"It has a new front end, but basically this is the same Highlander you've seen for a while." Dang Nathan, love your guys' channel, but the misinformation was pretty strong in this one! That is absolutely NOT true. The Highlander was completely redesigned inside & out for the 2020 model year. The previous generation Highlander Hybrid used a V6, the current one uses a 4 cylinder. & the entire exterior & interior are not even remotely similar between the previous generation & the current one.
A25A is in NO case old-fashioned engine, said at 4:01. A25A is advanced engine with combined port and direct injection, with VVT-i driven by electric motor and highly advance engine cooling system with rapid engine warming. That Ioniq direct injected engine can not compare to Toyota A25A.
FYI this current 4th generation Highlander has been literally fully redesigned just last year. Especially this hybrid version. Now hybrid Highlander carries 2.5L 4 cylinder gas engine vs previous generation's 3.5L 6 cylinder gasoline engine. I appreciate the effort, however if you're making a review video make it where information is valid and not misleading for the folks who are really looking to learn about these vehicles.
I wish the Kia had the 2.5T combined with the hybrid system in this vehicle. That engine combo would be powerful enough that they could share it with the Telluride/Palisade and it would still probably get 35mpg city in the FWD Sorento.
Compelling arguments for both vehicles. I am a staunch Toyota person, but have had two Kia SUV'S, both a Sorento and Sportage. I have nothing but good, even great things, to say about the Kia"s. I would probably pick the Highlander just because I need AWD.
You summed it up perfectly. IF one is cross shopping between these 2 vehicles and lives in a 4 season environment, the Highlander would work year round for your 1 vehicle purchase. BUT, if you live someplace where you are not on ice/snow ever, I would take the Sorento. (but if I were a family hauler, I would skip both and get a van lol)
We are shopping for a minivan replacement (Toyota sienna) and the family (6) climbed into the Highlander and instantly vetoed it. Felt far more cramped and uncomfortable than the Sorento. As much as my wife still thinks of Kia as a budget brand we have twice ended our day of car shopping back at the Kia dealer eyeballing a Sorento Hybrid.
To be fair, the Highlander competes with the Telluride. It's great that even Sorento can hold up to a competition against the Highlander. You sacrifice some space and awd, but it's good enough and has an appealing exterior
I have a 3 row 2017 Sorento and it has been useful although I think it reduces the trunk size slightly. I wouldn't have paid a big premium for the 3rd row but hey it was included and the car was dirt cheap with only 16k miles. moving 7 people is surely not for road trips unless you travel jus with a hand bag but we've done some cool 4 adults +2 kids weekend trips with some luggage in the middle seat. highlander 3rd row is more usable I've done short drives with 8 adults but you got to know each other quite well 😄😄 but it's nice when you are 8 with only one sober
Maybe late for comments, but the Kia now offers AWD. Now, after returning from a very long trip with the wife and two kids (4 and 7) and having lots of family on my destination, I could benefit from having a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle. I currently own a cx5 which we like how it drives, but for long trips it's cramped and once we got to my wife's parents we struggled with space since just to move around we had to sit the kids on their laps (not legal o know) since they are a older couple who don't own a vehicle. So having a set of captain seats works great for long hours and those small third row seats are actually meant for kids, so they should be marketed as such
The Sorento is currently the least reliable three row SUV on the market according to Consumer Reports. All of those features don't matter if they're constantly breaking.
KIA warranty I believe is 10 years; in Europe it is 7 years full warranty, no limitations (except of course wear and tear, like always). Toyota in Europe is 3 years full warranty, and up to 10 years limited warranty. Constantly breaking down, never heard about that, it would bankrupt those companies, both KIA and Toyota.
So far I’ve had 2 kias and never had any issues with them. I had the 2016 kia forte and drove it till 92k miles. Only got rid of it because I needed a third row. Currently I have the 2022 kia sorento hybrid with 22k miles and not one issue 👍🏽
what I hate about such reviews is that the reviewer never says how those cars behave after 3-5 years. I know it is hard to predict, but sometimes, looking at the tech used, you know what yo expect. Toyoyta is known, that is reliable. I had Kia sportage and their transmission gear is so expensive to fix, not as in other brands. I still do not know what to choose
Yall need to put some respect in KIA name! It's changing the game in the automotive world. Although Toyota has a long reputation, it lacks the tech. Or forces you to get the highest trim. And that it's just a KIA comment is so 90s and early 00s. It has evolved since then with a new company logo and all. Ironically, people who only drives domestic cars way back then said the same thing about Toyota or any foreign cars. It's just a Toyota. Or buy American. Kia is more than a "Just" now. If I have to choose, I'm going with the Sorento. The styling and tech alone stood out to me. It has a youthful appearance. The Highlander just give me middle-aged house wife vibes. Nothing rugged about it.
