Sorento III (UM) vs Highlander XU50: which is better?
Kia Sorento III (UM) (2014–2020) vs Toyota Highlander XU50 (2013–2019): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia Sorento III (UM)
Toyota Highlander XU50Specifications
| Kia Sorento III (UM) | Toyota Highlander XU50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2014–2020 | 2013–2019 |
| Body | crossover SUV | crossover SUV |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 3.5 V6 | 3.5 V6 |
| Power, up to | 249 hp | 249 hp |
| Torque, up to | 336 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | all-wheel drive | all-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 800 mm | 4 865 mm |
| Width | 1 890 mm | 1 925 mm |
| Height | 1 690 mm | 1 730 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 780 mm | 2 790 mm |
| Ground clearance | 185 mm | 200 mm |
| Fuel tank | 71 L | 72 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 68 375 ₸ | ≈ 68 375 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia Sorento III (UM)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large tank: 71 L
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Lambda engine (V6): timing chain stretch at high mileage
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Lambda (V6)): timing chain stretch at high mileage; oil leaks.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Toyota Highlander XU50
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 249 hp
- All-wheel-drive versions available
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- High ground clearance: 200 mm
Cons
- Engine Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6): rubber VVT-i oil line can burst on early engines (before ~2010)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2GR-FE/FKS (3.5 V6)): rupture of the rubber VVT-i oil line on early engines (before ~2010); water pump leak; valve cover gasket leaks.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- Highlander XU50 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, ground clearance, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: Sorento III (UM) or Highlander XU50?
Sorento III (UM): up to 249 hp, Highlander XU50: up to 249 hp.
Which has more ground clearance?
Sorento III (UM): 185 mm, Highlander XU50: 200 mm.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: Sorento III (UM) — about 68 375 ₸, Highlander XU50 — about 68 375 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.