Roomy and refined: subaru ascent vs kia sorento – which offers more for families?

When it comes to choosing a family-sized SUV, two standout contenders emerge: the Subaru Ascent and the Kia Sorento. Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, impressive safety features, and advanced technology. But which one is the better choice for your needs? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento to help you make an informed decision.

Performance and Efficiency

The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The Sorento offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine with 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Ascent with all-wheel drive achieves 21 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Sorento with front-wheel drive gets 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the all-wheel-drive version returns 23 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

Interior Space and Comfort

Both the Ascent and Sorento offer spacious interiors with ample seating for up to eight passengers. The Ascent has a slight edge in cargo space, with 19.5 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to the Sorento’s 12.6 cubic feet.

When it comes to comfort, the Ascent features standard heated front seats, while the Sorento offers heated and ventilated front seats as an option. The Ascent also has a larger sunroof than the Sorento, providing a more airy and open feel.

Safety Features

Both the Ascent and Sorento have earned top safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features on both vehicles include:

• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Lane departure warning
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind spot monitoring

The Sorento offers a few additional safety features as standard, such as rear cross-traffic alert and lane keeping assist.

Technology and Connectivity

The Ascent and Sorento come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Ascent’s 6.5-inch touchscreen is slightly smaller than the Sorento’s 8.0-inch screen.

Both vehicles offer a range of available technology features, including:

• Navigation
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Harman Kardon premium audio system

Reliability and Resale Value

Subaru has a reputation for reliability, and the Ascent is no exception. The Sorento has also received good reliability ratings, but it does not quite match the Subaru’s track record.

In terms of resale value, the Ascent is expected to hold its value better than the Sorento over time.

Which One is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best choice between the Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize space, reliability, and off-road capability, the Ascent is an excellent option. If you’re looking for a more fuel-efficient SUV with a more luxurious interior and advanced technology, the Sorento is worth considering.

The Verdict: A Close Call

Both the Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento are excellent family-sized SUVs with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ascent offers more space, a more rugged exterior, and a slightly better reputation for reliability. The Sorento counters with better fuel economy, a more luxurious interior, and a wider range of available technology features. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

1. Which SUV has the most horsepower?
The Subaru Ascent has 260 horsepower, while the Kia Sorento has 281 horsepower with the turbocharged engine.

2. Which SUV has the best fuel economy?
The Kia Sorento with front-wheel drive has the best fuel economy, with 25 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

3. Which SUV has the most cargo space?
The Subaru Ascent has more cargo space than the Kia Sorento, with 19.5 cubic feet behind the third row of seats compared to 12.6 cubic feet.

4. Which SUV has the best safety features?
Both the Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento have earned top safety ratings, but the Sorento offers a few additional safety features as standard, such as rear cross-traffic alert and lane keeping assist.

5. Which SUV is more reliable?
The Subaru Ascent has a slightly better reputation for reliability than the Kia Sorento.