2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Kia Sorento
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Ascent roars onto the scene promising rugged capability with 260 horsepower and a standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, embodying dependable adventure right off the lot starting at $39,995. Conversely, the 2026 Kia Sorento captivates with sharp value and efficiency, offering a significantly lower MSRP of $32,190 and achieving 26 MPG combined. While the Ascent boasts a robust 277 lb-ft of torque to tackle tough terrain, the Sorento counters with superior fuel economy, netting 4 more MPG combined than the Subaru's 22 MPG. The Ascent is physically larger at 196.8 inches long, providing 17.8 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the sleeker Sorento prioritizes nimble daily driving with its FWD base setup. These two crossovers carve out very different niches: brute force versus budget-conscious cruising.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Sorento
The 2026 Kia Sorento wins for commuters due to its superior 26 MPG combined fuel economy and lower starting price of $32,190.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent is better for families needing maximum utility, offering a larger exterior footprint and 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 Subaru Ascent
Enthusiasts seeking raw capability will prefer the Ascent's powerful 260 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2026 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento offers substantially better value with a $7,805 lower MSRP and better fuel efficiency figures.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You require the security of standard All-Wheel Drive for inclement weather or mild off-roading.
- Your driving demands an output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque for towing or highway passing.
- You need the maximum available cargo capacity of 17.8 cu ft in this comparison.
Choose the Kia Sorento if...
- Keeping the purchase price low is critical, thanks to its $32,190 MSRP versus the Ascent's $39,995.
- You prioritize maximizing fuel stops, as the Sorento achieves 31 MPG highway compared to the Ascent's 26 MPG.
- You prefer the smoother shifting characteristics of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission over a CVT.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Kia Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 189.6" |
| Width | 76.0" | 74.8" |
| Height | 71.6" | 66.7" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 110.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 191 hp @ 6100 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 181 lb-ft @ 4000 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 | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 23/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 26 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 407.1/548.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 17.7 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 12.3 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 Length | 4 months | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 40.3 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 235/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Kia Sorento.
What is the main driving dynamic difference between the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 Sorento?
The Ascent, equipped with standard AWD, feels grounded and capable, built around its 260 hp engine. The Sorento, being FWD standard, offers a lighter, more economical daily drive, perfect for pavement cruising, even if it produces less power at 191 hp.
How much more expensive is the Subaru Ascent than the Kia Sorento?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent has a starting MSRP of $39,995, making it $7,805 more expensive than the 2026 Kia Sorento, which begins at $32,190.
Which crossover is better for long-distance highway trips based on fuel economy?
The 2026 Kia Sorento pulls ahead on the highway, boasting 31 MPG highway, significantly better than the 2025 Subaru Ascent’s 26 MPG highway rating.
Is the CVT transmission in the Ascent a major drawback compared to the Sorento’s 8-speed automatic?
For driving enthusiasts, the CVT might feel less engaging than the Sorento’s responsive 8-speed automatic transmission, especially since the Ascent trails in top-end performance figures at 260 hp versus the Sorento's 191 hp.
Does the larger size of the Ascent translate to better utility inside the cabin?
Yes, the Ascent’s greater dimensions result in superior cargo hauling capacity, offering 17.8 cu ft compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cu ft behind the third row.
Are both crossovers capable of handling rough winter conditions equally well?
No, the Ascent comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, giving it a distinct advantage in foul weather over the base FWD configuration of the Sorento.
More Mid-Range SUVs ($30k-$50k)
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool