The 2021 Subaru Outback and the 2021 Kia Sorento are pretty popular. But when it comes to choosing between the two, there are plenty of reasons to pick the Kia Sorento over its Subaru competition. 

The 2021 Kia Sorento offers better engine options

Unlike the Subaru Outback, the 2021 Kia Sorento offers the luxury of choice when it comes to what’s under the hood. While this year’s model does come standard with a 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, it can also be had with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine or a fuel-sipping 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine that comes paired with a 44-kW electric motor. Kia also plans on introducing a plug-in-hybrid version of the Sorento, giving shoppers another option for what’s under the hood.

As for the 2021 Subaru Outback? This year’s model doesn’t offer nearly as many options. It comes standard with a 182-hp 2.5-liter engine. It’s also available with a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. Unfortunately, those are the only options available. The Outback isn’t offered as a hybrid, and you’re definitely not going to find a plug-in-hybrid version at your local Suby dealership anytime soon.

For three-rows of seating choose the 2021 Kia Sorento

The 2021 Kia Sorento has the edge in terms of seating accommodations too. For growing families, this is pretty important. Because, unlike the Subaru Outback, this year’s new Kia Sorento comes standard with three-rows of seating. Its second-row bench seats can be swapped out for a pair of comfortable captain’s chairs too.

The Subaru Outback, on the other hand, does not come standard with a third-row. It’s not available with one either. In fact, if you’re after a Subaru that offers three rows of seating, your only option is the 2021 Subaru Ascent.

The 2021 Kia Sorento comes standard with an unbeatable warranty

There’s no denying that Kia offers the best warranty program out there. In fact, the Kia Sorento comes standard with Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile warranty program, which includes a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty, and a 5-year/100,000-mile limited anti-perforation warranty. This unbeatable warranty program also includes roadside assistance coverage for five years or 60,000-miles, whichever comes first.

Unfortunately for the Subaru Outback, its standard warranty isn’t quite as extensive. While the Sorento comes standard with a decade’s worth of warranty coverage, the 2021 Subaru Outback comes standard with a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty. 

You’re going to want to get behind the wheel for a test drive

There’s no denying that the 2021 Kia Sorento has a lot going for it, especially in comparison to the 2021 Subaru Outback. But does that mean this year’s model is the right choice for you? Not necessarily. While the Sorento offers more engine options, three rows of seating, and a class-leading warranty, that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect SUV to satisfy all of your daily driving needs. So before making your final decision? We recommend taking both of these vehicles out for a test drive.