Awesome video. Subscribed!

06:14 Highlander 2nd row seat is not all the way back. Come on!

Did I skip over the section where you mention the price difference? Here is Australia there's about $16,000 between the two cars.

I have a recommendation for your future 3 Row comparison vids that I think will help give a better comparison to the viewers. Sit in the 2nd row and adjust the seat to your comfort level that is reasonable and then sit behind that seat in the 3rd row.

nice review with good detail , merci

You need to check the specs, Sam. Some comments: It's true that the Highlander is a larger vehicle. According to Car and Driver Its length ranges from 194.9" to 197.4" depending on the model chosen. (The XSE Highlander's distinct fascia adds 2.5" to the length.) The Sorento, on the other hand, is 188.9" long. So the Toyota is between half a foot and 8.5" longer than the KIA. In fact, the XSE Highlander is even longer than the Telluride (196.9") As far as the interior is concerned, however, the results are significantly different. For example, total legroom in all three rows is an important measurement that takes into account that the first and second rows can be moved fore and aft to allocate space as needed. The Sorento provides 112.7" of total legroom compared to the Highlander's 110.7" (All models including the XSE). Looking at the maximum default ) legroom for the first and second rows it turns out that the Highlander and Sorento are almost identical (Sorento 83.1" ; Highlander 83.0"). But the third row of the Sorento provides almost two inches more legroom than the Highlander with the 2nd row legroom maximized in each vehicle (29.6" vs 27.7"). Speaking of the third row comparison, KIA calls it "+2" seating. A reasonable and honest characterization that indicates the Sorento seats four or five passengers in the first two rows "plus 2" in the third row. Toyota on the other claims the third row, even more cramped than the Sorento, seats 3 passengers! That's necessary to justify the claim that the Highlander seats 7 or 8 passengers but it's based on nothing more than the number of seatbelts Toyota puts in the third row, not the actual accommodations. In short the claim that the 8 passenger seating in the Highlander amounts to a "huge difference" (6:58) compared to the Sorento's 6-7 seating is bunk. Finally, keeping in mind that the Highlander is significantly longer than the Sorento (6"-8.5") but with slightly less overall passenger space than the KIA, it's hardly surprising that it provides more cargo space behind the third row of seats (16 cubic feet vs 12.6 cf. Not, as stated in the video "11 cubic ft. That was the last generation). It's obvious that the Sorento offers a compromise; either seat 6 or 7 passengers OR provide adequate cargo space for luggage/gear for 4 or 5 passengers. But even with its extra length the Highlander is much the same. It's 16 cf of cargo space is well below average for a midsize crossover. (Te.g.the Telluride provides 21 cf and the bus-like Traverse offers 23 cubic ft.) An extended trip with 6 or more passengers crammed in the Highlander will find most of their luggage/gear sitting on their laps. No different than the Sorento. And for everyday use, the 12.6 cf rear cargo space in the Sorento (not 11 cf as stated in the video. The 11.3 cf was the space in the last generation) is certainly small for a midsize SUV but it's approximately the same as the Toyota Corolla and no one claims the Corolla's trunk space is non-existent. In any event, the overwhelming majority of Sorento owners keep the third row stowed nearly always and don't encounter the problem. As noted above, the Sorento is either a 4-5 passenger SUV with generous cargo space or a vehicle that seats six or more with limited space for cargo. Much the same can be said of the Highlander.

Again, great review Sam.

Let's test the 3rd row... Sorento: reviewer enters pulls the captain chair all way back. You see, no space. Highlander: reviewer changes side and doesn't even bother to pull back the 2nd row. You see guys how Highlander has 20% more space on the 3rd row?

Can the sorento be in the level of quality and durability and solidity of the highlander ?

The third row isn't going to be used for road trips. It's going to be used when you have a couple of extra people -- usually, a couple of extra kids (your kid's friends or team mates) -- to take to the game/movies/dinner/etc. You aren't going to need the luggage space and the third row at the same time. If you're in a situation where you will need them both, then neither of these vehicles is going to be good for you. These are mid-sized SUVs offering a third row for those times when you need it. For most people, the third row seats are going to spend almost all of their time stowed.

All these reviewers working in the sun. While my man is the hardest working reviewer working through snow storm for some great comparison.

2:57 Highlander space behind 3rd row looks good because seat-backs are VERTICAL and it's empty. Then at 3:27 shows Sorento with 3rd row seats laid back and full of junk. Sure the Highlander is larger, but come on!

Exactly right Sam! The Sorento is a slightly larger, better equipped alternative to the RAV4, CR-V, Edge and so on. If you really need the space, Kia has the class leader in the Telluride.

Kia sorento competes with toyota venza yes or no ?

77 degrees here today . Spent all day drinking in the pool

Great review! Love the comparison videos. I'll add that I just traded in my 2016 Kia Sorento for the 2021 Sorento SX. I have to say, Kia definitely tuned their suspension on the 2021 model to be more sporty over the 2016-2020 models. My old Kia soaked up the bumps beautifully while I definitely feel them more in this 2021. The improved steering however is the trade off. For my my family of 4 with an 8 year old and 6 year old, the size is perfect! We love having the option for the third row when needed for friends and my kids think it's fun going inbetween the captains chairs to get to the 3rd row. It was a very hard decision deciding between the Sorento and Telluride for us. The Telluride was quieter, roomier, and drove much more to my liking with the softer suspension. The Sorento felt and looked sportier imo, was cheaper, had a cooler layout design, and fit our size requirements a bit better. Fuel mileage has been disappointing so far though as I'm only getting around 25mpg on the interstate at 70 mph. Only 900 miles though so hopefully that will improve a bit. The only other thing I hate about the 2021 Sorento, is how they stripped the American SX trim of some common upper trim options. I spent $41.6k on the car and it doesn't even come with a heated steering wheel, ventilated seats, or memory seats. Preferred the look of the regular SX trim over the X line prestige which also cost another $2-3k more so I went without those options. But still, a heated steering wheel should be mandatory on a 42k dollar car imo. Overall, we are happy with the 2021 model, but it's definitely not perfect. In another 3 years we will most likely be trading it in on the redesigned 2022 Infinity qx60 coming to market soon.

