Kia Sorento vs Subaru Ascent: reliability compared
From 2019 to 2026, owners filed an average of 160 complaints per model year about the Kia Sorento and 131 about the Subaru Ascent.
Side by side
| Kia Sorento | Subaru Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2019-2026 | 2019-2026 |
| Owner complaints | 1,283 | 1,048 |
| Complaints per model year | 160 | 131 |
| Recalls | 14 | 13 |
| Years to avoid | None stand out | 20192020 |
| Best years | 20202022 | None stand out |
| Most common problem | Engine | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 23-37 mpg combined (2026) | 21-22 mpg combined (2026) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Sorento | Ascent | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 423 | 107 |
| Transmission | 329 | 191 |
| Electrical | 240 | 293 |
| Driver assistance | 97 | 73 |
| Fuel system | 88 | 38 |
| Visibility | 76 | 207 |
| Brakes | 65 | 85 |
Questions about the Kia Sorento vs Subaru Ascent
Which is more reliable, the Kia Sorento or the Subaru Ascent?
Between 2019 and 2026, the Kia Sorento has 0 years to avoid and the Subaru Ascent 2. The Kia Sorento has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Ascent drew fewer complaints per model year (131 vs 160), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Sorento or the Subaru Ascent?
From 2019 to 2026, the Kia Sorento was covered by 14 recalls and the Subaru Ascent by 13.
What years of the Kia Sorento and Subaru Ascent should you avoid?
Kia Sorento: no year stands out. Subaru Ascent: 2019 and 2020.
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