2027 Subaru Ascent vs. Kia Sorento

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Comparing the 2027 Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento: Which SUV Makes Sense for Your Ohio Lifestyle?

Families in Ohio often turn to 3-row SUVs for daily driving and road trips, with the Subaru Ascent and Kia Sorento being two of the most popular options in the class. During the life of a family vehicle, a lot can change, with kids growing up, sports equipment replacing strollers, and school life ramping up over time. The Subaru Ascent separates itself from the Kia Sorento with a far more usable, spacious third row, generous cargo space, and reliable all-wheel drive (AWD) for all trims, ideal for Ohio winters.


Make Full Use of Your Third Row

The Subaru Ascent is the largest 3-row SUV in our lineup, and it lets families make full use of that third row. The Kia Sorento is a spacious 3-row midsize SUV, but its third row may feel less practical over time, especially for growing families in the Painesville, OH, area.

When grandparents join a weekend trip, you need to take extra teammates to a soccer tournament in Mentor, or you're heading for a longer journey on vacation, the Subaru Ascent is a more practical option, keeping all occupants comfortable with its seven-passenger seating and 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place. The Kia Sorento, by comparison, offers only 12.6 cubic feet of cargo space.

Handle Northeast Ohio Winters with Confidence

The Subaru Ascent offers standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trim levels, while the Kia Sorento only offers AWD as an extra add-on. When winter arrives in Ohio, the Ascent is better equipped to handle changing traction and conditions, helping keep your family safe and secure on every drive. While the Sorento offers AWD on most models, the built-in all-weather confidence of the Ascent makes it a clear choice for many Ohio buyers.

Front three-quarter view of a Cosmic Blue Pearl Subaru Ascent 3-row SUV driving along a highway.
Front interior cabin of a Subaru Ascent showcasing black leather seats, SUBARU STARLINK 11.6-inch touchscreen, and panoramic moonroof.
Family packing musical instrument and luggage into the open rear cargo area of a gray Subaru Ascent SUV in a parking lot.
Crimson Red Pearl Subaru Ascent SUV driving past shops and trees on a paved city street.

Greater Flexibility for Road Trips

Imagine taking a six-hour road trip from Newbury, OH, with your family on vacation. You load your SUV up with luggage, coolers, backpacks, charging cords, sports gear, and family pets, looking for ample room for everything while keeping your passengers comfortable. The Subaru Ascent appeals to Ohio families thanks to its greater passenger space, cargo flexibility, and overall capability for longer road trips compared to the Sorento. While the Sorento is a solid midsize option with strong performance, the Ascent is a true family SUV built for longer journeys.

When properly equipped, the Subaru Ascent can also tow up to 5,000 pounds, presenting another clear advantage for adventurous families looking to haul utility trailers, boats, or campers in the summer.

Blue Subaru Ascent SUV equipped with a rear hitch bicycle rack driving along a scenic lakeside mountain road.
Dark gray Subaru Ascent SUV with roof-mounted bikes towing a silver travel trailer along a coastal curve.
Blue Subaru Ascent parked on a gravel path near a rustic farm stand with family and children in the background.

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Strong Value Over Time

The Kia Sorento often appeals to Chardon, OH, area drivers looking for a spacious midsize SUV with occasional third-row versatility, while the Subaru Ascent attracts buyers looking for full-time 3-row flexibility. With standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, seating for up to eight passengers, and the renowned Subaru EyeSight driver-assist suite, the Ascent adapts well to changing family life while giving you outstanding long-term value. 

Visit Adventure Subaru for a Test Drive

Whether you visit us from Perry, OH, or Ashtabula, OH, we are just a short drive away at Adventure Subaru in Painesville, OH. Our Subaru Ascent models are some of the most popular SUVs in our new inventory. We are here to help you learn more about how they stack up next to the competition, including the Kia Telluride and Honda CR-V. Stop by today to explore our new models and genuine Subaru Ascent accessories, or apply for financing and value your trade online to get started from home.

*Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.

**The arrival timeline is an estimate. It may vary due to circumstances beyond Subaru’s or the retailer’s control.

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