*According to research surveys..Toyota has the best build quality, materials, reliability and resale value of any brand of vehicle. And according to most reviewers..this Highlander feels like a Lexus product. So for my money it's Highlander.* 🙂

Hi Sam, a small correction. The Highlander has had Driver Speak a generation ago for talking to the third row.

I like the tow rating on the Toyota . Can u compare the Highlander with the Teluride and palisade ?

If you going to buy one which one would you get? Notice me please!

you did not show us the panel

Can you test the new Kia K5 with AWD in snow? Nobody has done that yet. That would be great.

Great 😊

I had toyota highlander hybird limited 2020. I had almost 100 k miles. I got 0 problems. The car is easy to maintenance. Also, it so cheap.

The difference between highlander and Sorrento is not that big as you making it out? However agree with the hybrid engines.25mm in width and 50mm in length is the difference in physical size. Which is nothing in the grand scheme of things. It’s purely perception.

The third row looked equally small on both so the Telluride if you plan to use the 3rd row constantly. The Sorento needs to offer a bench for the second row on higher trims to be more practical.

Engine is a big difference. These are not sports cars, automakers trying to lure with quickness nowadays. For an SUV, a proper V6 is a must. Engine noise from the 4 cylinder, for the life of the SUV, would be a pain. Also, the Highlander is just more mature. Branding is so important here.

Hi sam, which of both feel solid of the better quality???

For the extra $15,000 I would get some cool whhels and more aggressive tires for the Sorento, a new stereo that would make your ears bleed and another turbo and a tune and a new suit. Oh and a Big Mac

Please compare Mazda CX9 vs Sorento

The 2022 Nissan Pathfinder looks sharper and bigger than both of them.

Let's be honest no one is transporting adults in the third row, unless you are running an illegal shuttle service! That third row is for your kids' friends to come along somewhere once in a while. As an owner of a 2018 Sorento EX+ V6 with a third row I can say that most of the time that 3rd row is down but if you need it it's there. All these auto-bloggers tend to base entire reviews on the fact that adults are not comfortable in the third row, think of it as an added bonus. Oh yeah and you get a 5y/100,000km warranty so sorry Toyota!

I don't know why but it was clearly visible to us that Toyota Higlander you were stuck in the 3rd row as there was no leg room. Kia Sorento, on the other hand, did have some room for your height. But you chose to not mention it 😕. But we saw it.

Toyota Highlander all the way just purchased a 2023 most amazingly fast turbo engine. I’ll take Toyota reliability any day kids reliability is not up to Toyota to date

The Kia is a lot more expensive than the Highlander in New Zealand.

Subscribed. Am thinking about buying One between Sorento and Telluride. I like the Sorento much better but am scared of the new Wet DCT and that Turbo 4 engine. Am 25 of age with two kids plus My wife. Will u recommend the Sorento or The Telluride for us. Plz reply. Am new to your channel so far I like your reviews

Kia Sorento Vs Toyota Highlander

Lets all just relax. Toyota is a beast at reliability and Kia will never catch up in a million years. I have a 2006 Lexus IS250 with 480,000 Km and a 2005 Toyota Corolla with 365,000 Kms with no issues at all. run like new. Highlander will never jump head first into technology or any "Modern" changes before it proven to be reliable or tweak it to make it reliable. hence why resale value is one of the highest among any other brand. Toyota still gives you Comfort, quality and something you can pass to 5 generations down the road. Please don't compare KIA in that aspect. yes KIA looks nice and shiny. all goes down to how long you want to keep the car and If you're leasing vs buying/ Financing .

Hylander 3rd row seat is not convenient..This guy try to make like unfortable in 3rd seat. They can move 2nd row and adjust

11:30 Toyota Highlander for a family of 7? Only if your luggage goes up on the roof. For a family of 7 save thousands and look at the Kia Carnival/Sedona. Much more room in 2nd row, 3rd row and the boot/trunk.

Kia Sorento 👍

I don’t see any difference of getting in and out and the space of third row is just the same in my eyes

Very bias. Looks like he had the Kia Sorento seat reclined slightly and the Highlander seat leaning forward to make it look like it had more room.

Sam how are you bro

After 10 test drive i went with sorento over the highlander

Toyota 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

I fail to understand the emphasis of the comparisons of Mid Sized SUVs denoting 3 Rows of passenger space? There is no point to comparing this feature in this sized vehicle. How many people are really going to put full sized adults in the 3rd Row. IMO, it is actually space for small children in a pinch, not long rides. Sam, I would stick to the real GUTS for the comparison (which you do). But too many references to "a proper 3 row SUV".

Toyota’s for life

If u tow a lot u need a truck!! Haha

kia have better siting position handling Brake system . toyota will last forever

From start to finish, this guy only favor for Toyota Hilander like Toyota fanboy. Very negative to Kia.

Sorento is better!

Toyotas

TFL took the Sorento on a dirt hill, and it struggled. The engine ended up overheating! Kia's are cheap for a reason...

To compare two vehicles it like compare your wife

Shhsd

HIGHLANDER BEST 😎

Review paid by Toyota.

Can the sorento be in the level of quality and durability and solidity of the highlander ?