But how does its shorter overall length measure up inside, where it really matters? With the 60/40 split rear seatbacks upright the Toyota bests the Kia as expected, but only by a nominal 20 L (0.7 cu ft). Put the seats down however and the Highlander shows a distinct advantage at 2,305 L (81.4 cu ft), 425 L (15.0 cu ft) more than the 1,880 L (66.4 cu ft) maximum in the Sorento - that's the size of a midsize car's trunk. So it's a toss up, easier to park versus more cargo room. You choose.

Of course parking ease, cargo volume and other practical issues aren't the only reasons people choose one car over another. Kia knows this and has thus equipped the Sorento with a thoroughly thought out cabin, incorporating attractive soft touch plastics, a substantial faux wood and leather steering wheel with audio and cruise buttons (optional), and the slickest set of hydraulically actuated stacking storage drawers this side of a BMW 7-Series. The Kia's design integrates well overall too, even if it might be a bit over the top in the woodgrain department for some, with a clean and uncluttered center stack incorporating a CD and cassette audio system, automatic climate control and the heated seat buttons, part of the top-line EX-Luxury package that came with my test vehicle.