Kia Sorento vs Subaru Forester Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sorento, available in Canada, offered a range of trims including the LX, EX, X-Line, X-Line Limited, and X-Pro. The LX was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, while the other trims boasted a turbocharged version of the same engine. The X-Line and X-Pro trims featured new black badges, and a fresh Panthera Grey paint colour was introduced. The X-Pro, priced at $55,706, showcased exclusive design elements like unique bumper covers, matte-black 17-inch wheels, and enhanced roof rails. Despite its rugged appearance, the X-Pro's off-road capabilities were only marginally better than the X-Line models. Inside, the Sorento X-Pro's Olive Brown interior, complemented by a panoramic sunroof, offered a mix of materials, with leather seats and a 24-inch panoramic display enhancing its luxury feel.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid debuted with a redesigned look, presenting a more cohesive yet conventional design compared to its predecessor. Its rugged appearance was accentuated by black plastic elements, aligning it with its non-hybrid sibling. Inside, the Forester retained some of its previous charm with a beveled dashboard and a large vertical infotainment touchscreen. The cabin featured a mix of hard and soft-touch materials, with the front seats providing ample comfort and support. The hybrid model included heated outboard rear seats and a digital instrument panel. While the Forester's design might have lost some distinctiveness, it gained broader appeal, balancing modernity with practicality.

The 2025 Kia Sorento LX was powered by a 191-horsepower, 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering an estimated fuel economy of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. For those seeking more power, the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, standard in other trims, delivered 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, with a combined fuel economy of 10.3 L/100 km. The Sorento X-Pro, equipped with all-terrain tires and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, provided a smooth ride and impressive handling, thanks to its torque vectoring and locking centre differential. The SUV excelled in daily driving, with its size, dynamics, and visibility making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre flat four-cylinder engine combined with a parallel hybrid system, producing 194 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain, similar to Toyota's, included an all-wheel drive system with a traditional driveshaft, enhancing traction and off-road performance. While acceleration was adequate, the hybrid transmission sometimes made the vehicle feel slower. The Forester Hybrid's ride quality was firm yet comfortable, with its off-road capabilities enhanced by Subaru's X-Mode drive programming. The hybrid system functioned seamlessly, providing a smooth driving experience both on and off the road.

The 2025 Kia Sorento offered spacious seating for a family of four, with the option to accommodate adults in the third row for short trips. The X-Pro trim featured heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjustment, while second-row passengers enjoyed heated seats and USB charging ports. Cargo space was generous, with 357 litres available with the third row up, expanding to 1,090 litres with it folded, and a maximum of 2,139 litres. The Sorento's storage capabilities compared favourably with other compact crossovers, offering more power and a third-row seat.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid impressed with its unobstructed forward view, thanks to thinner roof pillars. The front seats provided ample space, and the cockpit felt open and airy. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom and headroom, enhanced by a panoramic sunroof. The Forester Hybrid offered 779 litres of cargo space, with a hands-free power liftgate and power remote seatback releases for convenience. While storage was adequate, the upright tail design allowed for bulkier items, making it practical for various needs.

The 2025 Kia Sorento featured a 24-inch panoramic display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While Kia Connect required a subscription, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The Sorento's infotainment system included a touch-sensing strip for dual-function controls, though it could be frustrating to use. Digital Key technology and a digital rearview mirror were available, along with an excellent surround-view camera system for easy parking.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, featuring built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Starlink infotainment system was praised for its user-friendly interface, with large on-screen buttons and easy-to-navigate menus. The X-Mode off-road drive menu and external camera views enhanced the Forester's off-road capabilities. The hybrid model also included an 11-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, providing a high-quality listening experience.

The 2025 Kia Sorento was equipped with numerous standard safety features, with higher trims offering advanced collision avoidance technologies and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system provided semi-autonomous driving assistance, though it required regular driver input. The Sorento earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though changes in testing criteria might affect future ratings.

The 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid received five-star ratings in most NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rating for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded the non-hybrid model high marks, contributing to a Top Safety Pick award. The Forester Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight suite of safety features, with additional technologies available on higher trims. The safety systems functioned reliably, with the adaptive cruise control noted for its smooth operation.