The time has come for you to choose a family-friendly SUV to tote your kids around Gastonia, Charlotte, and Lincolnton, NC. There are many options out there, but the two that may have caught your eye are the 2021 Toyota Highlander and the Kia Sorento.
The team at Toyota of Gastonia is here to help you choose the best model for your specific needs.
When you’re taking your kids from soccer practice to ballet rehearsals, the last thing you want to do is stop to refuel. The Toyota Highlander makes sure that you can drive without interruptions. This vehicle’s 3.5-liter V6 engine helps it earn an EPA-estimated 21 city MPG and 29 highway MPG.¹ The Sorento has similar efficiency for you to enjoy with an EPA-estimated 24 city MPG and 29 highway MPG.
To really make the most out of your fuel tank, opt for the available 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine on the Highlander. Your motor works in tandem with a battery to provide you with an EPA-estimated 36 city MPG and 35 highway MPG.¹
Unfortunately, only a gas powertrain is available in the Kia Sorento, so you won’t have the option to upgrade your efficiency.
When searching for a dependable family SUV, one of the most important factors to consider is its interior space. With three rows of seating, both the Highlander and the Sorento have certainly caught your eye. While both of them provide ample room for your growing family, what about their gear?
From picnic baskets to soccer gear and school projects, these rides offer a lot of space thanks to their configurable interiors:
Toyota Highlander Cargo Volume
Behind Third Row: 16 cubic feet
Behind Second Row: 48.4 cubic feet
Behind First Row: 84.3 cubic feet
Kia Sorento Cargo Volume
Behind Third Row: 12.6 cubic feet
Behind Second Row: 45 cubic feet
Behind First Row: 75.5 cubic feet
As you can see, the Highlander has more cargo room to offer you, helping you fit more luggage on your next road trip or a larger armchair on your trip to the flea market.
There’s nothing more important in this world than keeping your children safely by your side. The Toyota Highlander and the Kia Sorento take safety very seriously with the following features coming standard:
These systems have been designed to keep you fully alert to the ever-changing roads and can even bring you to a complete stop if needed to avoid a frontal collision.
However, you may have greater peace of mind when behind the wheel of the Highlander since Dynamic Radar Cruise Control comes standard as well. This system automates driving by maintaining a set following speed and distance between your SUV and the car ahead, stopping and slowing as traffic calls for it.
If you’d like a comparable system on your Sorento, though, you’ll need to upgrade to a higher trim level since it’s not available on the base trim.
Every driver is looking for something different when it comes to their next ride. We think that the 2021 Toyota Highlander has more to offer over the Kia Sorento overall.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Come see this SUV for yourself at Toyota of Gastonia. Drivers around Gastonia, Charlotte, and Lincolnton, North Carolina, can contact us today to schedule a test drive.
¹ EPA-estimated 21 city/29 hwy/24 combined mpg for Highlander; 20 city/27 hwy/23 combined for 2021 Highlander AWD; 36 city/35 hwy/26 combined mpg for 2021 Highlander Hybrid. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle’s condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
