Kia Sorento vs Subaru Outback

The Sorento and the Outback both have a respective standard safety suite: Kia Drive Wise and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. These suites come with several driver-assistance aids to help you feel confident behind the wheel, including these similar systems:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Vehicle Detection
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist

When you need to back out of your driveway or a parking spot, the standard rear-view monitors on either SUV will give you a crystal-clear picture of what’s behind you.

Kia Drive Wise comes with 13 standard features, while the Subaru’s safety suite offers five. This means the Sorento is just getting started. Here are a few more unique driver-assistant features found on the Kia:

• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
• Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
• Safe Exit Assist
• Rear Occupant Alert with Ultrasonic Sensors

You’ll notice that both SUVs can be equipped with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. However, these helpful systems that give you a clear visual of your blind spots and behind your rear bumper come standard on the Sorento, while they’re available options on the Outback.

If you’re looking for an SUV that blends brute strength with longevity, you’ll love the Sorento or the Outback. When properly equipped, both models can tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is the equivalent of:

• A couple jet skis
• A lightweight travel trailer
• A utility trailer with a few snowmobiles

Both SUVs will also help you conserve fuel with their standard Idle Stop and Go features. This system automatically shuts off the engine while idling in traffic, at red lights, or at your favorite fast-food drive-thru.

If you prioritize a more pumped-up companion, choose the Kia Sorento. This SUV is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that generates 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Outback has a similar standard engine; however, its standard output is 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Are you looking to add an extra kick to your commute? Both models offer turbocharged versions of their standard engines. However, the Kia’s secondary engine pumps out 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque compared to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque in the Subaru.

One major difference between these SUVs is how many people they can seat. The Sorento can seat up to seven passengers, while the Outback offers five seats. With two additional seats, the Kia proves to be a great option for drivers with a growing family.

When your hands are filled with diaper bags, your new bundle of joy, or the weekly grocery haul, the Kia will come through with standard Remote Keyless Entry. With just the push of a key fob button, you can lock or unlock your model. The available Smart Key removes this motion altogether, allowing you to hop into your model without touching the key.

This feature is available on higher Outback trims.

Whether you have your best friends, a new love interest, or your kids on board, the Sorento and the Outback will provide entertainment via Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and Bluetooth®. Even if you’re on a solo mission, these smartphone integrations will help you tap into new music or chip away at your book club’s latest read.

When it comes to seeing directions to a coffee shop in town or your friend’s new place, you may prefer the Kia since its standard screen measures eight inches compared to the Subaru’s 7-inch multimedia display.