I love Toyota but not a fan of CVT. Also not a fan of E-AWD system on Toyota hybrids. If Toyota use their 8 speed automatic and torque vectoring AWD on the hybrid I'm in, if not no thanks. I don't like the dynamic torque control AWD on lower trims of gas Highlander as well, that is outdated. Should use torque vectoring AWD across all trims. Same story for Rav4.
I’ve got a 2022 Sorento SX in that red color I love it and my fiancé has a gravity grey 2022 Sorento EX hybrid we’ve got 2 kids so they fit our family well
Interesting. In the UK only the hybrid and diesel are offered. The hybrid comes in three trims with only the lowest trim offered in front wheel drive. All others are 4wd only. The diesel only comes in mid trim level and loses out on cooled memory seats, the moonroof and the all round cameras. Pretty much everything else is included though, including rear seat climate controls and vents, which you don't get. The doors are great, because they extend down and cover the sills, so you don't get your trousers or legs plastered with cow shit, or any other shit, when getting in and out.
@@johngatsby1473 how are you liking it? We're looking for something to use with the 2 kids but I'm not entirely convinced it's the one yet. We're currently in a Prius though so it's probably still a decent upgrade from that.
@@FedUpZebra we came from a Kia Niro which isn't that much bigger than a Prius but the Sorento makes you feel like you're in a luxury roomy vehicle...granted we came from a small car. I really liked it allot but I will say this....you won't get 35mpg like they say... especially if you get an AWD like I did....not by choice but the market is so horrid...we took what came in. The Sorento really was a nice change for sure
One thing I've noticed about Toyotas is that they drive oh so boring. At least other car manufacturers give their vehicles some fun and zippiness. I bought a Toyota because their reliable, but now regretting my decision. You spend so much time in your car. It needs to be fun and enjoyable, not just get you from A to B in the most mediocre way possible. I think the reason Toyotas are so reliable is because the ECM won't allow you to have any fun, therefore, you can't wear them out.
Wife and I are just wondering wich one to buy and how to compare them and we live in Chicago. You helpd us A LOT thank you so much for great advice 👍👍👍we'll go with kia 😁
You'll also pay quite a bit more up front for equivalent features so it essentially washes in the end. Residuals and vaules are basically a popularity contest at any given time.
@@allalbavinceroIt's currently available in Europe, but it will come in the US at the end of the year winter 2021 as a 2022 Kia Sorento model. I mean if awaited, it will probably come with Kia's new logo as well.
Very nice review, butyou making one mistake - Sorento is not Highlander rival - Telluride is. Of course, you can get Sorento HEV for Highlander pricetag, but Highlander is just higher class.
He's not wrong, it competes with both and now Toyota is introducing the Grand Highlander to take on the Telluride directly. I'm looking on the smaller side, so the Highlander is about as big as I'd go and am comparing it with the Sorento.
Lots of automotive journalist miss out on the fact about Toyotas Hybrid relaibaility in general. Highlander hybrid like other toyota hybrid can go upto 200K miles and beyond. We dont know for sure for Kia.
I have found if I want to learn the real differences between the cars in these “comparisons” I should just read the comments to find out everything you guys get wrong.
Depends on the make of the vehicle. Toyota has a lot of keyboard nazis that bombard the comment sections, however, their comments are mainly logical and correct. The problem is that if TFL was testing a Subaru, a Mini, BMW, Chrysler, or any other widely considered unreliable vehicle, the keyboard nazis will fill the comment sections full of misinformation and false news about those vehicles.
I love having a big guy sit in the back seat but really wanted to see you sitting in that 3rd row on the kia. I'm 5/3" female and I embarrassingly had to crawl out of that seat. Needless to say, I won't be using that seat very often:) Thanks for the review.
Movie reference? Okay -- To paraphrase Patrick Swayze from Next of Kin : "Sorento Hybrid don't have all-wheel-drive . . . but it's comin'." Sorry, Nathan . . . I gotta go with the Sorento; I prefer the vehicle over the Highlander in base forms, especially as I don't haul around 5-8 people EVER, and with the AWD comin' and the impending PHEV choice . . . . I just think Kia has more compelling and, yes even in a CUV, more driver oriented vehicles, certainly more so than the stoggy old Highlander.
Actually, the Highlander hybrid has a 3500 LB towing capacity. Not 3000 lb. And when I compared the Kia options, yes the Sorento and Telluride, I still feel the Highlander is a better choice all around. But maybe I'm bias as well, because this little thing called "resale value" plays a huge part in vehicles I buy. I live in Colorado too by the way. Thanks so much for your reviews! You always do such a good job.
