2005 Kia Sorento vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Kia Sorento would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 Kia Sorento. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Sorento weights approximately 298 kg more than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2005 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Toyota Highlander. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Kia Sorento will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2005 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2005 Kia Sorento has manual transmission. 2005 Kia Sorento will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Kia Sorento | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sorento | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2088 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
