2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

$39,995 · Crossover

$48,290 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid often comes down to upfront cost versus long-term running efficiency. If saving immediately is the priority, the Ascent starts at a compelling $39,995, significantly lower than the Sorento PHEV's $48,290 price tag—an $8,295 difference. However, the Kia fights back with superior fuel economy, achieving a 33 combined MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 combined MPG, which will save money over time. Power output is nearly identical, with the Ascent offering slightly more torque at 277 lb-ft versus the Kia's 258 lb-ft, while the Kia compensates with 30 miles of pure electric range. For drivers prioritizing maximum capability and standard All-Wheel Drive ruggedness, the larger Ascent offers more physical space with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo room versus the Kia's 12.6 cubic feet.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

The Sorento PHEV wins for commuters due to its 30 miles of electric range and superior 33 combined MPG, leading to lower daily fuel expenses.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent is better for families needing room, offering a larger 17.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Sorento's 12.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Ascent

The Ascent delivers slightly better performance specs with 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Sorento's 258 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid

Despite the higher initial cost, the Sorento PHEV offers superior long-term value through its 11 MPG fuel economy advantage.

Choose the Subaru Ascent if...

You need the lowest possible entry price, starting at $39,995.
You haul larger items frequently and require the maximum 17.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer standard high-output gasoline power (260 hp) over a hybrid system.

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

Your daily driving is mostly under 30 miles, allowing you to utilize the full electric range.
You want to take advantage of the 11 MPG efficiency difference for lower ownership costs.
You prefer the smaller dimensions (189.6 inches long) for easier city parking.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Ascent	Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid
Length	196.8"	189.6"
Width	76.0"	74.8"
Height	71.6"	66.9"
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	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	1.6 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	plug-in hybrid
Horsepower	260 hp @ 5600 rpm	261 hp
Torque	277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft
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	6-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/26 MPG	33/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	33 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	386.0/501.8 mi.	409.2/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	19.3 gal.	12.4 gal.
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.
DC Fast Charging Port Type	—	SAE J1772

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	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry	—	✓
Dual 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	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Rear Head Room	40.0 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.6 in.	40.3 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	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

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.
EV Battery Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	10 yr./ 100000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid.

How significant is the size difference between these two crossovers?

The Subaru Ascent is noticeably larger, measuring 196.8 inches long and 71.6 inches tall, which directly contributes to its larger 17.8 cu ft cargo area. The Kia Sorento is more compact at 189.6 inches long and 66.9 inches tall, making it slightly more manageable in tight spaces.

Is the extra cost of the Sorento PHEV worth the fuel savings?

That depends on mileage. The Sorento PHEV costs $8,290 more upfront but achieves 33 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG. If you drive many miles annually, the savings from the 11 MPG advantage will eventually offset the initial premium.

Do both vehicles offer all-wheel drive?

Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid come standard with all-wheel drive capability, ensuring traction in varied weather conditions.

How does the Sorento’s electric range affect daily driving?

With 30 miles of electric range, if your daily commute is less than this distance, you can operate primarily on electricity using the Sorento PHEV, minimizing gasoline use entirely for those trips.

Which vehicle has better straight-line power?

The 2025 Ascent edges out the Sorento PHEV slightly in raw power figures, offering 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia's 258 lb-ft of torque, while both produce almost identical horsepower figures near 260 hp.

What kind of fuel can I use in either crossover?

A nice point of commonality is that both vehicles specify the use of regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for optimal performance.