logo
Edmunds three-row hybrid SUV test: Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander

Edmunds three-row hybrid SUV test: Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander

The 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid and 2025 Toyota Highlander Hybrid are two three-row SUVs with compelling attributes if you're shopping for a family-oriented vehicle. First, they're both hybrids and get excellent fuel economy. They're also smaller and less expensive than many other three-row SUVs, such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Grand Highlander. Not everyone needs a giant vehicle with a third-row seat that can fit full-size adults — something for occasional use by bigger kids or teens can easily suffice.
If any or all of that sounds like what you're looking for, the Sorento and Highlander hybrids should fit the bill. But which one should you buy? Edmunds' car experts have tested both to find out.
Interior space
We've already indicated that the Sorento and Highlander have less third-row legroom than bigger three-row SUVs. They also have less cargo space when you raise their third-row seats. Of these two vehicles, the Highlander is bigger on the outside, although that doesn't entirely translate to a bigger interior. It's wider and comes standard with seating for six people. You can get a Highlander Hybrid with an optional second-row bench seat that increases capacity to seven.
The Sorento Hybrid only comes with second-row captain's chairs and, as a result, it has a maximum six-passenger capacity. The Highlander can also fit slightly more stuff behind its third row — think an extra duffel or big grocery bag — and its advantage increases with each row lowered.
On the other hand, the Sorento has slightly more third-row legroom and headroom. That's relative since only small people can fit in the way back of each. Indeed, the Highlander's advantage isn't that significant, and the Sorento's smaller exterior size is a benefit in terms of parking and maneuverability — two reasons one can contemplate this smaller three-row subset to begin with.
Advantage: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Fuel economy and performance
The Sorento Hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in combined city/highway driving in its standard front-wheel-drive configuration. Opting for all-wheel drive drops that slightly to 34 mpg combined. Every Highlander Hybrid has all-wheel drive and gets an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined. You can pretty much consider this a tie.
Performance differs, however. At the Edmunds test track, an all-wheel-drive Sorento Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, which is a respectable time for a three-row hybrid SUV. It feels quick, too, thanks to the ample torque provided by the turbocharged engine and electric motor. It also has a six-speed automatic transmission that shifts quickly and smoothly. Having front-wheel drive standard is also nice as it lowers the cost of entry for those who don't need the winter-ready traction of all-wheel drive.
The Highlander Hybrid went from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds, which is slower than non-hybrid SUVs by about a second. Power is readily available and smoothly delivered, but Toyota's more typical hybrid powertrain features a continuously variable automatic transmission that makes the engine drone under hard acceleration. That engine is also not turbocharged.
Advantage: Kia Sorento Hybrid
Value and Technology
The Kia Sorento Hybrid starts at $40,105, or about $8,000 less than the $48,315 Highlander Hybrid — adding all-wheel drive to the Kia only reduces the gap by $1,800. The Highlander does come with a few extra standard features to partially offset its higher price, but we don't think they fully justify the price premium. Moreover, the Highlander continues to be similarly more expensive when you compare each vehicle's more well-equipped trim levels.
The Sorento also has a better infotainment system as standard, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen packing integrated navigation. The Highlander's standard unit is only 8 inches and lacks navigation. You can, however, add the 12.3-inch touchscreen that's standard on upper trims to the base trim as a stand-alone option. Feature content within the infotainment systems is comparable, but the Kia has multiple USB ports in each row whereas the Highlander has none in the third row. In terms of functionality, we score both the Toyota and Kia tech interfaces similarly strong in terms of usability.
Safety technology content is similarly robust in both SUVs, but the Sorento's are superior in terms of performance, especially the adaptive cruise control system.
Advantage: Kia
Edmunds says
The Sorento and Highlander hybrids are similar in concept, but our testing team ultimately scores the Kia higher. Moreover, the Toyota is so much more expensive regardless of trim level that it makes the Kia look like that much stronger of a choice.
_____
This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds. James Riswick is a contributor at Edmunds.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Cathie Wood is Buying the Post-Earnings Dip in Tesla Stock. Should You?
Cathie Wood is Buying the Post-Earnings Dip in Tesla Stock. Should You?

Yahoo

time18 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Cathie Wood is Buying the Post-Earnings Dip in Tesla Stock. Should You?

Tesla (TSLA) shares sit comfortably in the green on Friday following news that famed investor Cathie Wood has loaded up on them on the post-earnings weakness. In total, the founder and chief executive of Ark Invest bought 143,190 shares of Tesla across three of her flagship, actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). More News from Barchart This Self-Driving Car Stock Is Surging on a Major Nvidia Boost UnitedHealth Stock Spirals Lower Again. Don't Buy the Dip. UNH Stock Falls as UnitedHealth Confirms DOJ Probe. How Should You Play Shares Here? Tired of missing midday reversals? The FREE Barchart Brief newsletter keeps you in the know. Sign up now! Despite today's gain, Tesla stock remains down some 14% versus its May high and more than 25% versus its year-to-date high set in mid-January. Why Does Cathie Wood Remain Bullish on Tesla Stock? Wood's purchase of TSLA shares despite disappointing Q2 earnings is a major vote of confidence in the company's long-term potential. The renowned tech investor remains positive on Tesla primarily because she no longer views it as an electric vehicle (EV) maker only. According to her, the company is a future leader in autonomous mobility, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics. Note that Cathie Wood maintains her long-term price target on Tesla stock at $2,600 – reassuring investors that its current dip will likely prove temporary only. Morgan Stanley Reiterates TSLA Shares as Top Pick Morgan Stanley's senior analyst Adam Jonas agrees with Wood's constructive view of Tesla shares as well. In a post-earnings research note, Jonas agreed TSLA is grappling with slower car sales, loss of EV incentives, and higher costs from tariffs, but said, at the same time, it's investing heavily in new technologies like autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. And while these new projects may not make any money right away, they could be very profitable over the long-term, he told clients. Much like Cathie Wood, the Morgan Stanley analyst is convinced that Tesla is transitioning from a run-of-the-mill EV maker to a leader in AI, robotics, and autonomy, and that's what will drive the TSLA share price up moving forward. How Wall Street Recommends Playing Tesla Here Other Wall Street firms, however, recommend treading with caution in TSLA shares after the EV maker's disappointing Q2 earnings earlier this week. According to Barchart, the consensus rating on Tesla stock currently sits at 'Hold' only with the mean target of about $298 indicating potential 'downside' of some 6.0% from current levels. On the date of publication, Wajeeh Khan did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

time20 minutes ago

  • Car and Driver

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid Review, Pricing, and Specs

Overview The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is a bit of a nonconformist in the growing compact hybrid SUV class. It's got a vestigial third row—a rarity in the segment—but that means its usage is limited to children and contortionists. This plug-in hybrid offers up to 38 miles of EPA-estimated EV-range, but its overall fuel economy could be better. It's quicker than its non-hybrid sibling, but at a starting base price approximately $10k higher. On the plus side, for 2026 Mitsubishi has tuned its flaccid suspension for a better ride-and-handling balance and added soundproofing materials to quiet the cabin. Despite its newfound improvements, the Outlander Hybrid still has an uphill battle on its hands, as its segment is now in full bloom with more modern and less expensive competitors. Expert Tip: Rivals such as the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Mazda CX-50 Hybrid lack the plug-in capabilities of the Mitsubishi, but they still offer better fuel economy than their nonhybrid counterparts and cost less than the Outlander Hybrid. What's New for 2026? A larger battery arrives alongside an increased range and improved acceleration, while a mild suspension upgrade is said to improve ride and handling. Exterior cosmetics get attention too. The 2026 Outlander PHEV picks up a revised grille and front bumper, new 20-inch wheel designs, and smoked taillamps. The interior sees many of the same upgrades the nonhybrid Outlander received for 2025, including heated and cooled front seats, a redesigned wireless phone charger, a new console with a larger storage bin and cupholders, additional sound-deadening materials for a quieter cabin, and new interior color choices. There's also a standard Yamaha-branded audio system. Pricing and Which One to Buy The SE trim is the best value. Its small price hike over the base ES is easily justified by the addition of 20-inch wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power liftgate, a larger 9.0-inch infotainment system, in-dash navigation, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and parking sensors. If your budget allows, consider adding the Tech package, which adds a panoramic sunroof, a nine-speaker Bose stereo, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Hybrid Powertrain: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 248 hp combined 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 248 hp combined Transmissions: Continuously variable automatic (CVT) Continuously variable automatic (CVT) Drivetrain: All-wheel drive In our first test drive, we noted that the Outlander PHEV felt perkier than its nonhybrid sibling, especially in urban driving. Dynamically, however, the Outlander Hybrid is a bit boring. Its ride is agreeable enough, but its cornering attitude is far from sporty, and the brake pedal also feels squishy, even if braking performance proved to be okay. Those who enjoy the act of driving should consider the more athletic Mazda CX-50 Hybrid. Luckily, there are paddles on the steering column that allow you to dial in how much regenerative braking the hybrid system will allow for. Its highest regenerative setting allows for nearly one-pedal driving, saving you from having to step on the spongy left pedal much. 0–60-MPH Times In Comparison: The Outlander PHEV is not only more efficient than its nonhybrid sibling, but also quicker. The nonhybrid needed 8.2 seconds to hit 60 mph. The Mazda CX-50 Hybrid required 7.6 seconds. Mitsubishi Towing and Payload Capacity The Mitsubishi Outlander Hybrid is rated to tow a maximum of 1500 pounds. Range, Charging, and Battery Life C/D Range Test: 370 miles 370 miles EPA EV Range: 38 miles The Outlander Plug-in Hybrid has a lithium-ion battery with 16.8 kWh of usable capacity. Though it currently uses the outdated CHAdeMo style plug, we anticipate that Mitsubishi will update its charging port for the 2026 model along with the already-confirmed larger battery of currently unknown capacity. Hooked to a DC fast-charger, Mitsubishi claims the current Outlander PHEV can charge the battery to 80-percent capacity in just 38 minutes. We'll update this section as soon as the new specifics become available. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 25 mpg 25 mpg EPA City Ratings: 25 mpg 25 mpg EPA Highway Rating: 27 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Outlander Hybrid yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 25 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. But Mitsubishi says a slightly larger battery is on the way for 2026, and we'll update this space as soon as the EPA data is in and we get one to run through our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Outlander Hybrid's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: The Outlander Hybrid's interior design is stylish and well-appointed with quilted seat coverings and a bold, minimalist dashboard. Seats are comfortable, and the mild bolstering supports but doesn't pinch. Headroom and legroom are both generous here, beating several rival compact SUVs. Second Row: Though the styling echoes that of the first row, the second-row backrests are rather flat and lack the support of the fronts. There's a fold-down center armrest with a pair of cupholders, but there's less passenger space here than in the CR-V Hybrid and CX-50 Hybrid. Third Row: Kudos to Mitsubishi for squeezing a third row into a compact SUV, but its use is best reserved for kids and pets, as legroom is limited and access is challenging. Cargo Capacity: The Outlander has 13 cubic feet of space behind the third row, 31 cubic feet behind the second row, and 61 cubic feet when folded flat. With all three rows in place, we fit three carry-on-sized bags; the count grows to nine suitcases with the third row folded, and 27 pieces with both the second and third rows folded down. Mitsubishi Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Audio System: 8-speaker Yamaha stereo (standard), 12-speaker Yamaha stereo (optional) A 12.3-inch infotainment display is standard across the lineup. It includes navigation and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 10.8-inch full-color head-up display is available as an option, too. Base models come with an eight-speaker stereo tuned by Yamaha, but a more premium Yamaha setup with 12 speakers is available on higher-end trims. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Basic driver-assistance technology features such as automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning are standard, but if you want more advanced features you will need to upgrade to the SE or SEL trim levels to unlock those, including adaptive cruise control. Standard Safety Features: Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert Forward-collision warning with automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert Optional Safety Features: Adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist For information about the Outlander Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Mitsubishi now offers complimentary maintenance, and its standard powertrain warranty is good for 10 years or 100,000 miles. Hybrid components also receive the same 10-year/100,000-mile coverage. Limited Warranty: Five years or 60,000 miles Five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles 10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: Two years or 30,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL S-AWC Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Base/As Tested: $46,890/$50,980 Options: Premium package (power panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, synthetic leather door inserts, semi-aniline seat leather seats, 10.8-inch head up display, Bose sound system, front seat massage), $2700; White Diamond/Black roof, $995; tonneau cover, $200; Welcome package (touch-up paint pen, carpeted floor mats, cargo floor liner, tray mat), $195 POWERTRAIN DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 131 hp, 144 lb-ft + AC motors, 114 and 134 hp, 188 and 144 lb-ft (combined output: 248 hp, 332 lb-ft; 16.8-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, C/D est) Transmissions, F/R: continuously variable automatic/direct-drive CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.0-in vented disc Tires: Nexen Roadian GTX RG1 P255/45R-20 101W M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 106.5 in Length: 185.4 in Width: 73.2 in Height: 68.7 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 54/46/18 ft3 Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 64/31/13 ft3 Curb Weight: 4751 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 6.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.8 sec @ 82 mph 100 mph: 31.9 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.7 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.6 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 110 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 171 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.85 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 27 MPGe 75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 44 MPGe/25 mpg 75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 24/370 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 26/25/27 mpg Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 64 MPGe EV Range: 38 mi C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs

