Model Year | 2015 | 2009 | |
Model | Kia Sorento | Toyota Highlander | |
Engine | 3.3L V6 DOHC-4v 290 hp@6400 252 lb-ft@5200 |
3.5L V6 DOHC-4v 270 hp@6200 248 lb-ft@4700 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr SUV | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,789 mm | 0 mm |
Length | 4,684 mm | 4,785 mm | 0 mm |
Width | 1,885 mm | 1,910 mm | 0 mm |
Height | 1,699 mm | 1,730 mm | 0 mm |
Curb Weight | 1,766 kg | 1,895 kg | 0 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 66 L | 73 L | -7 L |
Headroom, Row 1 | 996 mm | 1,031 mm | 995 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 1,506 mm | 1,516 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 1,430 mm | 1,440 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 1 | 1,049 mm | 1,097 mm | 0 mm |
Headroom, Row 2 | 996 mm | 1,019 mm | 995 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 1,491 mm | 1,511 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 1,420 mm | 1,435 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 2 | 955 mm | 973 mm | -18 mm |
Headroom, Row 3 | 932 mm | 922 mm | 10 mm |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 1,367 mm | 1,397 mm | 0 mm |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 1,128 mm | 1,074 mm | 0 mm |
Legroom, Row 3 | 795 mm | 742 mm | 53 mm |
Total Legroom | 2,799 mm (over 3 rows) | 2,812 mm (over 3 rows) | 0 mm |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 258 L | 292 L | -34 L |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 1,045 L | 1,198 L | 0 L |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 2,053 L | 2,701 L | 0 L |
2015 Kia Sorento Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Comment | |
Hyundai offers the Santa Fe in two lengths, a two-row 184.6-inch "Sport" and a three-row 193.1-inch regular version. Though the 2011-2015 Sorento had an optional third-row seat, it was about the same length as the Santa Fe Sport. Perhaps to better fit that third-row seat and differentiate itself from the two Hyundai variants, the 2016 Sorento is three inches longer than the 2015, for a total of 187.4. Kia has done a good job packaging the new SUV. Though the Toyota Highlander and (2009-2015) Honda Pilot are considerably longer, their rear seats have no more rear legroom than the new Sorento's. At 5-9, I can just barely fit in any of them. Passengers will have more room to stretch their legs in the Santa Fe, though third-row headroom is similarly limited to people of at most my height. If you need an adult-friendly third-row, you really need a minivan. Kia offers an especially stylish one. Like the Santa Fe, the Sorento falls between others' compact and midsize SUVs in width. There might not be more rear legroom in a Highlander or Pilot, but there's enough additional shoulder room to include a third seating position in the third row. If you need an eight-passenger vehicle, both the Sorento and the Santa Fe are out of contention. At least all trim levels of the Sorento can seat seven people. The Santa Fe Limited can only fit six. In both the Kia and the Hyundai the second-row seat is mounted comfortably high off the floor, not a given among midsize crossovers. The third-row seat is mounted low to the floor, forcing a knees-high seating position, but this is pretty much a given in the class. see full Kia Sorento review |
None of our members have yet commented on the seat room and comfort of the 2015 Kia Sorento.
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr SUV 187-horsepower 2.7L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of room in the second row, including seats that recline and move back & forth. Having the third row as an option for occasional use was really the deciding factor. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Limo-like leg room and captains chairs see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 209-horsepower 3.3L V6 Hybrid CVT AWD |
The widest seats of all Midsize SUVs (X5, Q7, Tourag, Cayenne, etc.) see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Third row seating and 2nd row has more leg room than the Murano by about 1". see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
4 cup holders see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 Toyota Highlander Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Only two seats in the 2nd row, very small leg room in the 3rd row. see full Toyota Highlander review |
2009 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
seats were hard and flat. Even top of the line luxury model seats were a big disappointment . . . one of the principal reasons we did not choose this vehicle see full Toyota Highlander review |
2008 | 4dr SUV 270-horsepower 3.5L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
3rd row seat is full bench seat and individual side can not be raised or lowered independently. Access and available room much less than MDX. see full Toyota Highlander review |