2024 Kia Sorento vs. 2024 Toyota Venza Comparison

The 2024 Kia Sorento and the 2024 Toyota Venza compete in the same class of midsize SUVs, but there are some big differences between them. The Sorento offers a more rugged, boxy exterior with room for seven passengers and can even be outfitted to handle some light to moderate off-roading. Meanwhile, the Venza is a 5-passenger hybrid that is an excellent vehicle for running around town or cruising the highway on a trip.

Want to see which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.

2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento is on the small end of the midsize SUV range. However, it’s still large enough for a third row, which is a rarity in this segment. Mind you, it’s not a massive space, and it’s ideally suited to haul smaller people on shorter trips.

A base 191-horsepower 4-cylinder powers it, though you can upgrade to a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a turbocharger. It pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 to 23 mpg. All-wheel drive (AWD) is also available.

A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including destination charge.

Kia Sorento Highlights

Class leader: Kia’s warranty coverage is as good as it gets. The Kia Sorento is backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

X-Line: The X-Line models in the Kia Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They all come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.

Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Sorento models.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.

2024 Toyota Venza

The 2024 Toyota Venza is a hybrid with room for five passengers, a simple, clean exterior, and AWD as standard. Its looks, capability, and efficiency make it worth consideration when comparison shopping in the segment.

Once inside the SUV, you’ll find a spacious, comfortable, premium interior with the latest technology, anchored by a 12.3-inch touchscreen. With plush front seats and plenty of room for everyone, it’s easy to see why it’s so appealing, yet Toyota is cutting it from its lineup after this year to be replaced by the hybrid Crown Insignia.

It comes in four trim levels, starting with the LE and then, in ascending order, the XLE, Nightshade Edition, and Limited. There is only one engine choice, a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid. Pricing starts at $36,465, including destination charges.

Toyota Venza Highlights

Gas sipper: With outstanding fuel economy for a midsize SUV at 40 city/37 highway/39 combined, you’ll spend less on gas than you would with a Kia Sorento.

Safety first: The brand’s Safety Sense 2.5+ suite of safety technology comes standard on the Venza. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and intersection assistance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “5-Star” rating only enhances its reputation for safety.

Panoramic view: Many SUVs enjoy large moonroofs that give the cabin a light, airy feel. However, they often come with a sunshade that can be difficult to operate. Not so in the Venza with its Star Gaze fixed glass roof, which transforms from transparent to opaque at the press of a button.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Venza models near you.

Similarities

The Kia Sorento and Toyota Venza are smart-looking, capable vehicles with plenty of interior space and technology.

Conclusion

The right midsize SUV for you depends on your priorities. If you can benefit from a third row of seats and prefer a lower starting price and better warranty, the Kia Sorento is a great pick. However, if you’re willing to pay a little extra for an upscale hybrid and don’t need the extra seats, the efficient and reliable Toyota Venza could be a better choice.