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 2024 Kia Sorento and 2024 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.
2024 Kia Sorento
Slotted between a compact and a midsize vehicle, the 2024 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 (AWD).
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid are on the roster but not part of this comparison. Prices start at $33,365, including destination charges.
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 AWD 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.
2024 Subaru Outback
Anyone who knows anything about cars knows Subaru is the quirky brand with nothing but AWD 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 AWD and quirks because of the Subaru Outback.
Is it a station wagon? Is it a sport-utility vehicle? Who cares? The 2024 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. The further up the chain you go, the more goodies you get. Knowing it captured our Best Resale Value award in its class might entice some to move up a level or two. Prices start at $30,240, including destination charges.
Subaru Outback Highlights
X-Mode: Standard on every Outback, it optimizes the AWD 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.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to cart seven people around occasionally, 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.
Specs
| 2024 Kia Sorento | 2024 Subaru Outback | |
| Starting Price | $30,240 | $30,240 |
| 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 | N/R | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 108.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 191.9 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 cubic feet | 32.6 cubic feet |
