2021 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Subaru Outback retained a familiar and comfortable design, reminiscent of older models, yet with a fresher interior, especially in trims above the base. The interior featured a bright and sharp 11.6-inch portrait display, surrounded by polished black plastic and chrome trim, enhancing its modern appeal. Quality materials were evident throughout, with higher trims offering a luxury-like feel with two-tone leather upholstery. The exterior maintained a smooth and plain styling, with high gray cladding for protection and a few chrome accents. The Outback's design was practical, emphasizing its lifted wagon nature, making it a unique alternative to typical crossovers or SUVs.

In contrast, the 2022 Kia Sorento, particularly in the X-Line trim, exuded a stylish and rugged presence with its matte-finish wheels, black cladding, and robust roof rails. The interior of the Sorento was luxurious, featuring Burgundy leather and a range of comfort features like heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs were designed with children in mind, offering ample storage solutions and comfort. However, the third-row seating was less accommodating for adults, suggesting the Sorento was better suited for those who didn’t require full-time use of all three rows. The Sorento’s exterior and interior design combined style with practicality, making it a compelling choice for families.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options. The base model featured a 2.5-litre flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. This combination struggled with the Outback's weight, especially when fully loaded, resulting in sluggish performance. The XT trims, however, came with a turbocharged 2.4-litre flat-four engine, delivering 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, significantly improving performance and refinement. The Outback excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its high ground clearance and advanced AWD system, which provided excellent traction and stability.

The 2022 Kia Sorento's base engine was a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder, which offered lacklustre acceleration. The more powerful turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available from the X-Line trim, produced 281 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, providing a more engaging driving experience. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, enhancing the Sorento's sporty feel. The Sorento's suspension offered a balance of comfort and control, making it enjoyable to drive on various road conditions. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with real-world consumption exceeding official estimates, but hybrid options were available for those seeking better economy.

The 2021 Subaru Outback boasted impressive interior space, with 2,144 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 920 litres with them raised. The cabin offered excellent visibility and comfort, with ample headroom and legroom. Storage solutions were plentiful, and the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars were a standout feature. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were not standard on lower trims, and the infotainment system's usability was hampered by its integration with climate controls.

The 2022 Kia Sorento provided a luxurious interior with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a panoramic sunroof. The second-row captain’s chairs were comfortable and well-equipped, but the third-row seating was cramped for adults. Cargo space was limited with all seats in use but expanded significantly with the third row folded. The Sorento's smart power tailgate added convenience, and the interior design catered to family needs with ample storage and charging options.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system, while functional, appeared dated with its graphics and interface. It offered standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the dual-screen setup on the base model was less cohesive. Subaru EyeSight provided a suite of driver-assist features, but its reliance on cameras without radar limited its effectiveness in certain conditions.

The 2022 Kia Sorento featured an 8-inch or 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim. The system was intuitive, though the design choices might not appeal to everyone. The Sorento offered a range of connected services and a premium Bose sound system on higher trims. However, voice recognition was less effective compared to Hyundai models. A wireless phone charger was standard from the LX Premium trim.

The 2021 Subaru Outback was built on a strong chassis and came with a range of safety features, including a driver’s knee airbag and Subaru EyeSight. It earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though some features were only available on higher trims.

The 2022 Kia Sorento offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rear-seat reminder system and Junction Assist. The Blind View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist added to its safety credentials. The Sorento received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though its headlights were rated poorly in Canada. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating.