Family SUV Road Test: 2011 Kia Sorento EX-V6 Vs. 2011 Toyota Highlander Limited V6

There was a time not so long ago when a comparison of a Kia product with a Toyota would have been the slasher movie bloodbath equivalent of taking a group of Census takers for lunch at Hannibal Lecter's place. But just in the last five years Kia has revolutionized its product lineup and the way consumers view this up and coming automaker.

Although I do favor the bold new 2011 Optima sedan, I must say that the 2011 Sorento EX-V6 that I tested wormed its way under my skin to such a degree that I was sad to see it leave. That rarely happens with any vehicle much less an SUV. There is just something understated, classy yet overwhelmingly solid about the Sorento package. It's also well priced and still has a killer warranty.

But then there is always the old suburban mainstay the 2011 Toyota Highlander. What would it make of the new Sorento stomping all over the end of the market that it has long dominated? It looks like the Highlander and Sorento are due for an old fashioned comparison test. Read on to see which family SUV comes out as king of the Costco parking lot.

Exterior Styling

Perhaps I drove too many SUVs last year but I found both of these vehicles to be visually pleasing in their own way. The Kia is a bit more modern looking with its chrome grille that looks a bit like a razor blade which in the end gives the Sorento the dynamic edge here. The Highlander is appealing in a calm and safe way but it still looks a whole lot like the original version which came out in the 1990's. (Advantage: 2011 Kia Sorento)

Interior Design and Build

The Toyota lost this category because of the appearance of the wood in my Limited tester. Contrasting with the battleship gray leather it looked like something taken from a countertop of a diner that hasn't been redecorated since 1976. Otherwise the Toyota's interior is extremely well built and offers up the ability to make the second row a bench or into two separate captain's chairs (to keep fighting children apart).

The Kia may lack a clever gimmick like the magic Toyota second row but the rest of the interior is more pleasing to the eye and feels more grown up. Also, if you can afford the optional glass roof you will be amazed at how airy the interior feels even in dark black. Thankfully for 2011 Toyota got smart and started offering black leather more widely with the Highlander. Still not enough to win, though. (Advantage: 2011 Kia Sorento)

Fuel Economy

The V6 equipped Highlander returns EPA estimates of 17 city/22 highway whereas the Sorento V6 wipes the floor with the Toyota returning 20 city/26 highway. The Kia no doubt wins thanks to its six-speed automatic (as opposed to the five-speed in the Highlander) and the fact that its 3.5 liter V6 was all new when the latest Sorento launched.

Even the 4-cylinder Sorento can only beat the V6 motor's fuel economy figures by 1 mile per gallon which is essentially meaningless in the real world. If you buy a Sorento do yourself a favor and buy the V6. (Advantage: 2011 Kia Sorento)

Value

Specified like for like as fully loaded 7-passenger suburbia shuttles with leather, navigation, sunroof, premium audio, Bluetooth, USB/iPod integration and all-wheel drive the Kia's MSRP is just above $33,000 whereas the Toyota just crests $40,000. (Advantage: 2011 Kia Sorento)

Driving Experience

Both the Highlander and Sorento use V6 engines of 3.5 liters with the Toyota putting out 270 horsepower/248 lb. feet of torque. The V6 in the Sorento is Kia's first in-house design and it is a smooth and quick revving peach that reminds me of some of the best Honda units. It puts out 276 horsepower/248 lb. feet of torque.

Both SUVs are easy to maneuver around parking lots and never feel as big as to be cumbersome on city streets. Blind spots aren't too bad on either model either but remember these are SUVs. So they come with blind spots and an aversion to cornering.

But there was one place where the Kia had it all over the Toyota and that is with the steering. I don't know who thought Highlander owners wanted their steering as light as you would find in a 1985 Cadillac Eldorado but it nearly ruins the whole SUV. It isn't linear and there is way too much slop around the center. Whoever calibrated the Sienna SE's steering needs to get to work on the Highlander. (Advantage: 2011 Kia Sorento)

Family Friendliness and Utility

Here both candidates offer up interiors well versed in coping with the rigors of family life. But the Highlander is biggest with cargo readings in cubic feet behind the 3^rd-2^nd-1^st rows of seats coming to 10.3/42.3/95.4. The Sorento isn't too far behind with 9.1/37.5/72.5 but if you plan on using the third row regularly you may want to seriously consider the Highlander.

The Winner

The Highlander is a fine SUV let down by some very sloppy steering. Despite that the rest of the Toyota's package is remarkable but the Kia's is just better overall. You would be happy with either but the smarter choice here is the 2011 Kia Sorento EX-V6.

Source: Toyotausa.com

Kia.com