Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander: which three-row SUV fits your family?
Shopping three-row SUVs around Danville? The Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander matchup is probably high on your list. Both 2026 models pair a turbocharged four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive, so the real differences come down to price, warranty, space, and features. Here's a straight comparison of the Sorento X-Line EX AWD and the Highlander XLE, including the places where the Toyota comes out ahead.
| Category | 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD | 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $42,790 | $46,270 |
| Engine | 2.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 281 hp, 311 lb-ft | 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder, 265 hp, 310 lb-ft |
| Warranty | 5-year/60,000-mile basic, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain | 3-year/36,000-mile basic, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain |
| Second-row legroom | 41.7 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Touchscreen and audio | 12.3-in. touchscreen, 12-speaker Bose audio | 8.0-in. touchscreen, 6 speakers |
| Seating | 6 | 7, or 8 with available bench |
| Cargo space | 12.6 cu. ft. behind 3rd row, 75.5 cu. ft. max | 16.0 cu. ft. behind 3rd row, 84.3 cu. ft. max |
| EPA-estimated MPG | 20 city, 27 hwy, 23 combined | 21 city, 28 hwy, 24 combined |
2026 model year. Sorento X-Line EX AWD vs Highlander XLE AWD, both with standard all-wheel drive. Starting MSRP excludes destination. Data current as of September 24, 2026.
2026 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD
The X-Line EX is the Sorento built for everyday family life in Southside Virginia. Standard all-wheel drive and a 281-horsepower turbocharged engine come together with second-row captain's chairs, a panoramic moonroof, 20-inch wheels, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. It starts at $42,790, which is $3,480 below the Highlander XLE. That's a real difference on a family budget, and you don't give up the features you'd expect at this price.
You'll always be covered
Kia backs the Sorento with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage, plus 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance. The Highlander XLE carries 5 years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain and 3 years or 36,000 miles basic. If your week includes the Route 29 run to Greensboro, that longer coverage adds up. Our team will walk you through the terms before you sign.
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Room to stretch in the second row
The Sorento gives second-row passengers 41.7 inches of legroom, 3 inches more than the Highlander XLE. The X-Line EX pairs that space with captain's chairs, so the kids or grandparents riding in back each get a seat of their own. Rear climate vents and heated front seats keep everyone comfortable through humid summers and chilly mornings.
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More tech included from day one
Every X-Line EX comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker Bose audio, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and wireless phone charging. Front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control come standard too. On the Highlander XLE, the 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, and the 12.3-inch screen is a $735 factory option.
Schedule a test drive2026 Toyota Highlander XLE
The Highlander XLE is Toyota's entry trim for 2026, and it's a well-equipped SUV worth a close look. It pairs a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo with standard all-wheel drive and starts at $46,270. Here's where it has the edge.
Seating and cargo space
The Highlander XLE seats 7 with standard second-row captain's chairs, or 8 with the available bench. It offers 16.0 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 84.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. If you regularly fill every seat and still need room for luggage, that extra space is a genuine advantage.
Towing
Toyota rates every gas Highlander, including the XLE, to tow up to 5,000 pounds, and every gas model includes Trailer Sway Control. For comparison, the Sorento X-Line EX tows up to 3,500 pounds with the Kia towing package. If a boat or camper headed to Kerr Lake is part of your summer, the Highlander's extra capacity matters.
Fuel economy and comfort features
The Highlander XLE is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city, 28 highway, and 24 combined, which is 1 MPG better than the Sorento in each measure. It also adds tri-zone climate control and includes 2 years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance.
Which three-row SUV makes more sense in Danville?
If getting the most for your money matters most, the 2026 Sorento X-Line EX AWD is the stronger pick. It starts $3,480 below the Highlander XLE and adds longer warranty coverage, more second-row legroom, and a bigger standard screen with Bose audio. If you need seating for 7 or 8, more cargo room, or 5,000 pounds of towing, the Highlander deserves a look. The best way to decide is to drive the Sorento yourself at Blackwell Kia on Riverside Drive.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs less, the 2026 Kia Sorento or the Toyota Highlander?
The 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD starts at $42,790, and the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD starts at $46,270. That's a difference of $3,480. Both trims include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, so the price gap isn't about giving up power or traction.
Which has the longer warranty, the Sorento or the Highlander?
The Kia Sorento carries a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage. The Toyota Highlander carries a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage. Toyota adds 2 years or 25,000 miles of scheduled maintenance, which Kia doesn't include.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD is EPA-rated at 21 MPG city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. The 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD is rated at 20 MPG city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. Both run on regular unleaded fuel.
How many people fit in each SUV?
The Sorento X-Line EX seats 6 with second-row captain's chairs. The Highlander XLE seats 7 with standard captain's chairs, or 8 with the available second-row bench. The Sorento offers more second-row legroom, at 41.7 inches compared to 38.7 inches in the Highlander.
Can the Sorento or Highlander tow more?
The Highlander XLE is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. The Sorento X-Line EX is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds with the Kia towing package. Towing ratings depend on proper equipment, so check the door jamb label and Owner's Manual before hooking up a trailer.
Drive the 2026 Kia Sorento in Danville
Specs only tell you so much. Come see how the Sorento X-Line EX fits your family, from the second row to the cargo area. Blackwell Kia has served Danville since 1940, and our team will give you straight answers on trims, towing setup, and your trade-in. That's what being the Dealer FOR The People means. We welcome drivers from Martinsville, South Boston, Eden, and all across Pittsylvania County. Give us a call at (434) 792-8853 or stop by 4878 Riverside Drive.
Specifications and equipment reflect manufacturer-published data and Edmunds data for 2026 model year vehicles as of September 24, 2026, and are subject to change. This comparison uses the 2026 Kia Sorento X-Line EX AWD and the 2026 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD, selected as the closest match by starting MSRP and standard equipment. Features and specifications differ on other trims and may vary with options and production changes. Starting MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title, license, and dealer fees. EPA-estimated fuel economy is for comparison only, and actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, habits, load, and maintenance. Maximum towing requires proper equipment, including the Kia towing package on the Sorento, and varies by configuration. Passengers and cargo reduce available capacity, so never exceed the ratings on the vehicle's door jamb label. Driver-assistance features are supplemental, don't replace attentive driving, and may not work in all conditions. See the Owner's Manual for details. Warranty coverage is summarized, and terms, exclusions, and conditions apply. See each manufacturer's warranty statement for complete details. Toyota and Highlander are trademarks of their respective owner. Information about the Toyota Highlander is drawn from manufacturer-published materials as of September 24, 2026. Blackwell Kia is not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota. Confirm current specifications, availability, and pricing with the dealership.