3-row SUVs
Used Kia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander: which should you buy?
By Hari Vinayak · Updated 2026-06-22
The short answer
The Sorento is a smaller, more affordable three-row that may carry remaining warranty; the Highlander is larger, holds value better, and has the longer reliability pedigree. If budget leads, the Sorento makes sense; if long-term resale leads, the Highlander does.
Model years
2011–2024
Mileage outlook
A Sorento with a replaced engine or clean recall history can run a long time; V6 models avoid the Theta issue entirely. Maintenance proof matters more than miles here.
Model years
2008–2024
Mileage outlook
The 3.5L V6 routinely clears 250,000 miles. A 140,000-mile Highlander with dealer records is a safer buy than an 80,000-mile one with none. Hybrids age well too, but ask about hybrid battery health past 150,000 miles.
Kia Sorento
A used Kia Sorento can be a strong value, but the 2.4L and 2.0T Theta II engines (2011–2019) are the same family behind Kia's massive engine-failure recalls — verify by VIN whether recalls were done and whether the engine was already replaced, which is actually a plus. Listen for any rod-bearing knock cold, and on 2011–2021 key-start models confirm the anti-theft software update was applied.
Known issues to check
- Theta II 2.4/2.0T (2011–2019): rod bearing failure — listen cold for knock, check recall status and knock-sensor software update by VIN
- Already-replaced engines are common and good news — ask for the replacement paperwork
- 2011–2021 key-start models: Kia theft wave — confirm the immobilizer software update and check for broken steering column trim
- 3.3 V6 models skip the Theta drama; their checks are routine — fluids, mounts, brakes
What to verify
- Cold-start listen for engine knock (Theta II cars)
- Recall and engine-replacement history by VIN
- Anti-theft software update sticker or dealer confirmation
- Steering column and door lock condition (theft attempts)
Toyota Highlander
A used Toyota Highlander is one of the most dependable three-row SUVs you can buy, and the known issues are cheap to check: oil cooler line leaks on 2008–2013 V6 models, water pump seepage on the same engine, and a slightly hesitant 8-speed automatic on 2017–2019 cars that is annoying rather than fatal. The bigger risk is price — Highlanders carry a strong reputation premium, so verify the condition matches the asking price.
Known issues to check
- 2008–2013 V6: rubber oil cooler line can rupture and dump oil — check for the updated metal line and any oil loss history
- 2GR-FE V6 water pump weeps coolant with age — look for pink crust around the pump and front of the engine
- 2017–2019 8-speed automatic: low-speed hesitation and clunky shifts — test drive in stop-and-go; software updates improved it
- 2020+ models are largely trouble-free; focus on accident history and dealer service gaps instead
What to verify
- No oil drips under the engine and no oil-loss history (2008–2013)
- Coolant level and water pump area dry
- Smooth low-speed shifting on the test drive (2017–2019)
- Hybrid battery health report past 150,000 miles on Hybrid trims
How to decide between them
On the used market, the better specific car almost always beats the better model on paper. A well-documented Kia Sorento can be a smarter buy than a neglected Toyota Highlander, and the reverse is just as true. Build a comp set for each, match the model year to its known issues above, and price in any maintenance the records do not cover.
Once you have a real listing for either one, paste it into DealScan to get a deal score, the red flags, a fair price range, and the questions to ask before you visit.
Found a listing for either one? Check the actual car.
Paste any Sorento or Highlander listing and get a deal score, red flags, and the price you should actually offer.
Check a listingKia Sorento vs Toyota Highlander: FAQ
Is the used Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander more reliable?
Both are popular used picks, and reliability comes down to the specific model year and how well the car was maintained more than the badge. Match each car's year to its known issues — the Kia Sorento watch-items and the Toyota Highlander watch-items are listed above — and prioritize the one with documented maintenance records.
Which is cheaper to own used, the Kia Sorento or the Toyota Highlander?
Total cost depends on purchase price, insurance, fuel, and repair risk for the specific year. Use DealScan's free price checker on each to compare fair market values, and factor in the known repair items for each model before deciding which is cheaper to own.
Should I buy the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander?
The Sorento is a smaller, more affordable three-row that may carry remaining warranty; the Highlander is larger, holds value better, and has the longer reliability pedigree. If budget leads, the Sorento makes sense; if long-term resale leads, the Highlander does.