Kia Sorento vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Kia SorentoLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia SorentoLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32,390 (best) | $34,995 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia SorentoLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG | 27 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 31 MPG | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.7 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia SorentoLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 191 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 181 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia SorentoLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 7 seats (best) | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 75.5 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,814 lbs | 3,741 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 6.9 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 in (best) | 108.1 in |
| Length | 189.6 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 74.8 in (best) | 74 in |
| Height | 66.7 in | 67.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia SorentoLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 2 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Sorento | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $32,390 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | S $35,290 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | S $37,290 MSRP | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $38,490 MSRP | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $39,990 MSRP | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | EX $38,890 MSRP | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
| 7 | EX $40,690 MSRP | — |
| 8 | SX $42,290 MSRP | — |
| 9 | X-Line EX $42,790 MSRP | — |
| 10 | X-Line SX $44,090 MSRP | — |
| 11 | X-Line SX Prestige $46,790 MSRP | — |
| 12 | X-Line SX Prestige $47,190 MSRP | — |
| 13 | X-Line SX Prestige $53,490 MSRP | — |
| 14 | X-Pro SX Prestige $47,790 MSRP | — |
| 15 | EX $48,290 MSRP | — |
Kia Sorento vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2026 Kia Sorento starts lower at $32,390.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Kia Sorento leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (32,390).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Kia Sorento leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (37).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Kia Sorento leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Kia Sorento leads on horsepower in this comparison (281).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Kia Sorento leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2026 Kia Sorento or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2026 Kia Sorento leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (4,500).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Kia Sorento vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Sorento (5/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).