2022 Kia Kia Sorento vs. Toyota Highlander vs. Honda Pilot

If you’re in the market for a 7-passenger SUV, the segment is now filled with more choices than ever before. These versatile SUVs have become popular with growing families and those living busy, active lifestyles. Spacious interiors, capable performance, and bold styling prove that the three-row SUV segment has come a long way in recent years. The Kia Sorento delivers optimized versatility to accommodate any lifestyle, whether in-town or off-road. If you’re still torn between the Sorento and another model, Ken Ganley Kia Mentor wants to help you make an informed decision. We’ve assembled this in-depth comparison in which the Kia Sorento goes up against two of its most formidable rivals -- the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. Let’s take a closer look at the competition and see how Kia’s SUV performs.

Kia Sorento vs The Competition - Quick Specs

	2022 Kia Sorento	2021 Toyota Highlander	2022 Honda Pilot
Starting MSRP*	$29,490	$35,085	$39,060
Engine	2.5L I4 (standard) 2.5L I4 Turbo (available)	3.5-Liter V6 (standard)	3.5L V6
Horsepower / Torque	191 HP / 182 LB-FT (standard) 281 HP / 311 LB-FT (available)	295 HP / 263 LB-FT (standard)	280 HP / 262 LB-FT
MPG**	Up to 24 City / 29 Highway / 26 Combined	Up to 21 City / 29 Highway / 24 Combined	Up to 20 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined
Seating	6 or 7	7 or 8	7 or 8
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD	FWD or AWD
Max Cargo Capacity	75.5 cubic feet	84.3 cubic feet	83.8 cubic feet

Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander

2022 Kia Sorento X-Line S AWD	VS	2021 Toyota Highlander L AWD
$34,290	MSRP	$36,685
23/25/24	MPG (city/hwy/combined)	20/27/23
Standard w/ Voice Activation	Navigation System	Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard Keyfob & Smart Devic	Remote Start	Not Available
8	USB Ports	8
10 inches	Touchscreen Display Size	8 inches
Standard	Rear Collision Prevention	Not Available
Standard	Blind-Spot Warning	Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard	Parking Sensors	Requires Higher Trim Level
Standard	Heated Front Seats	Requires Higher Trim Level
SynTex Leatherette	Seat Material	Cloth
5 Years / 60,000 Miles	Basic Warranty	3 Years / 36,000 Miles
10 Years / 100,000 Miles	Powertrain Warranty	5 Years / 60,000 Miles
5 Years / 60,000 Miles	Roadside Assistance Coverage	2 Years / Unlimited Mileage

While the Kia Sorento X-Line S AWD and the Toyota Highlander L AWD share similar starting prices, the Sorento does begin this matchup with a $2,395 price advantage. If you think that paying extra for the Highlander will get you more features, you’d be mistaken.

The savings only continue to add up for the Sorento when you consider its superior fuel economy ratings across all three categories of EPA measurements. Cutting-edge tech features included as standard on Sorento X-Line S models include a navigation system, 10 USB ports, a remote start system, and a massive 10-inch touchscreen display. These great features are either unavailable entirely or require an upgrade to a more expensive trim level of the Toyota Highlander. The standard SynTex leatherette upholstery of the Sorento adds the premium feel of genuine leather with superior durability compared to the cheap-feeling cloth of the Highlander. Heated front seats help make chilly mornings much more bearable as well.

Looking next at the active safety features of both SUVs, once again the Kia Sorento continues to shine. You’ll receive standard rear collision prevention, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors for greater confidence. Toyota is also unable to match the long-term peace of mind you’ll enjoy from superior basic warranty coverage, powertrain warranty coverage, and roadside assistance included as standard on every Kia Sorento.

Kia Sorento vs Honda Pilot

2022 Kia Sorento X-Line S AWD	VS	2022 Honda Pilot EX-L AWD
$34,290	MSRP	$41,060
23/25/24	MPG (city/hwy/combined)	19/26/22
Standard w/ Voice Activation	Navigation System	Requires Higher Trim Level
8	USB Ports	4
10 inches	Touchscreen Display Size	8 inches
Standard	Rear Collision Prevention	Not Available
Standard, Rear	Parking Sensors	Requires Higher Trim Level
41.4/41.7 inches	Front / Rear Legroom	40.9/38.4 inches
5 Years/60,000 Miles	Basic Warranty	3 Years/36,000 Miles
10 Years/100,000 Miles	Powertrain Warranty	5 Years/60,000 Miles
5 Years/60,000 Miles	Roadside Assistance Coverage	3 Years/36,000 Miles

Next up to challenge the Kia Sorento is the Honda Pilot. In this matchup, the Sorento begins with a staggering $6,770 price advantage over the Pilot. As we saw previously, the superior fuel economy of the Sorento means that these already impressive savings continue to grow.

Kia has a significant technology advantage when you compare the feature content of the interiors of both SUVs. The Sorento comes standard with 10 USB ports, a 10-inch touchscreen display, and a standard integrated navigation system. The Pilot is unable to match these great connectivity features or requires you to upgrade to an even more expensive trim level.

In terms of safety, Kia continues to set the standard. The Sorento X-Line S includes rear collision prevention along with rear parking sensors for greater confidence behind the wheel. Greater front and rear legroom means that your passengers will be more comfortable inside the Sorento than they will in the Pilot. Finally, Kia provides superior basic warranty coverage, powertrain warranty coverage, and roadside assistance than Honda.

Winner - Kia Sorento

Now that we’ve collected the results, it’s clear that the winner of this competitive comparison is the Kia Sorento. Both the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot simply cannot match the versatility, luxurious comfort features, cutting-edge safety, and outstanding warranty protection of the Kia Sorento. Once you’re ready to experience the Sorento for yourself, our team at Ken Ganley Kia Mentor is standing by to help you choose the model which perfectly suits your lifestyle and personality.

*MSRP excludes destination and handling charges, taxes, title, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

**MPG: Based on EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and your vehicle’s condition.