VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
338hp
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
—
Fuel
24 mpg est.
—
Towing
3500lbs
—
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
—
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Subaru Solterra is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Subaru Solterra produces 338hp. Pricing starts at $42,090 for the Sorento and $42,895 for the Solterra. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
338hp
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Electric
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
1
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
—
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
—
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
—
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
—
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
184.6in
Width (in)
74.8in
73.2in
Height (in)
66.7in
65in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
112.2in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3979lbs
4475lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA Sorento
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Solterra
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Sorento
Practicality
Sorento
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Lower starting price ($42,090)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Solterra
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sorento or Solterra?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Solterra delivers 338hp. The Solterra is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Solterra?
The Sorento starts from $42,090 and the Solterra from $42,895. The Sorento is cheaper by $805 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Solterra?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Solterra can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Solterra?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.