In Europe the Sorento comes with 2.2 diesel and has bigger infotainment, better all wheel drive system and almost same economy as the Highlander. Also for some stupid reason in my country I cannot order the excellent JBL audio of a Toyota. So for me it's the Sorento!
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 really? I ve read good reviews about the one in the Highlander. But in my country (Cyprus) it is not even an option. I can't understand why... All brands have the normal audio and premium audio but Toyota only offers the low end audio even for the premium level configuration of their cars! I told them for me good quality audio is a must in the car and their cars are not in my list just because of that! For the Kia I have tested the premium Bose audio. Nothing spectacular but it is decent... Maybe alter wearing in the speakers will be even better. The car I tested was just in, brand new!
That don't mean nothing. Kia is not the same Kia. I remember when people said that same thing about Toyota. It's just a Toyota. Especially the ones that only drives American cars.
Awesome vid! I've been searching everywhere for a video like this... Thx! Can you do a comparison for the 2023 Sorento PHEV SX and highlander hybrid limited?
Nathan... dude, you don't fit back there in either! LOL ... Not a fan of most 3 row cross-overs. With all the seats up, you have almost no cargo space. That 3rd seat is kind of a joke unless you are a small child. The Honda Pilot isn't bad, but still not great in the 3rd row. Nathan doesn't really fit in either in the 3rd row. This is where the argument comes in that if you really need real room in a 3 row, and some cargo space, nothing beats a Sienna or an Odyssey mini-van. Real space for real people.
TFL now, guess what? I talk to owner kia in California and is you have a option offer to get all wheel drive at 1,800 more cost. Get yourself a favor and get a kia instead overprice Toyota. Tata.
The review is nicely made but there are just so many things that one would argue about what you stated. Either your review is biased towards Kia or to deliberaly misinform viewers or both even.
What about these gigantic panoramic sunroofs in sunny states like Colorado? They can have quality issues and loss of headroom. I like the Santa Fe hybrid basic blue edition. Toyota does not have a comparable product. The Venza is about the same size as the RAV4.
Toyota has more power and can haul almost twice as much and as of this moment there are Highlanders actually at dealers being sold and have a long history already behind it and Kia’s are nowhere to be found.
This is not my kind of vehicle. However, I will never buy a vehicle with only direct injection, worst if it is turbo. We all know the carbon build-up problem in the intake valves. Only both direct and port fuel injection for me.
Lol..... I had 2013 Hyundai stanta fe 2.0 turbo. I put about 100k miles on it and it had no build up at all. And it was a GDI. If you don't use low quality gas it was fine. And I don't mean just use high octane gas. I ran 87 all the time.
It is very curious claims about good quality fuel used to prevent carbon build-up when the problem is that fuel does not touch the back of the valve. How does good quality fuel works in this case?
Direct injection carbon buildup is largely an issue of yesteryear. There will always be a small amount of buildup, however better breathing pcv systems, higher detergent oils, valve overlap, increase intake temperatures have vastly reduced carbon buildup.
I have met several people with serious problems with Kia and Hyundai. I, myself had one with a bad transmission and other issues. You can kid yourself if you think Kia and Hyundai are better than Toyota...NOT IN A MILLION YEARS. Toyota is the Absolute King of quality and reliability. People say Toyota isn't as good as years ago...again..TOTAL BULL💩. Every newer Toyota my wife and I have owned was better than the previous...not that the older ones were bad to begin with.
@Jonathan A I am glad you know so much. My wallet knows that Toyota is way cheaper to own and maintain. I have 40 years now of experience with crap and reliable. Take a guess what has been reliable for me. Toy Yoda.
I've been a Toyota guy all my life until my highlander blew its engine at 80k miles. Never Toyota again, new models arent as reliable as older generation that's for sure.
@@mastertry1935 You may well be the first person that had a blown engine. I have met so many people with Toyotas and that has never been mentioned. I buy extra warranty and I drive the Snot out of our Toyotas and never had engine or tranny problems. My brother in law has had some issues with his 16 Tacoma...but minor problems. He has a coworker with Nissan Titan and the Titan is on engine number 4 now. I read the text message twice to make sure that is what he said. That is very poor quality if a vehicle needs 4 engines all under warranty.
Sadly yes. The Sorrento destroys the Highlander in every way now especially price tag. Only area where the Highlander excels is the availability of an 8th seat I used to defend Toyota so boldly before but now I can’t anymore with these two models
@naveenthemachine, thats a very stupid thing to say, I won't even bother explaining why the Highlander is better, clearly you chose to ignore that and decide to talk nonsense instead
Completely agree! I chose a 2017 Sorento over Highlander, Pilot, MDX, Durango, and CX-9. KIA has $7K off MSRP, the others are up to $2K off MSRP. So, one should not use MSRP only for pricing comparison. Use the real selling price. Sorento was the most efficient when you compare interior space to exterior dimensions. With my 3.3L V6 AWD, I am getting over 28mpg in Hwy mileage (NJ to VA both ways), much better than the 24mpg EPA rating.
