2019 Kia Sorento vs 2020 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Kia Sorento was praised for its appealing design, featuring updated front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and redesigned headlights and taillights. These enhancements contributed to its attractive appearance, making it a desirable choice for those who valued style in their SUV. The SX Limited trim, with its premium Nappa leather upholstery and metallic accents, offered a luxurious feel, although some interior materials were criticized for not matching the high price point. Despite this, the Sorento's overall design and comfort features made it a compelling option for buyers.

In contrast, the 2020 Subaru Outback maintained its handsome profile with subtle exterior changes, focusing more on interior improvements. The introduction of an 11.6-inch touchscreen and innovative DriverFocus technology aimed to enhance the driving experience. The Outback's design prioritized functionality, offering excellent visibility and a spacious interior. While the exterior updates were minimal, the interior changes and technological advancements made the Outback an attractive choice for those seeking a blend of utility and modern features.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered a choice between a standard 185-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and a more powerful 290-horsepower, 3.3-liter V6 engine. The V6 provided smooth acceleration and was paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission, offering various driving modes to suit different preferences. The optional all-wheel drive system with Torque Vectoring Cornering Control enhanced handling, making the Sorento more agile than expected. Despite its size, the Sorento delivered a quiet and comfortable ride, with a suspension tuned for responsive handling.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, offering improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that mimicked a traditional automatic, providing a smoother driving experience. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system ensured consistent power delivery and enhanced stability, while the Outback's off-road capabilities were bolstered by its ground clearance and X-Mode features.

The 2019 Kia Sorento was a 3-row, 7-passenger SUV, though the third row was best suited for occasional use due to limited accessibility and comfort. With the third row folded, cargo capacity increased significantly, making it more practical as a 5-passenger vehicle. The Sorento offered luxurious options like Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, enhancing its appeal. However, rear-seat comfort was compromised by tight legroom and a flat cushion, though features like rear air-conditioning vents and power sources added convenience.

The 2020 Subaru Outback, a station wagon, excelled in functionality with 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Its spacious interior accommodated taller passengers comfortably, and the low load height facilitated easy access to the trunk and roof storage. The Outback's design prioritized visibility, offering excellent sightlines in most directions. Despite a minor blind spot, the overall interior space and thoughtful design made the Outback a practical choice for families and adventurers alike.

The 2019 Kia Sorento offered a range of infotainment systems, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen on lower trims and an 8-inch display with navigation on higher trims. The UVO eServices system provided features like 911 Connect, roadside assistance, and safe teen driving tools. The top-tier system included a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup, delivering excellent sound quality. A 360-degree camera system was available, enhancing maneuverability in tight spaces.

The 2020 Subaru Outback introduced a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen, aiming to attract tech-savvy buyers. While the screen was visually impressive, it suffered from lag, affecting navigation and other functions. The camera resolution was also lacking, detracting from the overall experience. Despite these issues, the system's potential was evident, and Subaru's commitment to improving technology was clear.

The 2019 Kia Sorento excelled in safety, with features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control available on most trims. New additions for 2019 included lane-keeping assist and a driver-attention-monitoring system. The Sorento received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing its reputation as a safe family SUV.

The 2020 Subaru Outback's safety suite included Subaru's EyeSight system, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. However, the optical system's susceptibility to obstruction was a drawback. The DriverFocus system, designed to alert distracted drivers, was criticized for its frequent false alerts. Despite these issues, the Outback's standard all-wheel drive and safety features provided a solid foundation for driver and passenger protection.