2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Ascent

$47,990 · Crossover

$39,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento PHEV bursts onto the scene with electrified efficiency, offering 261 horsepower and a crucial 30-mile electric range, making daily driving emission-free for many, all while achieving 33 MPG combined. In contrast, the 2025 Subaru Ascent offers rugged capability and commanding presence, evidenced by its larger 71.6-inch height and superior 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, perfect for hauling gear. The price disparity is stark; the Ascent starts at $39,995, saving buyers $7,995 compared to the Sorento's $47,990 MSRP. However, the Sorento’s PHEV powertrain offers a massive 11 MPG combined efficiency advantage over the Ascent’s 22 MPG rating. While the Ascent boasts slightly more torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Kia’s 258 lb-ft, the Kia balances performance with phenomenal fuel economy for the practical driver.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30-mile all-electric range and superior 33 MPG combined fuel economy.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is better for families needing maximum utility, offering significantly more cargo capacity at 17.8 cu ft compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV's electrified performance offers instant torque delivery and 261 horsepower, more engaging than the Ascent's 260 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent provides immediate value by undercutting the Sorento’s MSRP by $7,995 while still offering standard AWD.

Choose the Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel savings and can utilize the 30-mile electric-only range frequently.
You want the best combined efficiency rating, achieving 33 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
You prefer the slightly more compact footprint for urban navigation (189.6 inches in length).

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Your budget is tighter, as the Ascent offers a significant $7,995 savings off the Sorento's starting price.
You require maximum cubic footage, benefiting from the Ascent’s expansive 17.8 cu ft cargo area.
You value slightly higher peak torque (277 lb-ft) paired with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid	Subaru Ascent
Length	189.6"	196.8"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	66.9"	71.6"
Wheelbase	110.8"	113.8"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Third Row Head Airbags	✓	—
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Fog Lights	✓	—
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	2	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	plug-in hybrid	gas
Horsepower	261 hp	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	33/34 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	33 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	409.2/421.6 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	77/71 MPGe	—
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	74 MPGe	—
EPA Electric Driving Range	30 mi.	—
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	45	—
Charging Time (240V)	3.4 hr.	—
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	19.3 gal.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE J1772	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.3 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	61.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	57.8 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	8-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	57.5 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 7.5 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/55R19	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Ascent.

What is the primary benefit of the Kia Sorento PHEV over the Subaru Ascent for daily driving?

The main advantage for daily commuting is the Sorento's plug-in capability, allowing up to 30 miles of emission-free driving before switching to gas. This drastically improves efficiency, leading to a 33 MPG combined rating.

How much more cargo space does the Ascent offer compared to the Sorento PHEV?

The Subaru Ascent provides substantially more usable space for hauling gear, offering 17.8 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is a noticeable upgrade over the Kia Sorento PHEV's 12.6 cubic feet measurement.

Is the price difference between the two vehicles significant?

Yes, there is a $7,995 MSRP gap, with the Subaru Ascent being the much more affordable entry point at $39,995 compared to the Sorento PHEV's $47,990.

Do both crossovers use regular unleaded gasoline?

Both the 2025 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid and the 2025 Subaru Ascent are designed to run on regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the premium fuel costs sometimes associated with performance or hybrid models.

Which vehicle offers more raw power figures?

While horsepower is nearly identical (261 hp for Kia vs. 260 hp for Subaru), the Ascent produces slightly more pulling force with 277 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Sorento's 258 lb-ft.

How does the Sorento’s AWD system compare to the Ascent’s standard AWD?

Both vehicles feature All-Wheel Drive, but the Ascent is known for its standard Symmetrical AWD system optimized for challenging conditions. The Sorento PHEV also offers AWD paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.