Woman Finds Out She's Been Putting the Wrong Gas in Her BMW for a Month. What's the Damage?
Woman Finds Out She's Been Putting the Wrong Gas in Her BMW for a Month. What's the Damage?

Motor 1

time24 minutes ago

  • Motor 1

Woman Finds Out She's Been Putting the Wrong Gas in Her BMW for a Month. What's the Damage?

TikToker @lenesha_a sparked confusion by admitting she'd been putting 93 octane gas in her BMW—even though the fuel cap says 89 or 91. But is using 93 a mistake? The answer is a bit more nuanced. @lenesha_a filmed her video from the cream-colored leather seats of her BMW. 'I've been putting the wrong gas in my BMW for the past month and here's the backstory to it,' she said. 'I bought a BMW a month ago, and I didn't know what gas goes in it, so I asked my brother, who owns a BMW, and he said 93.' @lenesha_a said she burned a lot of fuel and had to fill up at least twice per week. 'I decided to, like, look at what was written on the gas cap for the first time since I've had it for a month. … And it says 91 [AKI], in parentheses 89 [AKI]. I don't know if this messes up my engine or not. I don't know anything. But what I do know is that it was very dumbly girl-coded and I'm fairly embarrassed.' Motor1 reached out to @lenesha_a via TikTok direct message, but she didn't immediately respond. So, Should She Be Worried About Using the Wrong Gas Grade? In reality, @lenesha_a had very little to worry about. BMW typically labels its gas caps with a minimum octane requirement (in this case, 89) and a recommended level (in this case, 91). BMW may have designed her engine to perform optimally with 91, but higher-octane fuel like 93 is perfectly safe . In fact, if @lenesha_a used 93 as she said she did, it might have offered slight improvements in performance or efficiency. Think of it as giving the engine more room to breathe, especially under hard acceleration or hot conditions , like the ones impacting people over the country this summer. @lenesha_a's confusion stemmed from an assumption that using higher octane than recommended is harmful. It's not. Lower octane can potentially be a problem , if it causes knocking or reduced power, but higher octane won't hurt a BMW . In theory, Lenesha could use 93 on her BMW's engine indefinitely. Some fellow TikTok users explained it to her in the comments. Some spelled out for her that she has actually taken good care of her new purchase. 'In other words 91 minimum. If you live somewhere that doesn't have 91 and has 93 instead use that. 93 is even better,' a user named Davonte Powell said. Now Trending 'She Facetimes Him to Confirm…:' Mechanic Finds AirTag on Driver's Car. So They Decide to Play a Prank on His Girlfriend 'I Had to Call a Tow Truck:' Man Trades in Ford Explorer for 2023 Dodge Durango. He Claims Defect Has Left Him Stranded 6 Times Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store