Kia Sedona vs. Subaru Ascent
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Kia Sedona and 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 Kia Sedona and the Subaru Ascent.
In comparing the Kia Sedona's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sedona has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. The Subaru Ascent has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Kia Sedona's and the Subaru Ascent's specifications and ratings, the Kia Sedona is a better car than the Subaru Ascent.
Pricing: A used 2021 Kia Sedona ranges from $19,854 to $31,023 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 Kia Sedona loses 44.9 percent of its value and the Subaru Ascent loses 44.1 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Ascent retains 0.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sedona.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Kia Sedona’s base engine makes 276 horsepower, and the Subaru Ascent base engine makes 260 horsepower. The Sedona is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 506 miles. The Ascent is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 521 miles. This gives the Subaru Ascent the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Kia Sedona. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Kia Sedona, a minivan, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Subaru Ascent, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Kia Sedona and the Subaru Ascent have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Minivans)
$28,624
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Minivans)
$23,630 - $36,245
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:
$25,286
Price Range:
$19,854 - $31,023
Category Avg Price:
(Minivans)
$26,703
Category Avg Price Range:
(Minivans)
$22,494 - $33,455
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
51
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
81,015
# Good or Great Deals:
15
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:
326
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
58,894
# Good or Great Deals:
75
Kia Sedona Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 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 Kia Sedona
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 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:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Minivans)
2.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Minivans)
1.1 - 20.8
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 Sedona Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
7 out of / 7Subaru 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
Shoppers seeking an alternative to the Honda Odyssey may find it in the Kia Sedona. The Sedona is a modern minivan with a satisfying luxurious ride in its top trims.
Summary Review
The Subaru Ascent joined the crossover SUV lineup at Subaru in 2018. It quickly earned the praise of reviewers.
Pros and Cons
- Modern infotainment system
- Standard V6 power
- Best minivan warranty in America
- Standard spare tire
- About to be discontinued
- LX trim lacks common safety features
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
Minivan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Kia Sedona Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 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
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
276 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
248 foot-lbs @ 5200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.062 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:
3.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 24 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
380 / 506 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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
63.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
63.1 inches
Cargo Space:
33.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
142 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
78.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
199.7 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
Cargo Space, 3rd-row seat folded down:
78.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
171.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
68.5 inches
Length:
201.4 inches
Wheelbase:
120.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 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 6.5 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
Black
Aurora Black
Blue
Celestial Blue
Silver
Panthera Metal / Silky Silver
White
Snow White Pearl
Gray
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Graphite
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Slate Black
