2024 Kia Sorento vs 2023 Subaru Forester

The 2023 Subaru Forester maintained a familiar appearance, reminiscent of its predecessors over the past two decades. Its design, especially in the Cascade Green Silica paint, was not particularly striking, resembling two boxes on wheels with flared fenders and pincer-shaped lighting. The Touring trim, however, stood out with its 18-inch alloy wheels and satin chrome exterior trim, offering a slightly more upscale look. Inside, the Forester Touring featured Saddle Brown leather, metallic accents, and a traditional Subaru design with analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite the abundance of hard plastic, the interior was practical and easy to clean, with a busy appearance due to its mix of materials and traditional control layout.

In contrast, the 2024 Kia Sorento received a significant visual update, aligning it more closely with its siblings like the Telluride. The new front end, with a bluff grille and vertically-stacked LED headlights, gave it a more imposing presence. The rear updates were subtle, with new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The interior saw a modern overhaul with a new dashboard and combined gauge and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats. The Sorento offered a more upscale feel, with optional green and brown interior colors adding character.

The 2023 Subaru Forester was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT featured eight programmed ratios and a Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-Drive) system with a Sport mode. Most trims included an X-Mode off-road traction management system, enhancing its capability in various conditions. During testing, the Forester handled flooded roads and muddy trails with ease, though the engine was merely adequate, and the boxer-type engine was louder than desired. The Forester's driving dynamics were commendable, with light and accurate steering, responsive brakes, and excellent suspension tuning. However, it fell short of its EPA fuel economy rating, returning 25.9 mpg instead of the expected 29 mpg.

The 2024 Kia Sorento offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, but it struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, providing a more lively experience. The Sorento's handling was confident, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Line and X-Pro trims offered enhanced off-road capability, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Sorento's fuel economy was average for its class, with non-turbo models achieving 25-26 mpg combined, while turbo models managed 23 mpg.

The 2023 Subaru Forester prioritized function over form, offering a practical and straightforward design. The Premium trim included features like a panoramic sunroof, power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. Higher trims offered more luxurious options, such as StarTex artificial leather and dual-zone climate control. The Forester excelled in outward visibility, making it easy to drive and park. However, the panoramic sunroof's lack of tinting led to solar heating issues, and the rear seats lacked comfort for taller adults. The Forester provided ample interior storage and a usefully shaped cargo area, with 26.9 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 69.1 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin was upscale and modern, with comfortable seating in the first two rows. The third row was tight, but it offered advantages over smaller models. The Sorento provided 41.4 inches of front legroom and 41.7 inches in the second row, with optional captain's chairs for added convenience. The third row offered 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use. The Sorento's new dashboard was ergonomic, with logical controls and ample storage space. Cargo space was limited with the third row in use, but folding it down provided 38.5 to 45 cubic feet, and up to 72.1 cubic feet with all seats down.

The 2023 Subaru Forester featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a Harman Kardon audio system. The Forester's older Starlink infotainment system was user-friendly, with separate climate controls and easy-to-use knobs. However, the voice-recognition system was unreliable, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable for navigation and other tasks.

The 2024 Kia Sorento adopted a single-pane, twin-screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen on all trims. The new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software prioritized popular features and offered a user-friendly interface. Navigation was standard on most trims, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were now included. The Sorento also featured over-the-air updates and multiple USB-C outlets. Higher trims offered a Bose 12-speaker audio system and Digital Key 2.0 for keyless access and sharing.

The 2023 Subaru Forester introduced the next-generation EyeSight system with updated software and cameras for improved performance. It included features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added Automatic Emergency Steering and Rear Automatic Braking. The Forester earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with some areas of concern in new tests. The NHTSA awarded it five-star crash-test ratings.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's Drivewise suite offered a comprehensive set of standard and optional safety features. It included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Advanced options like Highway Driving Assist 2 and surround-view cameras were available. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in IIHS tests, though its LATCH system was rated "Acceptable." The NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.