Sorry to say this but resale value is the ultimate judge and as far as I can see Toyota is winning. That aside, I actually am considering both of these cars. I went to the dealer and got into them myself and this is what I concluded. The Kia feels brighter, more modern and clean. The Highlander feels like a low level Lexus. The Kia is high on looks and technology, but low on utility. In the end I concluded I’ll wait for a new Honda Pilot.
Such a shame the Sorento is not AWD or 4x4 like its predecesors I had one of the last body on frame ones and loved it, but needed a pickup double cab for my business and Kia did not do one shame the Sorento would have made a very good pickup, so I had to go with a Chevy Rodeo not my smartest buy but did what it needed to.
The Highlander actually looks much better than the Kia and will age much better it’s some more sleek and graceful design. I love the looks. Also different trims of the Highlander you can get a very luxurious colored interior that’s not black. Definitely taking home the Highlander not even thinking twice
"It has a new front end, but basically this is the same Highlander you've seen for a while."
Dang Nathan, love your guys' channel, but the misinformation was pretty strong in this one! That is absolutely NOT true. The Highlander was completely redesigned inside & out for the 2020 model year. The previous generation Highlander Hybrid used a V6, the current one uses a 4 cylinder. & the entire exterior & interior are not even remotely similar between the previous generation & the current one.
I was looking for a comment about this
This is 100% facts. I'm a 2020 hybrid Platinum owner and can certainly say I literally eye rolled at their comment lol
Just purchased the Sorento plug-in with AWD. Loving it so far.
@matt How are you liking it after 7 months of driving? Any issues and likes or dislikes?
How do you like the sorento? Any complaints?
I love it. No problems. The electric range is perfect for most daily driving. I probably fill the gas tank once every couple months.
How long did you wait to get it after ordering?
@@Okikor1 I didn’t order it. Found it on the lot.
A25A is in NO case old-fashioned engine, said at 4:01. A25A is advanced engine with combined port and direct injection, with VVT-i driven by electric motor and highly advance engine cooling system with rapid engine warming. That Ioniq direct injected engine can not compare to Toyota A25A.
FYI this current 4th generation Highlander has been literally fully redesigned just last year. Especially this hybrid version. Now hybrid Highlander carries 2.5L 4 cylinder gas engine vs previous generation's 3.5L 6 cylinder gasoline engine. I appreciate the effort, however if you're making a review video make it where information is valid and not misleading for the folks who are really looking to learn about these vehicles.
From the ground up an all new vehicle in 2020
PAID promotion BY Hyundai KIA.
@@factsmatter6980 …. any proof?
@@factsmatter6980 EXACTLY. 100%
I wish the Kia had the 2.5T combined with the hybrid system in this vehicle. That engine combo would be powerful enough that they could share it with the Telluride/Palisade and it would still probably get 35mpg city in the FWD Sorento.
Compelling arguments for both vehicles. I am a staunch Toyota person, but have had two Kia SUV'S, both a Sorento and Sportage. I have nothing but good, even great things, to say about the Kia"s. I would probably pick the Highlander just because I need AWD.
My parents also owned a Sorento from 2012. Really good car. My parents are now looking at the new Kia Carnival.
You summed it up perfectly. IF one is cross shopping between these 2 vehicles and lives in a 4 season environment, the Highlander would work year round for your 1 vehicle purchase. BUT, if you live someplace where you are not on ice/snow ever, I would take the Sorento. (but if I were a family hauler, I would skip both and get a van lol)
😂
We are shopping for a minivan replacement (Toyota sienna) and the family (6) climbed into the Highlander and instantly vetoed it. Felt far more cramped and uncomfortable than the Sorento. As much as my wife still thinks of Kia as a budget brand we have twice ended our day of car shopping back at the Kia dealer eyeballing a Sorento Hybrid.
To be fair, the Highlander competes with the Telluride. It's great that even Sorento can hold up to a competition against the Highlander. You sacrifice some space and awd, but it's good enough and has an appealing exterior
I don’t need a tiny 3 rd row, so the Santa Fe hybrid AWD Limited is my pick.
I have a 3 row 2017 Sorento and it has been useful although I think it reduces the trunk size slightly. I wouldn't have paid a big premium for the 3rd row but hey it was included and the car was dirt cheap with only 16k miles.
moving 7 people is surely not for road trips unless you travel jus with a hand bag but we've done some cool 4 adults +2 kids weekend trips with some luggage in the middle seat. highlander 3rd row is more usable I've done short drives with 8 adults but you got to know each other quite well 😄😄 but it's nice when you are 8 with only one sober
DO NOT even touch Hyundai hybrid system. they are JUNK
Maybe late for comments, but the Kia now offers AWD. Now, after returning from a very long trip with the wife and two kids (4 and 7) and having lots of family on my destination, I could benefit from having a 6 or 7 passenger vehicle. I currently own a cx5 which we like how it drives, but for long trips it's cramped and once we got to my wife's parents we struggled with space since just to move around we had to sit the kids on their laps (not legal o know) since they are a older couple who don't own a vehicle. So having a set of captain seats works great for long hours and those small third row seats are actually meant for kids, so they should be marketed as such
Torque-vectoring All-Wheel Drive (AWD) w/ Center-Locking Differential is standard on SX prestige
The Sorento is currently the least reliable three row SUV on the market according to Consumer Reports. All of those features don't matter if they're constantly breaking.
KIA warranty I believe is 10 years; in Europe it is 7 years full warranty, no limitations (except of course wear and tear, like always). Toyota in Europe is 3 years full warranty, and up to 10 years limited warranty.
Constantly breaking down, never heard about that, it would bankrupt those companies, both KIA and Toyota.
Could be before 2021.
They were in the upper half/third last I saw
So far I’ve had 2 kias and never had any issues with them. I had the 2016 kia forte and drove it till 92k miles. Only got rid of it because I needed a third row. Currently I have the 2022 kia sorento hybrid with 22k miles and not one issue 👍🏽
False
what I hate about such reviews is that the reviewer never says how those cars behave after 3-5 years. I know it is hard to predict, but sometimes, looking at the tech used, you know what yo expect. Toyoyta is known, that is reliable. I had Kia sportage and their transmission gear is so expensive to fix, not as in other brands. I still do not know what to choose
I will take the toyota 💯
there shit but ok lol
Fanboi
consider yourself as an opp.
Yall need to put some respect in KIA name! It's changing the game in the automotive world. Although Toyota has a long reputation, it lacks the tech. Or forces you to get the highest trim. And that it's just a KIA comment is so 90s and early 00s. It has evolved since then with a new company logo and all. Ironically, people who only drives domestic cars way back then said the same thing about Toyota or any foreign cars. It's just a Toyota. Or buy American. Kia is more than a "Just" now. If I have to choose, I'm going with the Sorento. The styling and tech alone stood out to me. It has a youthful appearance. The Highlander just give me middle-aged house wife vibes. Nothing rugged about it.
I prefer the Sorento
Thanks for doing a tour of the vehicle and a drive in the same video! 👍
The Kia is a much better looking vehicle
The 2023 Sorentos have an AWD option.
I love Toyota but not a fan of CVT. Also not a fan of E-AWD system on Toyota hybrids. If Toyota use their 8 speed automatic and torque vectoring AWD on the hybrid I'm in, if not no thanks. I don't like the dynamic torque control AWD on lower trims of gas Highlander as well, that is outdated. Should use torque vectoring AWD across all trims. Same story for Rav4.
I’ve got a 2022 Sorento SX in that red color I love it and my fiancé has a gravity grey 2022 Sorento EX hybrid we’ve got 2 kids so they fit our family well
Interesting. In the UK only the hybrid and diesel are offered. The hybrid comes in three trims with only the lowest trim offered in front wheel drive. All others are 4wd only. The diesel only comes in mid trim level and loses out on cooled memory seats, the moonroof and the all round cameras. Pretty much everything else is included though, including rear seat climate controls and vents, which you don't get. The doors are great, because they extend down and cover the sills, so you don't get your trousers or legs plastered with cow shit, or any other shit, when getting in and out.
Just the fact that the Highlander has AWD and the Sorento does not, is really a deciding factor plus Toyota's reliability.
My 22 Kia Sorento hybrid s ia AWD.....what are you talking about?
@@johngatsby1473 how are you liking it? We're looking for something to use with the 2 kids but I'm not entirely convinced it's the one yet. We're currently in a Prius though so it's probably still a decent upgrade from that.
@@FedUpZebra we came from a Kia Niro which isn't that much bigger than a Prius but the Sorento makes you feel like you're in a luxury roomy vehicle...granted we came from a small car. I really liked it allot but I will say this....you won't get 35mpg like they say... especially if you get an AWD like I did....not by choice but the market is so horrid...we took what came in. The Sorento really was a nice change for sure
I know this was a year ago, but I literally drive a sorento hybrid with awd, they do have it
I love Kia’s designs as well.
So funny to still hear people run down Kia like it is 1999. Many times Kia out ranks Toyota in quality.
I don't think that way, but if your opinion
The Highlander looks like a refresh of the Subaru Tribecca.
That’s Subaru is ugly
Subaru is partially owned by Toyota
Really liked the way you lead the comparison, talks very clear and in the right pace. Got plus one subscriber. Congrats!
