If you’re in the market for a 3-row SUV, you don’t have to settle for one of the big sellers that everyone else drives. Fortunately, the Kia Sorento and Subaru Ascent provide some more options.
While they are among the smaller 3-row SUVs, both can haul seven passengers — or eight in the Ascent. The Kia and the Subaru still have some agility as you wend through crowded streets.
If you need a right-sized 3-row SUV, take a closer look.
2025 Kia Sorento
Slotted between a compact and a midsize vehicle, the Sorento enjoys just enough space for a third row. You won’t want to stuff an adult or two back there for too long; it’s better suited for hauling smaller people on shorter trips. Some trims feature captain’s chairs in the second row, replacing the bench seat. That setup reduces seating capacity to six but increases overall comfort and luxury.
The two lower trims are powered by a 191-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, while a 281-hp turbo engine comes standard on EX trims and higher. Opting for a turbo model only drops fuel economy from 26 to 23 mpg combined. Both engines are available with all-wheel drive (AWD).
A hybrid and plug-in hybrid Sorento are also available but not part of this comparison. New for 2025 are new black badges for the X-Line and X-Pro trims.
Kia Sorento Highlights
Easy access: Sorento examples with the EX trim and higher feature the Smart Power Tailgate, allowing hands-free opening and closing. This feature adds a lot of convenience to loading and unloading the cargo area.
Drive Wise: This suite of safety technology includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. It is standard on all Sorento models.
X-Line: The X-Line models in the Sorento lineup add a rugged appearance package with an extra inch of ground clearance, high-utility roof rails, and unique wheels and bumpers. X-Line models come standard with torque-vectoring all-wheel drive for added capability.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sorento models near you.
2025 Subaru Ascent
With six trim levels to choose from for the 2025 Subaru Ascent, finding one of these family haulers in your preferred setup should be relatively easy. As is the case with every Subaru SUV, you won’t have to worry about whether or not all-wheel drive is part of the package, as it’s standard.
The Ascent is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 260 hp. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds and, depending on configuration, seat up to eight passengers.
Subaru Ascent Highlights
Standard AWD: Slippery roads and rough terrain are no match for Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which comes standard on every trim of the Ascent. X-Mode off-road drive modes also come standard in the top three trim levels. The combination makes it a competent off-roader for a 3-row family SUV.
Outstanding sound: The Ascent’s cabin is comfortable and roomy, with plenty of technology. The available Harman Kardon audio system, with 13 speakers and a subwoofer, pumps out 792 watts of clear, crisp sound.
Room for eight: While the Sorento can seat up to seven people, the Ascent does it one better. The Subaru can accommodate up to eight people when configured with a second-row bench instead of captain’s chairs.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Ascent models for sale near you.
Similarities
With seating for seven passengers, the Sorento and Ascent certainly squeeze the most out of their cabins; however, the Ascent can actually seat up to eight. Each SUV offers impressive convenience and safety technologies.
Pricing
New 2025 Kia Sorento Prices
|
$33,405 |
$31,784 |
|||
|
$36,305 |
$34,569 |
|||
|
$39,505 |
$37,762 |
|||
|
$43,105 |
$41,005 |
|||
|
$43,205 |
$41,256 |
|||
|
$44,905 |
$42,628 |
|||
|
$47,805 |
$45,539 |
|||
|
$48,805 |
$46,086 |
New 2025 Subaru Ascent Prices
|
$40,330 |
$37,962 |
|||
|
$43,730 |
$41,005 |
|||
|
$47,530 |
$44,739 |
|||
|
$48,530 |
$45,390 |
|||
|
$50,530 |
$47,563 |
|||
|
$51,415 |
$47,990 |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sorento vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Ascent vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
Specifications
| 2025 Kia Sorento | 2025 Subaru Ascent | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic/FWD | CVT/AWD |
| Fuel Economy | 23 city/31 highway/26 combined mpg | 20 city/26 highway/22 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD; 2.5-liter turbo; Hybrid; Plug-in hybrid | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 with 2nd-row bench, 6 with captain’s chairs | 8 with 2nd-row bench, 7 with captain’s chairs |
| Wheelbase | 110.8 inches | 113.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 189.6 inches | 196.8 inches |
| Width | 74.8 inches | 76.0 inches |
| Height | 66.7 inches | 71.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.9 feet | 38.0 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 40.3 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd row | 39.1 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd row | 36.8 inches | 36.2 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 42.2 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd row | 41.7 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd row | 29.6 inches | 31.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.1 inches | 61.1 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd row | 58.1 inches | 60.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd row | 53.0 inches | 57.0 inches |
| Max cargo Volume behind 3rd/2nd/1st row | 12.6/45.0/75.5 cubic feet | 17.8/43.5/75.6 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The Kia Sorento makes a strong case as the value option in this comparison. It’s more affordable, more fuel-efficient, and has better warranty coverage. The strengths of the Subaru Ascent include a roomier third row of seats, more cargo room behind the third row, and a standard AWD system, giving it the off-road chops you expect from the brand. The right one for you depends on your priorities.