A three-row SUV in Fargo is honest in a way. It must start up without any problems on a cold morning. It needs to be able to carry people, gear, and groceries all at once. It needs to feel stable on long stretches of highway and when seasons change. The Kia Sorento and the Toyota Highlander both fit this role, but they have different ideas about space, technology, and how easy they are to use every day. When you spend time with each one, the differences start to feel less like specs and more like habits.
Comfort and space inside
The Kia Sorento is flexible when it comes to its cabin. There is room for up to 7 people, and the seating is arranged in a way that makes sense, not like an afterthought. The second-row captain's chairs that are available make the cabin feel bigger and make it easier to get to the third row. This is more important than you might think when you're loading people into a small parking lot.
The materials feel well thought out, with surfaces that are soft to the touch and a layout that keeps things from getting messy. The third row is still useful for short trips without feeling like a compromise.
The Toyota Highlander has a slightly bigger overall footprint, with cargo space that can hold up to 84.3 cubic feet. When you need to bring everything, that extra space is helpful. The third row still feels tighter, especially for adults, and the cabin is more practical than comfortable.
Tech That Keeps Up with You
The Kia Sorento makes its technology easy to use. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ come standard. Higher trims come with a 12.3-inch touchscreen that is sharp and responsive. The Bose® sound system that comes with the car adds depth without making the cabin feel too full. Kia Connect lets you access your car from a distance, which is helpful in the winter when you want to check on it or get the cabin ready before you go outside.
The Highlander has similar smartphone integration and a bigger screen that you can get, but the interface feels more old-fashioned. It works, but it doesn't feel as smooth or flexible as the Sorento's setup.
Efficiency That Works in Real Life
The Kia Sorento comes with a lot of different powertrains. A regular 2.5L engine makes 191 hp, but a Turbocharged version can make 281 hp. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options give drivers who want to cut down on stops at the pump great gas mileage.
The Toyota Highlander also comes in a hybrid version that is very efficient. Its gas models have a 2.4L Turbo engine with 265 hp that works well, but they don't have as many options as the Sorento.
Safety That Makes You Feel Safe
The Kia Sorento comes with the Drive Wise suite, which has features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Blind-Spot View Monitor is one of the best features. It shows a live feed of the lanes next to you right in the instrument cluster.
The Highlander has Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, which has the same basic features as the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Lane Departure Alert. It works well, but it doesn't give as much visual feedback as the Sorento's system.
Get a Close Look at the Kia Sorento at Kia of Fargo
You really make the decision when you get in, change the seat, and drive on roads you know. Things become clear when you see how the cabin feels, how the technology works, and how it handles a normal day.
Go to Kia of Fargo and check out the Kia Sorento for a while. Bring what you usually have with you. Take it out on streets you know. You won't have to wait long to see how it fits into your schedule.
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.