2025 Kia Sorento vs. 2025 Subaru Outback Comparison

The most common form of all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle typically sits high, gulps gas, and looks big enough to use the bus lane at school.

Fortunately, that is not every SUV on the road today, including the Kia Sorento and Subaru Outback. The Sorento looks bigger than it is, while the Outback is one of the original off-road wagons that still curry a lot of favor among the buying public.

The upside of these SUVs is that you get plenty of off-road capability without driving a vehicle that needs its own zip code. Let’s check out this pairing.

2025 Kia Sorento

Slotted between a compact and a midsize vehicle, the Kia Sorento enjoys just enough space to include a third row. You won’t want to stuff an adult or two back there for too long; it’s ideally suited to haul smaller people on shorter trips.

The base model comes powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder, but for a bit more cash, you get an additional 90 hp. Adding the turbocharger pushes the output to 281 hp, but the average combined fuel economy only drops from 26 mpg to 23 mpg. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on most trim levels, and the Sorento is available with all-wheel drive. The only change for 2025 is that the X-Line and X-Pro models get black badges.

A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison.

Kia Sorento Highlights

X-Line: The X-Line models in the Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. They come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.

Easy access: All Sorento models with the EX trim package and higher feature the Smart Power Tailgate, allowing hands-free opening and closing, adding a lot of convenience for loading and unloading the cargo area.

Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Sorento trims.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.

2025 Subaru Outback

Anyone who knows anything about cars knows Subaru is the quirky brand with nothing but all-wheel drive cars that can run around town and then go off-roading (except the BRZ, which is a whole other animal). They also know about the brand’s all-wheel drive and quirks because of the Subaru Outback.

Is it a station wagon? Is it a sport-utility vehicle? Who cares? The Subaru Outback is a gateway to something fun. The standard with an 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is capable and efficient, but for some real fun, choose the 260-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder available to XT and Wilderness trim buyers.

The Outback comes in nine trim levels: base, Premium, Limited, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring, and Touring XT. For 2025, the Limited trim enjoys a lot of new standard equipment, including a powered moonroof, heated steering wheel, heated outboard rear seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and much more. Finally, knowing it captured our Best Resale Value award in its class might entice some to move up a level or two.

Subaru Outback Highlights

X-Mode: Standard on every Outback, it optimizes the all-wheel drive system to maximize traction in off-road driving. The Onyx Edition and Wilderness models have a more advanced Dual-Function X-Mode with more off-road drive modes.

Safety first: Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist system includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more.

Wilderness: This is the Outback’s most capable off-road trim level. It sits higher, gets extra protection underneath, rides on all-terrain tires, and receives a potent engine upgrade to a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder developing 260 hp.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Outback models for sale near you.

Similarities

The Sorento and Outback offer attractive styling, plenty of interior space, and moderate off-road capability.

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Outback vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

	2025 Kia Sorento	2025 Subaru Outback
Popular Powertrains
Engine	2.5-liter 4-cylinder	2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6,100 rpm	182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic	CVT, AWD
Fuel Economy	23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg	26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg
Also Available	2.5-liter turbo, plus Hybrid/PHEV	2.4-liter turbo Boxer 4-cylinder
Specs
Basic Warranty	5 years/60,000 miles	3 years/36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	10 years/100,000 miles	5 years/60,000 miles
NHTSA Overall Safety	5-Star	5-Star
Max Seating Capacity	7	5
Wheelbase	110.8 inches	108.1 inches
Overall Length	189.6 inches	191.1 inches
Width	74.8 inches	74.2 inches
Height	66.7 inches	66.1 inches
Turning Diameter	37.9 feet	36.1 feet
Headroom, Front	40.3 inches	40.1 inches
Headroom, Rear	39.1 inches	39.1 inches
Legroom, Front	41.4 inches	42.8 inches
Legroom, Rear	41.7 inches	39.5 inches
Shoulder Room, Front	59.1 inches	58.1 inches
Shoulder Room, Rear	58.1 inches	57.4 inches
Cargo Volume	38.5/75.5 cubic feet	32.6/75.6 cubic feet

Conclusion

If you’re looking to occasionally cart seven people around, there’s only one option: the Kia Sorento. If you’re looking for a powerful engine, there is only one option: the Kia Sorento (with an upgrade). However, if you’re looking for a vehicle to get five people around town and out to the woods, the Subaru Outback is your option.