2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Subaru Ascent

$31,990 · Crossover

$40,795 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The $8,805 difference in MSRP between the 2025 Kia Sorento ($31,990) and the 2026 Subaru Ascent ($40,795) represents the most significant starting divergence in this comparison. The Sorento prioritizes efficiency, achieving 26 MPG combined versus the Ascent’s 22 MPG combined, a 4 MPG advantage. Conversely, the Ascent offers substantially more output, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Sorento’s 191 hp and 181 lb-ft. The Ascent also provides superior utility with 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft, though it is physically larger, measuring 71.6 inches high versus the Sorento's 66.7 inches. While the Sorento provides front-wheel drive, the Ascent standardizes on all-wheel drive, which justifies some of its higher transactional cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined rating versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Ascent

The 2026 Subaru Ascent is favored for families because its larger dimensions translate to 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity over the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Ascent

Enthusiasts favor the Ascent because its turbocharged engine delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Sorento's power figures.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento offers superior base value starting at $31,990 against the Ascent's $40,795 MSRP.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

Fuel economy is a top priority, as the Sorento achieves 26 MPG combined compared to 22 MPG for the Ascent.
A lower entry price is essential, with the Sorento starting at $31,990 versus the Ascent’s $40,795.
Simpler FWD operation and an 8-speed automatic transmission are preferred over AWD and a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

Maximum power output is required, given the Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque advantage.
All-wheel drive capability is mandatory, as the Ascent includes it standard.
Greater interior space is needed, evidenced by the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Subaru Ascent
Length	189.6"	196.8"
Width	74.8"	76.0"
Height	66.7"	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 Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	2
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	8-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	23/31 MPG	20/26 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	386.0/501.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	19.3 gal.

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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
3rd Row Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
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: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	60.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	57.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Manual Folding Third Row Seat	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Underbody Mounted

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.
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 and 2026 Subaru Ascent.

How much more cargo space does the 2026 Ascent offer over the 2025 Sorento?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent provides 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This is a measurable increase over the 2025 Kia Sorento, which is listed with 12.6 cubic feet.

What is the primary trade-off between the engine performance of these two crossovers?

The trade-off is significant power for better efficiency. The Ascent delivers 260 hp, but the Sorento achieves better fuel economy at 26 MPG combined versus the Ascent's 22 MPG combined.

Which vehicle includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD)?

The 2026 Subaru Ascent comes standard with AWD, whereas the 2025 Kia Sorento utilizes front-wheel drive in its base configuration.

Is the Sorento significantly less expensive than the Ascent?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Sorento has a considerably lower MSRP of $31,990 compared to the 2026 Subaru Ascent, which starts at $40,795, resulting in an $8,805 price gap.

How do their transmissions differ?

The Kia Sorento utilizes a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Ascent is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).