2021 Kia Sorento vs. 2021 Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Kia Sorento and 2021 Subaru Ascent contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Kia Sorento and the 2021 Subaru Ascent.
When comparing the 2021 Kia Sorento's and the 2021 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency. The 2021 Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Kia Sorento's and the 2021 Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Subaru Ascent is a better car than the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Pricing: A used 2021 Kia Sorento ranges from $21,598 to $34,134 while a used 2021 Subaru Ascent is priced between $25,878 to $35,994.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Kia Sorento loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2021 Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Subaru Ascent retains 3.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Kia Sorento.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Kia Sorento’s base engine makes 191 horsepower, and the 2021 Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The Sorento is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 513 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles.This gives the 2021 Kia Sorento the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Subaru Ascent the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2021 Subaru Ascent has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Subaru Ascent has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$29,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,295
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,414
Price Range:
$21,598 - $34,134
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,008
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
44,787
# Good or Great Deals:
394
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$30,827
Price Range:
$25,878 - $35,994
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
749
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
46,914
# Good or Great Deals:
283
Kia Sorento Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.2 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Ascent Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Kia Sorento
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
13%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Subaru Ascent
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.7
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Kia Sorento Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
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4 out of / 39Ranking
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4 out of / 7Ranking
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5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 39Ranking
15 out of / 39Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
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18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
19 out of / 39Ranking
19 out of / 30Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
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22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
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23 out of / 32Ranking
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26 out of / 39Ranking
27 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
33 out of / 59Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
58 out of / 67Subaru Ascent Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 39Ranking
7 out of / 34Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 67Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 39Ranking
29 out of / 39Ranking
30 out of / 32Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
33 out of / 39Ranking
35 out of / 59Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
44 out of / 67Ranking
52 out of / 67Summary 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.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
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
Pros and Cons
- Excellent on-road and off-road capability
- Seven or eight-seat configurations available
- Class-leading diver-assist technology
- Below-average reliability scores (unusual for a Subaru)
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, SX Prestige, SX Prestige X-Line
2021 Subaru Ascent Trim Levels
Base, Limited 7-Passenger, Limited 8-Passenger, Premium 7-Passenger, Premium 8-Passenger, Touring
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.49 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
191 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
181 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
260 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
277 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.059 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 29 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
425 / 513 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 27 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
405 / 521 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Captain's seat:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
121.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
60.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
86.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3714 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4430 lbs
Width:
85.7 inches
Height:
71.6 inches
Length:
196.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/60R18
Exterior Colors
Beige
Crystal Beige
Black
Ebony Black
Gray
Gravity Gray
Red
Passion Red Tintcoat
Silver
Everlasting Silver / Sparkling Silver
White
Glacial White Pearl
Exterior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
