2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Among three-row SUVs, few match the blend of everyday usability and weekend capability like the latest entries from Kia and Toyota. If you are shopping near La Crosse, WI, our team built this side-by-side to spotlight the strengths that matter most to families, commuters, and road-trippers. The 2026 Kia Sorento arrives with available Dual Panoramic Displays offering approximately 24 inches of combined screen space, an adventure-ready X-Pro trim with all-terrain tires, and thoughtful touches like the available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror and a hands-free Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close. The Toyota Highlander counters with a well-known reputation, available Panoramic View Monitor, and a choice of gas or hybrid powertrains. Yet, when the focus is real-world convenience, advanced driver assist, and confidence on mixed terrain, the Sorento’s feature set stands out. This 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Toyota Highlander comparison underscores those daily advantages, from standard front and rear parking sensors to available Highway Driving Assist 2 that can assist with steering during a signaled lane change. At Prestige Auto, we are committed to guiding you to the right fit for your lifestyle, and for many shoppers, the Sorento checks more boxes.
| Feature | 2026 Kia Sorento | 2026 Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ | Yes | Yes |
| 3rd-row seating | Yes | Yes |
| 360° Surround View Monitor / Panoramic View Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Blind-Spot View Monitor (live camera feed in cluster) | Yes | No |
| Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane change assist | Yes | No |
| Hands-free Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close | Yes | No |
| Factory all-terrain tires (adventure-focused trim) | Yes | No |
| Standard front and rear parking sensors | Yes | No |
| Available Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Yes |
| 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty | Yes | No |
Exterior - Kia Dealer serving La Crosse, WI
Sorento’s design emphasizes confident utility with sharp lines and a purposeful stance that looks at home downtown or on dirt. The X-Pro trim elevates that theme with exclusive matte black finish wheels, a blackout front and rear fascia, high-utility roof rails, and — most importantly — factory all-terrain tires and 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Those authentic trail-friendly cues aren’t just for show; they translate to secure footing when the pavement ends. Highlander’s sophisticated exterior offers available rain-sensing wipers, a twin-tip exhaust on sportier grades, and a panoramic roof, and it presents a classic family SUV profile. Both vehicles offer a hands-free liftgate, but Sorento’s available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close adds a convenience twist that’s easy to appreciate after a grocery run or a day at the lake near La Crosse, WI. Around town, available 360° Surround View Monitor in Sorento and Panoramic View Monitor in Highlander simplify tight parking. Add in Sorento’s available blackout design cues on X-Pro, and Kia gives shoppers a way to dial in a more adventurous look right from the factory, without relying on accessory packages or dealer add-ons.
Interior - 2026 Kia Sorento near La Crosse, WI
Inside, both SUVs offer three rows, but the Sorento’s cabin is tuned for modern multi-tasking. Sliding second-row access makes it easy to reach the standard 50/50 split-folding third row, and available 2nd-row captain’s chairs create a comfortable passage for family or friends. Available heated and ventilated front seats, available heated second-row seats, and an available heated steering wheel help you tailor comfort across seasons near La Crosse, WI. Technology takes center stage with the available Dual Panoramic Display w/ Navigation, providing approximately 24 inches of combined screen area for mapping, media, and vehicle information, while standard Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Wireless Android Auto™ make everyday syncing seamless. The available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror can maintain a clear rear view even when cargo or passengers block a traditional mirror, and available acoustic laminated front glass helps hush road noise. Toyota Highlander counters with its own available 12.3-in. multimedia touchscreen and 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster, panoramic moonroof, and an available JBL® audio system. Still, small details favor Sorento, like the available Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close that can automatically close when the key fob departs—helpful when hands are full and the recreation pace never slows.
Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander Mechanical Specs
Capability today is as much about control as it is about power. Sorento’s available torque-vectoring all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode is engineered to balance traction and agility, letting you select a mode tailored to conditions. On X-Pro, the package is fortified by all-terrain tires that add bite on snow, gravel, and light mud, and the added ground clearance encourages confident cresting of ruts and trail entries. Highlander answers with available Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD that can send up to half of the engine’s power rearward and further apportion torque side-to-side, plus Multi-Terrain Select modes on AWD grades. Both systems are smart, but Sorento’s factory all-terrain rubber and adventure-first tuning give you usable grip the moment you leave the lot. On the maneuverability front, Sorento makes life easier with standard front and rear parking sensors across the lineup, while similar parking aids on Highlander vary by trim. Both SUVs offer a surround-view camera, but Sorento also brings an available Blind-Spot View Monitor that projects a live video of the rear blind spot into the gauge cluster when you signal — a uniquely confidence-inspiring touch during lane changes or merging near La Crosse, WI.
Powertrain - Kia Dealership near La Crosse, WI
Sorento’s available 281-hp turbocharged engine delivers crisp response for passing and merging, paired with the composure you want for long highway stretches and weekend towing. The X-Pro trim is rated for up to 4,500 pounds of towing, aligning well with the family boat or a loaded utility trailer. Highlander’s 2.4-liter turbo gas engine is rated at 265 horsepower and can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and Toyota also offers a fuel-sipping hybrid configuration for drivers prioritizing efficiency. Both vehicles provide confident power for everyday use, but Sorento’s tuning favors a responsive, ready feel, especially when combined with the available all-wheel drive w/ Terrain Mode. On the road, Sorento’s available Highway Driving Assist 2 can help maintain distance and centering and even assist with steering during a driver-initiated, turn-signal lane change. While Highlander delivers excellent daily drivability with adaptive cruise and Lane Tracing Assist as part of Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+, Kia’s lane-change-assist capability offers a premium uptick in long-haul convenience. Rounding it out, Kia backs the Sorento with a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, an ownership advantage families appreciate as the miles add up.
Safety - Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander
Modern safety is both proactive and intuitive. The Sorento lineup features standard Auto Emergency Braking w/ Pedestrian, Cyclist, Car, and Junction Turning Detection, plus Evasive Steering Assist that can help in certain scenarios. Standard Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and available Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist add further confidence when traffic is dense. Two standout Sorento tech features elevate everyday awareness: the available Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a live camera feed of your blind spot in the cluster when you signal, and the available Full Display Digital Rearview Mirror for an unobstructed rear view even with a full third row. Highlander brings Toyota Safety Sense™ 2.5+ with features such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Tracing Assist, and Road Sign Assist, plus available Panoramic View Monitor. Both SUVs offer robust safety suites, but Sorento’s live blind-spot video and available Highway Driving Assist 2 lane-change capability reduce stress in lane-to-lane transitions and in congested highway traffic. Add in standard front and rear parking sensors on Sorento, and daily tasks like school pickup, mall parking, and parallel spots feel easier to manage in busy neighborhoods and commuter corridors.
Request more 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Toyota Highlander near La Crosse, WI information
From cabin usability and cutting-edge displays to lane-change-assist capability and trail-friendly hardware, the Sorento builds a broader foundation for how families actually drive. The 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Toyota Highlander story ultimately comes down to which features you will use most — and which ones you will use every day. If you value available Dual Panoramic Displays, standard front and rear parking sensors, live blind-spot video, and the unique convenience of a hands-free Smart Power Liftgate w/ Auto Close, Sorento makes a compelling case. For shoppers coming from Wausau and Rice Lake, our team at Prestige Auto is ready to help you fine-tune the right configuration, from comfortable captain’s chairs to the adventure-forward X-Pro with all-terrain tires and added ground clearance. The 2026 Kia Sorento also benefits from the confidence of a 10-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty. Visit us to see how these features come together on a test drive, compare trims on the lot, and get clear answers to your questions. At Prestige Auto, we focus on real-world value and long-term satisfaction, so you can choose with confidence and enjoy the miles ahead.
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