Latest news with #familyvehicle
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- 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
16-07-2025
- 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
16-07-2025
- 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.
News.com.au
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Forget the pram: New parents are splurging on this instead
'Thud-thud-thud.' The ultrasound confirmed two things: I was having a baby, and I desperately needed a car with 17 cup holders and five-star safety. Suddenly, my trusty old sedan felt like a deathtrap. No rear air vents. No boot space. And absolutely no way it was going to handle a pram, let alone a scooter, nappy bag, and the crushing weight of my new mental load. Like many expecting mums, I was hit by the overwhelming, rather irrational urge to upgrade my entire life. And that started with my ride. You've probably heard of nesting - the biological instinct that turns otherwise normal people into midnight drawer organisers, onesie washers and freezer-meal warriors. Well, for a growing number of Aussies, that instinct has now extended to the driveway. Because in 2025, baby prep goes beyond painting the nursery. It's about finding the safest, roomiest and most reliable car to bring your new human home in. And the numbers back it up. More Aussies than ever are upgrading their vehicles as their families grow, with 16 per cent listing it as their main reason for buying a new car - up from 11 per cent in 2021 according to Carsales. The data also reveals new families with kids under six care less about engine size or power… probably because hauling little ones, groceries, and a small army's worth of gear doesn't require drag-race speeds. So, what are they buying? SUVs - or as I like to call them, people movers with perks. Turns out we're a nation obsessed. In fact, these roomy rides make up around 60 per cent of all new vehicles sold, and it's easy to see why. They offer height, safety, and enough boot space to haul half the house. And they come with features such as 'baby modes ', built in rear sunshades, rear-seat reminders and seats that fold all the way down for a spontaneous roadside nap. In Australia, brands like Kia, Hyundai and Volvo are leading the way with clever features designed for parents, from quiet cabin tech to pram-friendly boots, integrated child seat anchors and hands-free tailgate that open with a swipe of your foot. Here are some of the most popular, all boasting a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Toyota is leading the charge with the award-winning RAV4 - crowned Australia's most popular SUV. A spacious cabin with clever storage and a massive safety focus. Featuring smart pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection technology, Active Cruise Control and Road Sign Assist. Toyota also takes second and third place with the iconic LandCruiser and Prado. While the Ford Everest is also a popular pick. Electric vehicles are also cruising into the baby bubble. Tesla's Model Y and the BYD Sealion 7 were the top two selling EVs in the first six months of this year - both mid-size SUVs targeted at families. The big question is - if you're expecting, do you really need a new car? It's easy to get swept up in the baby vortex, where suddenly your old car feels wildly unfit for the job ahead. Plenty of parents make it work with hatchbacks and clever boot Tetris. But for those of us deep in the nesting phase, a trip to the dealership feels just as essential as the trip to the hospital. I didn't need 59 muslin wraps, 15 booties or an electric bottle warmer. And technically, I probably didn't need a brand-new SUV either. But when you're facing sleepless nights, an avalanche of baby gear, and endless unknowns, sometimes it feels like a safer, bigger car is one of the few things you can control. For me, in an ironic twist, the new car ended up delayed for months due to a parts shortage. Well past my baby's due date. But hey, if parenthood has taught me anything, it's this: sometimes you just have to buckle up, grab a double shot coffee, and embrace the chaos… preferably from the comfy seat of a family-sized SUV.
Auto Blog
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
6 Features That Make the 2025 Toyota Sienna Platinum AWD Hybrid Worth Almost $70k
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Minivans don't deserve their fall from grace For decades, minivans were symbolic of intelligence, a knack for functionality, and a passion for versatility. People looked at minivan buyers as if they were wise, due to a minivan's likeness to a Swiss Army Knife, its comfort, cargo space, and when AWD and 4WD were integrated, its capability. When SUVs took the spotlight, moms united against minivans. Buying a minivan in favor of a sleeker, more attractive SUV meant you lacked soul, and didn't mind being labeled as a PTA mom picking up their kid(s) from soccer practice. 0:09 / 0:09 2024 Kia EV6 GT-Line review: Is this the EV that will convert you? Watch More Source: Kristen Brown Then, three-row SUVs came into the picture, and minivans as a segment were nearly wiped out. What once was a strong group of seven was whittled down to just four: the Kia Carnival, Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, and, of course, the Toyota Sienna. Of the four, the Toyota has the highest maximum price of $69,950 for the Platinum HEV AWD version. Does faux wood paneling, a beverage cooler, and a JBL sound system help justify that price? After reviewing one with my two toddlers in tow, I'm still a little hesitant to utter a resounding 'yes,' but there were six features that helped me understand why this model is so popular. Let's dig in. 1. Toyota's hybrid powertrain comes with a smooth ride and high mpg You don't have to get the Sienna in a Platinum trim to enjoy the hybrid setup. The base model