Latest news with #hybrid
Yahoo
2 hours 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
2 hours 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
2 hours 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.
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The 2025 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid
2025 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid Suzuki The Suzuki Vitara is a dependable and familiar SUV that started life as a compact SUV before evolving through each successive generation. The latest fourth generation was introduced in 2015. Fast forward 10 years, and we're still on the fourth generation, so what's changed? Suzuki's given the latest car a nip and tuck, without distorting its cute image. Up front is a fresh grille, a new bumper, and a sporty roof spoiler, and that's it. Its shape remains unchanged, as do most of its underpinnings. Likewise, it's all very same-y inside, and that's a bit of an issue. Suzuki's attempts to modernise the Vitara by introducing a 9.0-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity are hindered by cheap plastics, a dreary dashboard, and mid-2000s graphics. Suzuki Vitara Hybrid Matthew MacConnell Rear legroom is generous; however, being 5'11, I didn't have much headroom. This said, there's plenty of space up front for taller passengers. Boot space is also generous at 362 litres, and the rear seats split 60/40, increasing luggage space. This review focuses on the 1.4-litre mild hybrid six-speed petrol rather than the 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid. Although it's more focused on efficiency than performance, the 127bhp 173lb ft powerplant does a fine job at hauling the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid's 1,720kg (gross) mass, with 0-to-62 mph taking 10.2 seconds. Out with 'Sport' mode, it'll return a reasonable 52 mpg, although this was closer to 45 mpg when navigating through Welsh countryside traffic. Suzuki Vitara Hybrid boot Matthew MacConnell Visibility is superb, thanks to a lofty driving position, large mirrors and windows. You also get a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring to boot, while upgrading to the Ultra trim, like the one tested here, gets you front parking sensors. Suzuki Vitara Hybrid rear Matthew MacConnell Through town, the Vitara's suspension feels firm. Large ruts and drain covers send dull thuds through the cabin, but the car never feels unsettled. Similarly, it's no corner iron, but it goes round bends well enough, and you do get a little feedback through the steering wheel. But it's at its best in towns and on motorways. The Vitara comes with front-wheel drive as standard, but buyers can opt for Suzuki's AllGrip four-wheel drive system if needed, although it's worth noting this noticeably reduces fuel economy. 2025 Suzuki Vitara Verdict Unless you want keyless entry, electrically folding door mirrors, front parking sensors and Alcantara trim, I'd recommend sticking with the entry-level Motion trim. You still get a decent amount of kit like 17-inch alloys, automatic air conditioning and headlights, heated door mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and there's no panoramic roof to limit headroom. Suzuki Vitara Hybrid interior Matthew MacConnell Other cars, some cheaper, trump the Vitara in quality, infotainment, ride comfort and handling, but few are offered with such a generous warranty. As with many of its rivals, Suzuki offers a three-year 60,000-mile warranty as standard, but visiting an official centre for regular servicing increases the warranty by up to seven years, giving 10 in total. This said, you shouldn't need to use your warranty much as the Vitara has an excellent reliability rating. The Suzuki Vitara Hybrid is priced from £27,299 ($36,593).
The Independent
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Bentley CEO reveals secrets of EV plans
Steve Fowler is joined in this episode of Drive Smart by the CEO of Bentley, Frank-Steffen Walliser where he revealed the future of his electric vehicle plans. Driving in the Flying Spare 2024, the latest edition with the plug-in hybrid, the pair discussed Bentley's switch to EV with the 2026 release of the urban SUV. The CEO hopes the company's existing customers will be willing to make the jump and purchase one of Bentley's new vehicles, hoping the 'excitement' that comes with a new car will be a temptation. Watch more from Drive Smart on Independent TV.
