Subaru Forester vs. Kia Sorento
When comparing the Subaru Forester's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The Kia Sorento has the advantage in the area of base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Subaru Forester's and the Kia Sorento's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Forester is a better car than the Kia Sorento.
Subaru Forester vs. Kia Sorento Pricing
A used 2024 Subaru Forester ranges from $32,324 to $39,982 while a used 2023 Kia Sorento is priced between $32,329 to $44,883. For a new model, the Subaru Forester's price is between $30,617 and $40,108, with the Kia Sorento priced between $31,807 and $46,039.
Subaru Forester vs. Kia Sorento Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the Kia Sorento loses 48.5 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Forester retains 10.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Kia Sorento.
Subaru Forester vs. 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.
Subaru Forester vs. 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 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the Kia Sorento base engine makes 191 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Subaru Forester, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and cargo space. The Kia Sorento, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Subaru Forester has higher safety ratings than the Kia Sorento, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.49 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Kia Sorento has the advantage with a Top Safety Pick award.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
30617 - 40108
Used Asking Price:
32324 - 39982
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
31807 - 46039
Used Asking Price:
32329 - 44883
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
Subaru Forester Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Touring, Wilderness
Kia Sorento Trim Levels
EX, LX, S, SX, SX Prestige, X-Line EX, X-Line S, X-Line SX Prestige
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:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 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):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
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
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple Car Play:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Cargo Space:
28.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.1 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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3454 lbs
Width:
80.9 inches
Height:
67.5 inches
Length:
182.7 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3715 lbs
Width:
74.8 inches
Height:
66.7 inches
Length:
189 inches
Wheelbase:
110.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/65R17