2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
When comparing the 2012 Subaru Forester's and the 2012 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and overall quality score. The 2012 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2012 Subaru Forester's and the 2012 Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the 2012 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2012 Kia Sorento.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Kia Sorento Pricing
A used 2012 Subaru Forester ranges from $6,988 to $16,045 while a used 2012 Kia Sorento is priced between $5,699 to $14,996.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Kia Sorento Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2012 Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the 2012 Kia Sorento loses 48.5 percent of its value. This means the 2012 Subaru Forester retains 10.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2012 Kia Sorento.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Kia Sorento Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Sorento's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Kia Sorento being ranked 25 out of 66.
2012 Subaru Forester vs. 2012 Kia Sorento Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. For the Kia Sorento the reliability rating is 8.0 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2012 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2012 Kia Sorento base engine makes 175 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 456 miles. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 486 miles.This gives the 2012 Subaru Forester the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2012 Kia Sorento the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison
The 2012 Kia Sorento, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room and rear shoulder room. The 2012 Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2012 Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the 2012 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
6988 - 16045
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
5699 - 14996
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.48549
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.745714 / 10
Reliability:
8.047143 / 10
Retained Value:
6.7 / 10
Safety:
8.5 / 10
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 6Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 31Ranking
2 out of / 30Ranking
2 out of / 27Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 25Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 11Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 22Ranking
8 out of / 16Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
11 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
14 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
15 out of / 22Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
17 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
18 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
19 out of / 31Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
19 out of / 22Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 66Ranking
20 out of / 26Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 31Ranking
22 out of / 30Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 30Ranking
27 out of / 30Ranking
28 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 31Ranking
31 out of / 58Ranking
45 out of / 66Ranking
58 out of / 66Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
Kia’s Sorento is a two- or three-row crossover SUV on sale since 2015 in its outgoing generation. It is built in West Point, Georgia. All-new for 2021, shoppers in the midsize SUV segment should give the Sorento a fresh look.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Available in past years with two or three rows of seats
- High safety scores
- 2020 and older models showing their age
- Smaller than many midsize vehicles in this segment
- Past models had low reliability scores
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2012 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.5X, 2.5X Limited, 2.5X Premium, 2.5X Touring, 2.5XT Premium, 2.5XT Touring
2012 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
Base, EX, LX, SX
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
175 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
169 foot-lbs @ 3750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
1650 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
355 / 456 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 27 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
360 / 486 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
33.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Cargo Space:
9.1 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
72.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
151.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3250 lbs
Width:
79 inches
Height:
65.9 inches
Length:
179.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3605 lbs
Width:
74.2 inches
Height:
67.3 inches
Length:
183.9 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.2 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
215/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available