2025 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$31,990 · Crossover

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sorento arrives bringing assertive style and a spirited 191 hp punch, immediately challenging the venerable 2026 Subaru Outback. The Sorento offers slightly more horsepower at 191 hp versus the Outback's 180 hp, making the Kia feel marginally more eager off the line, despite both utilizing regular unleaded fuel. However, the Outback immediately flexes its utility muscles with a cavernous 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, dwarfing the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft offering. While the Outback features standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Sorento opts for a lower entry price of $31,990 compared to the Subaru’s $34,995. Fuel economy is tight, with the Outback achieving a 27 MPG combined rating versus the Sorento's 26 MPG combined, all while the Kia boasts a higher torque figure of 181 lb-ft to the Subaru's 178 lb-ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The 2026 Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 27 MPG combined fuel economy and the security of standard All-Wheel Drive.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback offers significantly more practical space for family gear, boasting 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sorento

The 2025 Kia Sorento delivers a more potent acceleration feel with 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Outback's output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento claims the value crown by offering a compelling package with an MSRP that is $3,005 lower than the competing Subaru.

Choose the Kia Sorento if...

You prioritize initial purchase price savings, as the Sorento starts at $31,990.
You prefer the slightly higher power output provided by its 191 hp engine.
You value the quick engagement of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You absolutely need maximum hauling ability, thanks to its massive 34.6 cu ft cargo hold.
All-weather confidence is essential, mandated by its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
Achieving the best overall efficiency is key, as evidenced by its 27 MPG combined rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sorento	Subaru Outback
Length	189.6"	191.7"
Width	74.8"	74.0"
Height	66.7"	67.5"
Wheelbase	110.8"	108.1"

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	3
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6100 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	181 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 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	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	407.1/548.7 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.7 gal.	18.0 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	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	12.1 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.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	55.6 in.	55.5 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
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.1 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	55.1 in.	55.1 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	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted 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.
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 Outback.

How significant is the difference in power between the two crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Sorento holds a clear advantage in output, producing 191 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Subaru Outback counters with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Kia should feel marginally quicker in direct comparison.

Is the AWD system worth the higher price tag on the 2026 Subaru Outback?

The Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive, which is a major safety and traction benefit over the Sorento's Front Wheel Drive setup. However, this feature contributes to its $3,005 higher MSRP of $34,995.

Which vehicle is better equipped for carrying large amounts of gear?

The 2026 Subaru Outback is the undeniable champion for cargo, offering 34.6 cu ft of space. The 2025 Kia Sorento, surprisingly, only provides 12.6 cu ft, a massive difference when planning large family trips.

How do their fuel efficiency ratings compare for daily driving?

The competition is incredibly close on fuel economy, but the Outback edges out the Sorento; the Outback achieves a 27 MPG combined rating, while the Sorento is rated at 26 MPG combined.

If performance driving matters most, which should I lean toward?

Enthusiasts seeking better immediate grunt should favor the Sorento, as its 191 hp output is higher and it utilizes an 8-speed automatic for more defined gear changes, contrasting with the Outback's continuously variable transmission.