Latest news with #Kia
Yahoo
6 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
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. James Riswick, The Associated Press
The Independent
7 minutes ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
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.
Associated Press
8 minutes ago
- Automotive
- Associated Press
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.
India Today
15 minutes ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Kia Carens Clavis EV vs Windsor vs Creta Electric vs Harrier EV vs BE 6: Compared
Kia has introduced its first locally manufactured electric vehicle, the Carens Clavis EV, marking a major step forward in its commitment to sustainable mobility. Launched yesterday at a starting price of Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the electric recreational vehicle (RV) is designed to offer Indian consumers a roomy and affordable EV experience. The Clavis EV is the only mass-market 7-seater EV. In its price range, there are several other EVs available, including the Hyundai Creta Electric, MG Windsor, Tata and the Mahindra BE 6. advertisementBattery and rangeWhen it comes to battery capacity and driving range, Mahindra BE 6 leads the pack with two battery options: a 59kWh and a 79kWh, offering 535km and a segment-leading 682km (ARAI-certified), respectively. Tata is close behind, providing a 75kWh battery with a 627km ARAI-certified range and a real-world range of 480– Kia Carens Clavis EV comes with 42kWh and 51.4kWh battery options, delivering 404km and 490km (MIDC) of claimed range, respectively. Hyundai's Creta Electric offers similar battery options, with ranges of 390km and 473km, while the MG Windsor Pro features a 52.9kWh battery delivering 449km, an upgrade from the earlier 38kWh Hyundai Creta Electric In terms of acceleration and motor output, the Tata and Mahindra BE 6 are performance standouts. The dual-motor AWD setup produces a combined torque of 504Nm and achieves 0–100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds. The BE 6's top-spec 79kWh variant churns out 281hp and 380Nm, reaching 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, aided by a performance-boosting "Boost" Kia Carens Clavis EV, powered by either a 99kW or 126kW motor depending on the variant, accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. The Creta Electric's top-end variant mirrors this performance with a 126kW motor achieving 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds. MG Windsor Pro, with 134bhp and 200Nm of torque, offers a city-friendly ride rather than high-speed Mahindra BE 6 Feature-loaded cabins are a highlight across all models, but some go the extra mile. Kia's Clavis EV features a massive 26.62-inch panoramic display, ventilated front seats, a Bose 8-speaker audio system, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, air purifier with AQI display, wireless charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Windsor Pro impresses with a 15.6-inch touchscreen, 9-speaker Infinity audio, dual-tone interiors with faux wood trim, panoramic roof, and V2V/V2L charging options. Hyundai Creta Electric offers a premium cabin with dual 10.25-inch screens, an eco-friendly interior using recycled materials, 8-way powered ventilated seats, shift-by-wire, cooled glove box, and Jio Saavn integration. Tata Tata sets a new tech benchmark with a 14.53-inch Harman Neo QLED screen, JBL Dolby Atmos sound system, over 25 apps through panoramic voice-controlled sunroof, DrivePay (in-car UPI), and a rear-view e-IRVM with DVR recording. The Mahindra BE 6 offers an equally futuristic experience with dual 12.3-inch floating screens, a Snapdragon 8295 processor, AR head-up display, and an aircraft-style control panel and drive MG Windsor Pro All five EVs span a wide range of price points. The Kia Carens Clavis EV starts at Rs 17.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Hyundai Creta Electric shares the same entry price at Rs 17.99 lakh and tops out at Rs 23.49 lakh. MG Windsor Pro's range start from 17.25 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 18.10 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Windsor with smaller battery pack starts from Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom).advertisementTata starts at Rs 21.49 lakh and the top-end QWD variant costs Rs 28.99 lakh (ex-showroom), while Mahindra BE 6 ranges from Rs 18.90 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs 26.90 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on battery size and to Auto Today Magazine- Ends
Stuff.tv
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Stuff.tv
The fab new Kia Sportage Hybrid will keep me going until I get my hands on the plug-in
Stuff Verdict The Kia Sportage in GT-Line hybrid guise packs in plenty of appeal although the forthcoming PHEV version might suit school run folks slightly better. Pros Tried and tested format is nicely honed Respectable performance from all versions Lots of room and plenty of comfort too Cons There's no fully electric option Can feel a little wafty when pushed Exterior looks might prove divisive The Sportage has gone gangbusters for Kia over its many generations; I liked earlier editions of the family-focused SUV and so did plenty of others based on the large numbers of them I see being driven around. It's no surprise, then, to see the Korean carmaker stick to the format – albeit in a much fresher incarnation here. The new edition is a much stronger package, with lots of in-car tech complimenting those already solid practical foundations. There's lots of strong competition in the family SUV arena, with the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Ford Kuga and fellow Korean brand Hyundai with its Tucson, all vying for attention. However, Kia is coming on strong on the pricing front, with prices starting at £30,885 for the base level petrol model. I've just been driving a pre-production Kia Sportage Hybrid though, which comes in at £36,925 and is my own preferred pick of the new crop. Kia will also introduce a PHEV edition of the Sportage later on down the line. If it's anything like the rather good hybrid, I'd probably head for that one instead as I'm lucky enough to have a home charger. In the meantime, there are three model variants to choose from, starting out with the Pure, followed by the GT-Line and topped off with the snazzy GT-Line S. How we test cars Every electric car reviewed on Stuff is tested on a range of road surfaces and, where possible, in varying weather conditions. We use our years of experience to compare with rivals and assess ergonomics, technology features and general usability. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. The styling I like the continuity of the current Kia range and the styling of the new Sportage is on a par and just as impressive as any of the angular lines seen on the likes of the Kia EV3 or Kia EV9. Things get off to a cracking start with the front end. There's quite a lot going on and the imposing grille and the quite dramatic lights might not be to everyone's approval. I like the overall effect though, and I also think this car looks great in plain old white. And that's from someone who doesn't like white cars. However, Kia's so-called 'opposites united' design approach works to even better effect on the duo tone models with a nice line on colour contrast and funky alloys across the range including 19s on the GT-Line hybrid driven here. I loved the chunky door mirrors too, which offered up a good view backwards to compliment the generally good sight lines delivered by the sizeable expanse of glass all round. As usual, things taper towards the back and there's some compromise to be had, but overall, the high-riding position makes it easy to get the Sportage in and out of less generous spaces. Around at the back, there's a very generous boot hiding behind the neatly styled tailgate. Meanwhile, the interior feels like a real success story with an excellent combination of materials and low-key trim colours. The dashboard is dominated by lots of kit that will be familiar if you've already sampled recent Kia's and it's all easy to use and works as it should. After driving the GT-Line hybrid, I was also really impressed with the comfort levels. Those front seats were really accommodating and the room in the back is very decent too. The drive Kia is offering the Sportage in a range of powertrains, from a meat-and-potatoes 1.6 turbocharged petrol, a mild hybrid as well as a self-charging hybrid and a soon-to-arrive plug-in hybrid armed with a 13.8kWh battery. Anyone wanting full electric with similar dimensions and practicality will have to opt for the similarly soon-to-arrive Kia EV5, due later in the year. Driving the Kia Sportage GT-Line hybrid was everything I'd expected from such a proven workhorse. Sure, there's a little bit of roll and a touch of bounce from the suspension if this car is pushed but, driven casually as it probably would be in everyday family ownership scenarios, the Kia Sportage is a very comfortable car. Performance is fine too, with enough oomph for times when it's needed but, equally, clever use of the power for delivering great fuel economy. I also quite like the circular twist-and-go drive selector located in the central console. This is certainly different to other Korean models, where drive options are on the column, but this format worked well for me. The Sportage was also a doddle to park, with light steering making it an easy thing to wend around city streets. The suite of camera views made reversing into tight spots no big deal either, which when you consider this car is a mid-size, feels all the more impressive. The technology I'm pretty happy with what Kia has going on in its cabins for the current range, with the dashboard of the new Sportage being dominated by a now-familiar 12.3in touchscreen infotainment screen. I also like the way it works, with good levels of control options both in the screen and in the long touch button panel, which sits immediately below it. These offer easy access to climate controls and navigation options. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also present. My test car came with lots of additional goodies, like heated and cooled seats, with the latter option being mighty handy in the hot temperatures. There's other neat stuff too, like the way the instrument panel shows the view down the side of the car when either indicator is on, which has been present on Kia's for a while now. I still think it's a nice touch, although I'm not sure just how useful people find it if they already use their door mirrors. Kia Sportage verdict I think Kia has got the Sportage just about right now and there's something for everyone in the powertrain department. I'll personally be heading in the direction of the plug-in edition when that arrives, with its ability to offer 40 miles of all-electric range being perfect for my needs. However, the GT-Line hybrid car seen here is an excellent SUV that offers a decent driving experience, oodles of practicality plus enough storage space to make it a proper family car option. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 The Kia Sportage in GT-Line hybrid guise packs in plenty of appeal although the forthcoming PHEV version might suit school run folks slightly better. Pros Tried and tested format is nicely honed Respectable performance from all versions Lots of room and plenty of comfort too Cons There's no fully electric option Can feel a little wafty when pushed Exterior looks might prove divisive Kia Sportage technical specifications Powertrain petrol engine + permanent magnet synchronous motor Battery 1.49 kWh Power 177 bhp Torque 184lb-ft 0-62mph 8.1sec Top speed 121mph Cargo volume 587 litres
