It’s tough to beat the practicality and balance of a midsize SUV. Through the first two-thirds of 2026, sales of many types of vehicles are down. But Americans continue to buy more midsize SUVs than in prior years because their combination of passenger and cargo space, all-weather grip, and the ability to see over traffic is so appealing.
The Kia Sorento and Subaru Outback both sit near the top of our list of the best midsize SUVs. Each can make a solid choice, but they have very different traits, likely making one a better choice for your family. Let’s compare them.
2026 Kia Sorento
Kia has one of the most extensive SUV lineups in the business. The 2026 Kia Sorento is perhaps the most unique. It’s the size of a 2-row midsize SUV, but includes a small third row for added flexibility. With a surprisingly affordable starting price and the longest warranty any automaker offers, it packs a lot of value for the money. It’s available in front- or all-wheel drive (FWD or AWD), as a gas-powered, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and in an unusually long list of trim levels, so nearly any buyer can dial in the perfect Sorento for their needs.
Kia Sorento Highlights
2-row maneuverability with 3-row capacity: The Sorento is almost completely unique in configuration – the size of a 2-row midsize SUV with a surprise third row of seats. It’s not large enough for everyday use by adults, but it gives you a flexibility nearly nothing else its size offers, with the ability to carry up to seven.
Buyer choice: Kia builds the Sorento with a choice of two engines. If you don’t need extra power, you can save money by going with the standard 191-horsepower setup. If you need extra highway-passing, elevation-climbing power, there’s a 281-horsepower option. Kia offers hybrid and PHEV Sorento models as well.
10-year powertrain warranty: No automaker beats Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That means real savings in the long run. If you plan to own your next car for more than five years, the warranty should factor into your decision.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models for sale near you.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has had a cult following since its mid-90’s debut. The 2026 Outback i9s a departure from the classic in design – it looks much more like a traditional SUV. But under the skin, it meets the classic Subaru formula. A low-mounted boxer engine, standard AWD, and rugged character make it feel firmly connected to the road and capable on the trail. Subaru hasn’t yet created a hybrid version.
Subaru Outback Highlights
Standard AWD: AWD can add up to $2,000 to the sticker price of a Sorento. It’s standard equipment on the Outback.
Available hands-free highway driving: You have to choose the spendier Touring trim to get it, but Subaru’s ever-improving EyeSight safety suite can include hands-free highway driving up to 85 mph.
Slower depreciation: The Kia may have the advantage if you’re keeping your car for more than five years, but the Subaru counters if you’re not. It retains more of its value after five.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Equinox models for sale near you.
Pricing
New 2026 Kia Sorento Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (45402)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$33,885 |
$32,600 |
|||
$36,785 |
$35,000 |
|||
$39,985 |
$38,200 |
|||
$43,785 |
$41,900 |
|||
$44,285 |
$42,500 |
|||
$45,585 |
$43,500 |
|||
$48,285 |
$45,900 |
|||
$49,285 |
$46,200 |
New 2026 Subaru Outback Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (45402)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$36,445 |
$33,800 |
|||
$43,165 |
$40,000 |
|||
$45,815 |
$42,400 |
|||
$46,445 |
$42,700 |
|||
$46,845 |
$43,200 |
|||
$49,405 |
$45,600 |
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 2026 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2026 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
| 2026 Kia Sorento | 2026 Subaru Outback | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | N/A |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | automatic, cvt w/lineartronic & 8-speed manual mode |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 25 city/31 highway/27 combined mpg |
| 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 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 108.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 191.7 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 82.9 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 68.3 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 36.5 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 40.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.1 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 36.8 inches | N/A |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.7 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 29.6 inches | N/A |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 57.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.1 inches | 57.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 53.0 inches | N/A |
| Cargo Behind Last Seat | 12.6 feet | 34.6 feet |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | 45.0 feet | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 75.5 feet | 80.5 feet |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Subaru loyalists may be shocked to hear it, but the Sorento tends to be the better value here. Today it sits tied for second in our midsize SUV rankings, leaving the Outback in fifth. It’s the better long-term value, more powerful in most forms, and has that trick third row, giving owners more flexibility.
