2021 Subaru Forester vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The design of the 2021 Subaru Forester, despite its 2019 redesign, has retained a somewhat dated appearance because it borrowed heavily from its predecessor. The most notable change was in the taillights, which featured a unique cross shape in the fifth-generation model. Subaru likely adhered to the old adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," preserving the Forester's boxy and upright silhouette that appealed to many SUV buyers. The Base trim appeared rather plain with its 17-inch steel wheels, but overall, the Forester presented a clean, unpretentious look that stood out among other compact crossovers.

Our test vehicle, a Forester Sport, boasted orange accents along the lower body, roof rails, and a rear spoiler, coupled with black 18-inch alloy wheels. These minor tweaks significantly enhanced its outward appeal, especially when paired with the Dark Blue Pearl paint of our test model, which provided a striking contrast. Underneath the exterior, the Forester shared Subaru's Global Platform with models like the Impreza, Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback, and the larger Ascent crossover, maintaining its rugged SUV persona.

Inside, the Forester's no-fuss mixture of materials was built for durability over aesthetics, ideal for family use or adventure outings. The Sport trim added splashes of orange through colored trim and cross-stitching. Upholstery ranged from cloth in Base, Premium, and Sport trims to leather in the Limited and Touring. The All-Weather Package, standard on Premium and higher trims, included features like heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield de-icer.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento X-Line package provided the SUV with a rugged and stylish exterior. Features like matte-finish wheels, black lower body cladding, and a lifted suspension combined with robust roof rails added to its visual appeal. Our test Sorento, decked out in the SX Prestige trim with the X-Line package, included extras like Wolf Gray paint and Rust-colored leather upholstery, all totaling an MSRP of $45,310.

The base Sorento LX offered a more economical option at $29,590, and for slightly more, the plush Sorento SX Prestige with front-wheel drive could be had for $42,405. Regardless of the trim, the 2022 Sorento radiated quality through its leather upholstery, simulated wood trim, and reassuring build quality. High-end touches like a power driver’s seat with thigh support extension and heated rear seats in the higher trims hinted at luxury and comfort. The Sorento's design and quality materials gave a feeling of a smart investment, enhanced by thoughtful features like a power liftgate that opens automatically when the key fob is near.

The 2021 Subaru Forester was powered by a singular 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that churned out 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The engine's low center of gravity, due to its boxer configuration, was a hallmark of Subaru, promising stability. Subaru quoted a 1,500-pound maximum towing capacity, with Trailer Stability Assist as standard. While adequate for general driving, the engine felt somewhat underpowered during highway merges or overtakes, and the cabin experienced noticeable wind noise.

The Forester's suspension, tuned for comfort with its soft setting, led to significant body roll in corners and a somewhat bouncy ride on uneven surfaces. The standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, a signature Subaru feature, included the sophisticated X-Mode that adjusted damping and other parameters for varied surfaces, with Dual X-Mode available in Sport trims.

In comparison, the 2022 Kia Sorento offered a range of powertrains starting with a lackluster 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 191 horsepower. However, our recommendation leaned towards the turbocharged 2.5-liter variant, especially available from the EX trim onward, which delivered a more robust 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, felt energetic and more satisfying than its base counterpart—though the 7.5-second 0-60 mph sprint seemed less impressive given its specifications.

Despite the X-Line's raised suspension, the Sorento drove more like a sports sedan, courtesy of its blend of comfort and handling prowess. Performance tires and well-tuned suspension ensured the Sorento remained composed on twisted roads. Although the X-Line aimed at rugged appeal, it was more suited for light off-roading due to limited protective measures.

Fuel efficiency for the Sorento turbo model was another consideration, with the EPA estimating 24 mpg in combined driving. However, our evaluations saw a lower average between 20.5 and 20.7 mpg, suggesting frequent trips to the pump for those who enjoy its spirited performance.

The Subaru Forester excelled in interior space, boasting above-average headroom and legroom due to its tall roofline. This design also facilitated a light and airy cabin with excellent visibility. Cargo space was 35.4 cubic feet with rear seats up and expanded to 76.1 cubic feet when folded, besting competitors like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson in full cargo mode. However, it trailed slightly with seats up and lacked a sliding second-row bench found in some rivals. Notably, the power liftgate was available from the Sport trim onward.

The Forester's straightforward cabin layout had practical features, although it could improve with larger phone storage and power-adjustable seats becoming standard. The user-friendly controls included large knobs for volume and climate, though the steering wheel's numerous buttons could overwhelm.

On the other hand, the 2022 Kia Sorento presented a luxurious feel with comfortable seating and quality materials, especially in higher trims. The leather was a standout, though calling it Rust seemed an odd choice. Starting with the EX trims, second-row captain’s chairs and a host of practical features for rear passengers, such as USB ports and rear air conditioning, were impressive. However, the third-row seating was cramped and better suited for children or short trips.

Cargo space in the Sorento with all seats up measured 12.6 cubic feet, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with the third row down, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row stowed. The smart power tailgate feature added convenience, activating when the key was nearby, though could be inadvertently triggered.

The 2021 Subaru Forester featured the Subaru Starlink infotainment system, starting with a 6.5-inch touchscreen that supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and satellite radio. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen, Harman Kardon audio, and rear USB ports. The system's graphics were user-friendly, and backup analog controls were appreciated, but the slow boot-up time was a downside. Secondary displays provided additional vehicle information but seemed redundant at times.

Conversely, the 2022 Kia Sorento upgraded most trims with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, satellite radio, and Kia Connect services. While the base trim retained the 8-inch screen with wireless smartphone integration, the larger system required a wired connection. Despite a user-friendly interface, the aesthetic design of the system, largely purple-themed, might not appeal to all. Also, the voice recognition was less reliable compared to some competitors. Only the top trim, SX Prestige, boasted a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system, and wireless charging became standard from the EX trim onwards.

The 2021 Subaru Forester earned top safety accolades, including the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. Its standard safety suite, EyeSight, included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Subaru's unique driver-monitoring system, DriverFocus, added an extra layer of safety by monitoring for driver distraction.

Conversely, the 2022 Kia Sorento came equipped with Kia Drive Wise, offering different features depending on the trim level. Our test vehicle had advanced options like Junction Assist and Blind View Monitor. The rear-seat reminder system and intelligent speed limit assist highlighted Kia's attention to detail. The Sorento's Highway Driving Assist provided a near hands-free driving experience, impressing during our freeway tests. Top safety ratings included a "Top Safety Pick" from IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with lower scores in specific areas like rollover resistance compared to the Forester.