VS
At a Glance
Power
281hp @ 5800
180hp @ 5800
Torque
311lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sorento delivers 281hp @ 5800 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Sorento returns 24 mpg est. while the Forester uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $42,590 for the Sorento and $38,385 for the Forester. 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.
Specification
KIA SorentoX-Line EX AWD 2026 - From $42,590
Subaru ForesterWilderness CVT 2026 - From $38,385
Performance
Power Output (hp)
281hp @ 5800
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
311lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.7gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
189in
182.9in
Width (in)
74.8in
72.4in
Height (in)
70.3in
69.3in
Wheelbase (in)
110.8in
104.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4211lbs
3675lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
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
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sorento
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Forester
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
KIA Sorento
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($38,385)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sorento or Forester?
The Sorento gets 24 mpg est. and the Forester gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sorento or Forester?
The Sorento produces 281hp @ 5800 and 311lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Sorento is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sorento and Forester?
The Sorento starts from $42,590 and the Forester from $38,385. The Forester is cheaper by $4,205 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sorento or Forester?
The Sorento has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Forester can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sorento or the Forester?
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.