2008 Kia Sorento vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Kia Sorento. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Sorento would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sorento (262 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 2012 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 505 kg more than 2008 Kia Sorento.
Because 2008 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, 2008 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Toyota Highlander. (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Toyota Highlander.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sorento | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Kia | Toyota |
| Model | Sorento | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 262 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 73 L |
