engine

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2020 Kia Sorento skimps on third-row seating, but in all other respects it’s a more than respectable crossover SUV.

Pros
Upmarket feel inside and out
Terrific ride quality
Responsive, natural steering
Strong value and warranty
Solid, quiet feel

Cons
Second row sits too low
Don’t bother with the base engine
Mediocre fuel economy

By: 
thecarconnection.com

Changes are minimal on the 2020 Kia Sorento. There are modest styling updates front and rear, and Kia has consolidated the trim levels and packaging on V-6 models. The ritzy SX Limited and its lofty price are gone, but the one-step-down SX provides most of the important content. The standard navigation system on SX models now includes an integrated modem that allows you to control certain vehicle functions remotely and can notify you if you inadvertently leave a kid in the back seat.

Pros
Simple interior layout, agreeable driving experience, seating for seven in a mid-size body.

Cons
Difficult-to-access third row, numb steering, some safety features limited to upper trims.

By: 
caranddriver.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
20.00mpg
18.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
27.00mpg
24.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
24
24
Cylinders: 
6
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
3.50L
3.30L
Torque: 
263ft-lbs
at 4 700rpm
252ft-lbs
at 5 300rpm
Horsepower: 
295hp
at 6 600rpm
290hp
at 6 400rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
37.40Feet
37.30Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
yes
On steering wheel: 
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
More in Convenience: 
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
197.40in
189.00in
Width: 
76.00in
74.40in
Height: 
68.10in
66.50in
Ground Clearance: 
8.00in
7.30in
Wheel Base: 
112.20in
109.40in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
39.60
39.50
Rear Head Room: 
39.40
39.30
Front Leg Room: 
42.00in
44.10in
Rear leg room: 
41.00in
39.40in
Front Hip Room: 
57.20in
56.70in
Front Shoulder Room: 
59.00in
59.10in
Rear Hip Room: 
57.00in
56.40in
Rear Shoulder room: 
58.40in
58.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
84.30cu.ft
73.00cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
5000lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
16.00cu.ft
11.30cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
16.90degrees
16.90degrees
Angle of Departure: 
21.10degrees
21.00degrees
Curb Weight: 
4400.00lbs
4101.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
no
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Heated Mirrors
Hands-Free Entry
Hands-Free Entry
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors Provides Curb View When Vehicle In Reverse
4 One-Touch Power Windows
Heated Mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Bucket Front Seats
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Leatherette
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
8 -Way Power Driver Seat
4 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Bucket Front Seats
Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Premium Leather
Multi-Level Heating Driver Seat
Ventilated Driver Seat
Ventilated Passenger Seat
10 -Way Power Driver Seat
8 -Way Power Passenger Seat
Height Adjustable Driver Seat
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat
Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Passenger Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
Driver Seat Thigh Extension
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Reclining Rear Seats
Manual Folding Bench Third Row Seats
Folding Rear Seatback
Folding center armrest
Reclining Rear Seats
Split-Folding Rear Seatback
Rear Ventilation Ducts With Fan Control
Manual Folding Split-Bench Third Row Seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Three Zone Climate Control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
3 Months Of Provided Satellite Radio Service
USB With External Media Control
USB Connection
6 Total Speakers
Harman/Kardon Premium Brand Speakers
Satellite Radio W/Real Time Traffic Satellite Radio
630 Watts Stereo Output
Auxiliary Audio Input And USB With External Media Control
10 Total Speakers
USB Connection
1 Subwoofer(S)
Surround Audio Surround Audio (Discrete)

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
20 In.
19 X 7.5 In.
Wheels more: 
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Temporary Spare Tire
All Season Tires
Underbody Mounted Spare Tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R20
Width: 
235.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
55
Diameter: 
R19

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated Front Disc
Ventilated front disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
Solid Rear Disc Brakes
solid rear disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Turn Signal Mirrors
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Pre-Collision Safety System
Post-Collision Safety System
LED Headlamp
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System
LED Headlamp
Post-Collision Safety System
Rear Center 3-Point Belt
Pre-Collision Safety System
Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests
Turn Signal Mirrors

Options

Packages: 
All-Weather Floor Liner Package
Preferred Accessory Package W/All-Weather Floor Liners
Preferred Accessory Package W/Carpet Mats
Protection Package
Exterior Options: 
Tow Hitch Receiver
Alloy Wheel Locks
Special Color
Door Edge Guards
Rear Bumper Applique
Trailer Ball
Roof Rack Cross Bars
Tow Hitch Receiver W/Wiring Harness
Paint Protection Film (Front Bumper)
Ball Mount
Rear Bumper Protector
Body Side Moldings
Running Boards
Paint Protection Film
Mud Guards (Front And Rear)
Washer Heater
Puddle Lights
Wheel Locks
Side Step Bars
Tow Hitch (3.3L)
Cross Bars - Pano Roof
Paint Protection Package
Interior Options: 
All Weather Floor Liners
Carpet Floor Mats
Carpet Floor Mats And Cargo Liner Package
Red Leather Interior
Cargo Cover
Carpet Mat Package
JBL Audio W/Integrated Navigation
Cargo Liner
Universal Tablet Holder
Cargo Tote
Cargo Net - Envelope
Illuminated Door Sills
Carpet Cargo Mat
Illuminated Scuff Plates
Cargo Mat
Cargo Cover
Cargo Net Envelope
Interior Light Kit
SX Mahogany Leather Seat
Cargo Net Floor

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Cockpit Red, leather
#802A2A
Black Mixed Media, leatherette
#24231E
Color: 
Mahogany, premium leather
#C04000
Black, premium leather
#2E3133
Light Gray, premium leather
#6F777A