Toyota always!
One thing I've noticed about Toyotas is that they drive oh so boring. At least other car manufacturers give their vehicles some fun and zippiness. I bought a Toyota because their reliable, but now regretting my decision. You spend so much time in your car. It needs to be fun and enjoyable, not just get you from A to B in the most mediocre way possible. I think the reason Toyotas are so reliable is because the ECM won't allow you to have any fun, therefore, you can't wear them out.
Wife and I are just wondering wich one to buy and how to compare them and we live in Chicago. You helpd us A LOT thank you so much for great advice 👍👍👍we'll go with kia 😁
See in 5 years what these 2 vehicles are worth, I’ll take bets it’s NOT the Kia.
do you buy a car for yourself or to sell it later?
@@kristians2704 actually both, also there is a reason ones value stays higher for longer. Longevity is part of the equation for my purchase process
You'll also pay quite a bit more up front for equivalent features so it essentially washes in the end. Residuals and vaules are basically a popularity contest at any given time.
and that is assuming hyundai KIA engine last 5 years.
not likely.
@@factsmatter6980 You are seriously out of touch if you think any engine isn't going to last at least 5 years. This isn't 1982.
The Plug in Hybrid Sorento may be better than the Highlander then, as it will have AWD
Is it available now?
@@allalbavinceroIt's currently available in Europe, but it will come in the US at the end of the year winter 2021 as a 2022 Kia Sorento model. I mean if awaited, it will probably come with Kia's new logo as well.
@@xirozar thanks
Wait that highlander only came out last year, and it’s new from the ground up..:
Very nice review, butyou making one mistake - Sorento is not Highlander rival - Telluride is. Of course, you can get Sorento HEV for Highlander pricetag, but Highlander is just higher class.
He's not wrong, it competes with both and now Toyota is introducing the Grand Highlander to take on the Telluride directly. I'm looking on the smaller side, so the Highlander is about as big as I'd go and am comparing it with the Sorento.
I’d take the Sorento with the 2.5L engine 👍
I am really wary of dct
Lots of automotive journalist miss out on the fact about Toyotas Hybrid relaibaility in general. Highlander hybrid like other toyota hybrid can go upto 200K miles and beyond. We dont know for sure for Kia.
The 2022 sorento hybrid and PHEV are available in AWD, at least it is where I am. I don't know why he states differently.
This was 9 months ago. They added AWD to the hybrid
I have found if I want to learn the real differences between the cars in these “comparisons” I should just read the comments to find out everything you guys get wrong.
Depends on the make of the vehicle. Toyota has a lot of keyboard nazis that bombard the comment sections, however, their comments are mainly logical and correct. The problem is that if TFL was testing a Subaru, a Mini, BMW, Chrysler, or any other widely considered unreliable vehicle, the keyboard nazis will fill the comment sections full of misinformation and false news about those vehicles.
I love having a big guy sit in the back seat but really wanted to see you sitting in that 3rd row on the kia. I'm 5/3" female and I embarrassingly had to crawl out of that seat. Needless to say, I won't be using that seat very often:) Thanks for the review.
2021 Toyota Sienna AWD Hybrid for the win
Both good cars but I would go for the sorento but nit that hybride but whith the 2.2 crdi diesel we get in Belgium
The Sorento is being reported for transmission problems (per Consumer Reports) w/ the 2021 model, and squeaks and rattles around the body noise.
It’s only the Hybrid that does not have AWD. All other models do.
We should revisit this convo after 200,000miles to see which is better
Movie reference? Okay -- To paraphrase Patrick Swayze from Next of Kin : "Sorento Hybrid don't have all-wheel-drive . . . but it's comin'."
Sorry, Nathan . . . I gotta go with the Sorento; I prefer the vehicle over the Highlander in base forms, especially as I don't haul around 5-8 people EVER, and with the AWD comin' and the impending PHEV choice . . . . I just think Kia has more compelling and, yes even in a CUV, more driver oriented vehicles, certainly more so than the stoggy old Highlander.
10 points earned for the Highlander reference.
the vents for sorento 3rd row are under 2nd row seats. Kind if like foot warmer vents.
Actually, the Highlander hybrid has a 3500 LB towing capacity. Not 3000 lb. And when I compared the Kia options, yes the Sorento and Telluride, I still feel the Highlander is a better choice all around. But maybe I'm bias as well, because this little thing called "resale value" plays a huge part in vehicles I buy. I live in Colorado too by the way. Thanks so much for your reviews! You always do such a good job.
The Sorento is AWD to lol, in Canada at least.
You should have reviewed the awd sx plug in
In Europe the Sorento comes with 2.2 diesel and has bigger infotainment, better all wheel drive system and almost same economy as the Highlander. Also for some stupid reason in my country I cannot order the excellent JBL audio of a Toyota. So for me it's the Sorento!