for the hybrid, the LE, starts at $40,980. What adds up is the addition of AWD (an additional $1,000), and other creature comforts, like the beverage cooler, cargo mats, and others. Impressively, even with AWD, the Sienna I drove earned an average of 34 mpg combined. Which is absolutely remarkable for an AWD minivan that weighs as much as a small elephant. Unlike the hybrid setup in the 4Runner, Land Cruiser, or Tacoma, this true hybrid configuration is insanely smooth. Source: Kristen Brown So smooth, I could hardly tell when the engine would come on or shut off. The Kia Carnival can be bought as a hybrid for much less, but I averaged closer to 31 mpg, and that was from a FWD only van. The Chrysler Pacifica is the only van that can be bought as a PHEV, but that averages around 32 mpg. Toyota's hybrid motors are notoriously efficient, so I'm not at all surprised it was the best of the bunch, mileage-wise. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2. The Platinum interior felt incredibly luxurious I'm typically not a fan of Toyota interiors, as they tend to be very monochromatic and boring. But the tan, leather interior with the faux wood paneling felt more Lexus than Toyota, and it was a very welcome addition. Instead of feeling like a minivan pilot, I felt like I was driving something a lot more luxurious. This is a feature I could see converting people like me, who were once firm minivan haters. The Platinum's interior showed me you could be practical and quite attractive. Source: Kristen Brown 3. Hands-free sliding doors made loading kids a breeze You can open the sliding doors by pulling on the handle, sure, but if you've got a bunch of stuff to load into the trunk, you can push a button on the key fob to open the sliding doors on either or both sides. If you can't access your keys because you've got your hands full, you can open the doors by putting your foot under the door. If the van senses the key, the door will open automatically. The same applies to the trunk. This feature is common across manufacturers nowadays, but the Sienna responded a lot faster than the others I've tested. Source: Kristen Brown When I took my toddlers on our weekly grocery haul, getting them and the groceries in the van was incredibly easy alone. It felt like the van was designed by parents, for parents. Or, of course, families with members with accessibility needs. 4. Second-row passengers have the best seats in the house Similar to the Kia Carnival, the Toyota Sienna's second row seats can have built-in ottomans to make road trip naps cozier. They're also attached to long rails so they can slide further back—up to 25 inches— so they can be almost completely reclined. Source: Kristen Brown Aside from road trips, those long rails and maneuverability come in handy with kids in car seats, too. Even with a rear-facing car seat, the seats can tilt and slide to allow access to the third row. The gap is large, so anyone can shuffle into the third row without having to worry about the baby sleeping in the rear-facing seat. 5. The built-in vacuum was a game-changer The vacuum function is built into the cooler, and it was easy to use with the hose that's stored in a small bag in the back. You hook up the hose, turn it on, and boom, you've got a vacuum. It's really easy to empty too, with the push of a button. It came in handy with my two toddlers after I made the mistake of giving each of them a carton of Goldfish and saying, 'Be careful not to spill it!' Having it built in and incredibly easy to use is one less thing you have to worry about with little ones. Source: Toyota In my Forester, I carry a battery-powered vacuum for instances like these, but the number of times I've gone to grab it and couldn't use it because I forgot to charge the battery is embarrassing. With this feature, you never have to worry about it. Ever. It was a decently powerful vacuum, too. 6. We can't forget about the cooler! To me, this felt a little gimmicky. It took up a lot of valuable foot space in my opinion, but once I used it, I could easily see how it could come in handy, especially for moms. For instance, when I was moving my oldest daughter (who was just three months old) from California to Oregon three years ago, I was breastfeeding and needed to pump every few hours. Yes, I did have a portable cooler, but we were moving in August, so it was hot. It didn't take long for the ice packs to melt and the bottles to start warming. If I'd had this feature, I could have stored what I pumped in there without worrying about anything getting too warm. It works off the A/C, so no ice packs are needed. Source: Kristen Brown Water bottles, energy drinks, snacks for those with dietary needs (or not), and more could be stored in the surprisingly vast cooler box. I wouldn't trust ice cream in it, but it keeps things pretty darn cold. Final thoughts There's a reason the Toyota Sienna has been around for so long, and that's because the engineers at Toyota were always the first to think of everything. The Honda Odyssey is just as legendary. While I adored the Sienna Platinum, I don't think that would be the model I'd buy, simply because of the price. Personally, I'd opt for the Woodland Hybrid trim because a fridge and a vacuum are cool, but I don't travel long distances that often, and as my mechanic husband would say, 'It's just more things to fix later.' Plus, you can get the vacuum and cooler box in the Limited trims, which are marginally less expensive. Source: Kristen Brown I wish it had more features, such as the Passenger View or removable seats, like those found in the Kia Carnival. But I definitely understand why when you ask a Sienna Mom, 'What's so great about the Sienna?' their eyes light up and they turn into a Toyota saleswoman. The favorite minivan is classy, sharp, intuitive, and incredibly versatile. About the Author Kristen Brown View Profile
