2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The analog gauges, steering wheel design, and seat forms were consistent with previous iterations, though the interior saw a refresh, especially beyond the base trim. Higher trims featured an 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing the cabin's modernity. Quality materials were evident, with the Limited and Touring trims offering two-tone leather upholstery that mimicked luxury cars. The Onyx Edition XT introduced durable, water-resistant StarTex upholstery with lime green stitching, adding a touch of flair. Externally, the Outback's gray cladding and smooth, balanced styling remained largely unchanged, maintaining its identity as a lifted wagon, a unique alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

The 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly with the X-Line treatment, exuded a rugged and stylish presence. The X-Line package, available on S, EX, and SX Prestige trims, added features like matte-finish wheels, black cladding, and a lifted suspension, enhancing its visual appeal. Our test vehicle, equipped with the X-Line package and additional features, had a total MSRP of $45,310. However, the base LX trim started at $29,590, offering a more affordable option. Regardless of the trim, the Sorento's interior quality was impressive, with leather upholstery and simulated wood trim contributing to a luxurious feel. The cabin's construction was solid, with practical storage solutions and a traditional transmission shifter that didn't compromise space. Overall, the Sorento provided a sense of value and satisfaction, making it a compelling choice for buyers.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's base engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. However, this engine struggled to move the vehicle, especially when fully loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) further hampered its capabilities. The XT trims offered a significant improvement with a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided a quieter, smoother, and more powerful driving experience. Fuel economy for the turbo XT was slightly lower, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was designed for comfort, with long-travel springs and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it capable off-road. Subaru's AWD system was proactive, always driving all four wheels and optimizing performance with X-Mode for tougher conditions.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's standard engine, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, produced 191 horsepower and took nearly 9.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. This lackluster performance made the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, available from the EX trim, a better choice. The turbo engine generated 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more enjoyable driving experience. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, the turbo Sorento could accelerate to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. The Sorento's handling was impressive, with a suspension tuned for a blend of compliance and composure, making it feel more like a sports sedan. The X-Line package increased ground clearance to 8.2 inches, but the Sorento was best suited for light off-roading. Fuel economy for the turbocharged engine was lower than expected, with an average of around 20.7 mpg during testing, compared to the EPA's estimate of 24 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive ground clearance, higher than many trucks, allowing it to tackle various terrains without the bulk of larger vehicles. Inside, it provided 76 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. Visibility was excellent, thanks to thin pillars and large windows. Storage solutions included large map pockets, bottle holders, and handy pockets in the front center console. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The Outback's best feature was its standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, which could be easily swiveled and locked in place.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's interior felt luxurious, with the SX Prestige trim offering a 14-way power driver's seat and 10-way power front passenger seat, both heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs, standard from the EX trim, were heated in the SX Prestige X-Line and designed with kids in mind, featuring cupholders, USB ports, and rear air conditioning vents. However, the third-row seat was less comfortable, with limited legroom and a flat cushion. Cargo space was 12.6 cubic feet with the third row up, expanding to 38.5 cubic feet with it folded, and 75.5 cubic feet with the second row down. The Sorento's "smart" power tailgate was convenient, opening when the key fob was nearby.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. The central screen in the instrument panel was particularly lacking. However, the system offered modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system worked well on marked highways but relied solely on cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, satellite radio, Kia Connect services, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, starting from the S trim. The base LX trim had an 8-inch screen with wireless smartphone integration. The infotainment system was intuitive, though the font style and graphics might not appeal to everyone. The SX Prestige X-Line included a 12-speaker Bose premium surround-sound system and wireless smartphone charging from the EX trim. However, voice recognition in Kia models was not as effective as in Hyundai models.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor were available on specific trims. The Outback earned a 2020 IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" award and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, with four stars for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover test.

The 2022 Kia Sorento came with Kia Drive Wise, offering a range of safety features depending on the trim. Unique features included a rear-seat reminder system, Junction Assist, and a Blind View Monitor on the SX Prestige X-Line. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Highway Driving Assist were also available. The Sorento earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS, with the highest rating for headlights on the SX and SX Prestige trims. NHTSA gave the Sorento a four-star overall rating, with four stars for driver and front passenger protection in a frontal crash and rollover resistance.