The JBL in my Toyota Tundra is really pathetic sounding.
@@haroldbeauchamp3770 really? I ve read good reviews about the one in the Highlander. But in my country (Cyprus) it is not even an option. I can't understand why... All brands have the normal audio and premium audio but Toyota only offers the low end audio even for the premium level configuration of their cars! I told them for me good quality audio is a must in the car and their cars are not in my list just because of that!
For the Kia I have tested the premium Bose audio. Nothing spectacular but it is decent... Maybe alter wearing in the speakers will be even better. The car I tested was just in, brand new!
No chance you can compare a kia to a Toyota. It may have nice features but at the end of the day its still a Kia
That don't mean nothing. Kia is not the same Kia. I remember when people said that same thing about Toyota. It's just a Toyota. Especially the ones that only drives American cars.
“it’s still a kia” yes and the toyota is still a toyota. Both are decent brands.
KIA will surpass Toyota very soon if not already.
@@siteczek never and definitely never in quality
People like you hated Toyota in the 50-60's, BTW. lol Yeah, Samsung will never overtake Nokia. Never.
I don't understand why Kia America does not offer AWD to Sorento hybrid which is available in Korea:(
Let’s see a comparison between the Kia and Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid!
Good commentary, and I laughed. Thanks.
The kia does have cooled seats in top trim
this was super helpful, thank you!
No pano roof in the limited Highlander hybrid? That's a miss!
I live in a sweltering hot climate. That extra glass is no good. Fine for Seattle.
Will this be a good daily driver for wife or is it too big? Its just me and my wife, my 90lbs dog and my high school senior son
Awesome vid! I've been searching everywhere for a video like this... Thx! Can you do a comparison for the 2023 Sorento PHEV SX and highlander hybrid limited?
Does anyone know when the PHEV will be released in the US?
The Kia is extremely compelling
Rugged looking and luxurious but for me the highlander is the way to go for it reputation
No one talked about prices Highlander is twice expensive than Kia
Which has best resale value after 5 years?
I'll patiently wait for Highlander Prime.
That will push $60k...
@@OlJackBurton in Romania ... Highlander Hybrid Luxury (top trim) is 59K eur here
Love to know the 2022 comps since Kia has added AWD
Nathan... dude, you don't fit back there in either! LOL ... Not a fan of most 3 row cross-overs. With all the seats up, you have almost no cargo space. That 3rd seat is kind of a joke unless you are a small child. The Honda Pilot isn't bad, but still not great in the 3rd row. Nathan doesn't really fit in either in the 3rd row. This is where the argument comes in that if you really need real room in a 3 row, and some cargo space, nothing beats a Sienna or an Odyssey mini-van. Real space for real people.
kia sorento all the way
2022 Sorento Hybrid has AWD option supposedly
TFL now, guess what?
I talk to owner kia in California and is you have a option offer to get all wheel drive at 1,800 more cost. Get yourself a favor and get a kia instead overprice Toyota. Tata.
Well Done Nathan, excellent review x 2! (My favorite part though was the movie reference to Highlander.) 👍🏻
The moment you said no AWD on the Kia, the match was over.
Except it DOES come in AWD so he's wrong.
The review is nicely made but there are just so many things that one would argue about what you stated. Either your review is biased towards Kia or to deliberaly misinform viewers or both even.
One has major oil issues. One is known for stellat reliability and resale value. Also who buys a fwd suv. Smh.
What about these gigantic panoramic sunroofs in sunny states like Colorado? They can have quality issues and loss of headroom.
I like the Santa Fe hybrid basic blue edition. Toyota does not have a comparable product. The Venza is about the same size as the RAV4.
Toyota has more power and can haul almost twice as much and as of this moment there are Highlanders actually at dealers being sold and have a long history already behind it and Kia’s are nowhere to be found.
This is not my kind of vehicle. However, I will never buy a vehicle with only direct injection, worst if it is turbo. We all know the carbon build-up problem in the intake valves. Only both direct and port fuel injection for me.
Lol..... I had 2013 Hyundai stanta fe 2.0 turbo. I put about 100k miles on it and it had no build up at all. And it was a GDI. If you don't use low quality gas it was fine. And I don't mean just use high octane gas. I ran 87 all the time.
@@kingripper4079 "I put about 100k miles on it and it had no build up at all"
Pics or it never happened.
It is very curious claims about good quality fuel used to prevent carbon build-up when the problem is that fuel does not touch the back of the valve. How does good quality fuel works in this case?
Direct injection carbon buildup is largely an issue of yesteryear. There will always be a small amount of buildup, however better breathing pcv systems, higher detergent oils, valve overlap, increase intake temperatures have vastly reduced carbon buildup.
