2008 Kia Sorento vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Highlander (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sorento. (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sorento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 405 kg more than 2002 Toyota Highlander.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Highlander. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sorento | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sorento | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 91.1 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.7:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2090 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