Always great reviews!
I have met several people with serious problems with Kia and Hyundai. I, myself had one with a bad transmission and other issues. You can kid yourself if you think Kia and Hyundai are better than Toyota...NOT IN A MILLION YEARS. Toyota is the Absolute King of quality and reliability. People say Toyota isn't as good as years ago...again..TOTAL BULL💩. Every newer Toyota my wife and I have owned was better than the previous...not that the older ones were bad to begin with.
Absolutely, Toyota know how to live with people. Problems free, just drive in a comforts without thinking of stacking.
@Jonathan A I am glad you know so much. My wallet knows that Toyota is way cheaper to own and maintain. I have 40 years now of experience with crap and reliable. Take a guess what has been reliable for me. Toy Yoda.
@@mikefoehr235 just because a car is more reliable doesn’t mean it’s better overall.
I've been a Toyota guy all my life until my highlander blew its engine at 80k miles. Never Toyota again, new models arent as reliable as older generation that's for sure.
@@mastertry1935 You may well be the first person that had a blown engine. I have met so many people with Toyotas and that has never been mentioned. I buy extra warranty and I drive the Snot out of our Toyotas and never had engine or tranny problems. My brother in law has had some issues with his 16 Tacoma...but minor problems. He has a coworker with Nissan Titan and the Titan is on engine number 4 now. I read the text message twice to make sure that is what he said. That is very poor quality if a vehicle needs 4 engines all under warranty.
Would have considered if Kia made HUD an option.
Lazy review at best, not something I expect from TFL...
Would love to see an mpg test!
Don't need a 3rd row SUV but don't like hynday or rav 4
No awd is a deal breaker in the snow belt.
@John Stone Maybe, but if you want to sell SUV's in the snow belt you do need it.
Sadly yes. The Sorrento destroys the Highlander in every way now especially price tag. Only area where the Highlander excels is the availability of an 8th seat
I used to defend Toyota so boldly before but now I can’t anymore with these two models
@naveenthemachine, thats a very stupid thing to say, I won't even bother explaining why the Highlander is better, clearly you chose to ignore that and decide to talk nonsense instead
@@Reu_ag I do personally like the Highlander platinum and XSE models.
Completely agree! I chose a 2017 Sorento over Highlander, Pilot, MDX, Durango, and CX-9. KIA has $7K off MSRP, the others are up to $2K off MSRP. So, one should not use MSRP only for pricing comparison. Use the real selling price. Sorento was the most efficient when you compare interior space to exterior dimensions. With my 3.3L V6 AWD, I am getting over 28mpg in Hwy mileage (NJ to VA both ways), much better than the 24mpg EPA rating.
Sorry to say this but resale value is the ultimate judge and as far as I can see Toyota is winning. That aside, I actually am considering both of these cars. I went to the dealer and got into them myself and this is what I concluded. The Kia feels brighter, more modern and clean. The Highlander feels like a low level Lexus. The Kia is high on looks and technology, but low on utility. In the end I concluded I’ll wait for a new Honda Pilot.
SORENTO ALL THE WAY.
Highlander = incomplete minivan
I will buy the toyota over the kia anyday
How do I get paid off by Kia? Please share the hotline number or better yet, your Kia agent.
Such a shame the Sorento is not AWD or 4x4 like its predecesors I had one of the last body on frame ones and loved it, but needed a pickup double cab for my business and Kia did not do one shame the Sorento would have made a very good pickup, so I had to go with a Chevy Rodeo not my smartest buy but did what it needed to.
The 2022 sorento hybrid and PHEV are available in AWD, at least it is where I am. I don't know why he states differently.
It does have awd
Honda Pilot has much more room in the third row.
Someone help me out. The turbocharged Sorento is going to be more problematic that the Highlander. Not in every case , but in general.
Correct?
Apples to oranges comparison.
I’d buy a KIA if they’d build a full size suv to compete with Tahoe & Expedition
They do...it's called the Telluride
@@interkaiser44 Telluride is a great SUV, but it's not comparable to an Expedition in any way.
toyota also has higher towing capacity.
The Highlander actually looks much better than the Kia and will age much better it’s some more sleek and graceful design. I love the looks.
Also different trims of the Highlander you can get a very luxurious colored interior that’s not black. Definitely taking home the Highlander not even thinking twice
3rd seat... 2 adults or 3 Tommy's 😂😂... 3rd seat room should now always be defined by how many Tommy's would fit.
Tommy's are longer than Nathans though...
Korea vs Japan...tough call.
Contrary to popular belief, Japanese doesn’t mean reliable. My former Subaru can testify to that.
Also, for some reason, Highlanders have always have ugly ass rear lower ends. It needs a proper set of dual exhaust