Current three-row SUV comparison · Delray Beach, Florida
2027 Subaru Ascent vs. 2027 Kia Sorento
The 2027 Ascent is the stronger family-first choice for shoppers who want standard AWD, seating for up to eight, 8.7 inches of clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing in one straightforward three-row package. The Sorento starts at a much lower FWD price, offers an available 274-horsepower turbo and has efficient hybrid choices. Kia wins for a buyer who requires a three-row hybrid today; Subaru counters with more seating capacity, standard AWD and slightly higher published maximum cargo and towing figures.
Which SUV fits your priorities?
Start with the priorities that affect your real use. Then compare the exact Subaru trim in Delray Beach with the exact competing trim you are considering.
Put the 2027 Ascent first if you prioritize:
- You want AWD included and 8.7 inches of clearance without moving up from a FWD entry model.
- You need an available eight-passenger layout rather than a seven-passenger maximum.
- You want up to 5,000 pounds of towing when properly equipped.
- You prefer a three-row SUV designed around one 260-horsepower turbo AWD powertrain.
Sorento advantages—and the Subaru counterbalance:
- Sorento LX starts at $32,590 with FWD, materially below Ascent's $40,795 AWD starting MSRP. Ascent's counterbalance is that AWD, more clearance and eight-seat capability are part of the starting proposition, but Subaru does not erase Kia's lower entry price.
- Sorento offers a 274-horsepower turbo. Ascent publishes less horsepower but more standard drivetrain consistency, 277 lb-ft of torque and up to 5,000 pounds of towing.
- Sorento Hybrid publishes 37 MPG combined with FWD and 34 with AWD. Ascent has no hybrid, so Kia retains the efficiency advantage for shoppers who require one now; Ascent counters with eight-seat capacity and 5,000-pound towing.
2027 Subaru Ascent vs. 2027 Kia Sorento: decision facts
Kia cells name the applicable entry, turbo, hybrid or X-Pro SX Prestige configuration. Do not read the row maxima as one Sorento trim.
On smaller screens, swipe or scroll the table left and right to see every column.
| Decision point | 2027 Subaru Ascent 2.4L turbo / CVT / AWD | 2027 Kia Sorento lineup configuration identified by row |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $40,795; AWD included | $32,590 Sorento LX FWD |
| Seating capacity | Seven or eight | Up to seven |
| Maximum cargo volume | 75.6 cu ft on Ascent Premium | 75.5 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 in | Up to 8.3 in |
| Maximum towing | Up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped | Up to 4,500 lb on X-Pro SX Prestige |
| Available higher-output gas engine | 260 hp; 277 lb-ft standard | 274-hp turbo available |
| Hybrid choice | Not offered for 2027 | Hybrid: 37 MPG combined FWD / 34 AWD |
Figures are manufacturer-published and configuration dependent. MSRP excludes destination and other charges unless explicitly stated. Always verify the window label, current specifications, payload and owner's-manual requirements for the exact vehicle.
Is the Sorento's lower price an apples-to-apples value comparison?
The $32,590 Sorento figure is a FWD entry price, while Ascent starts at $40,795 with AWD. Kia's price advantage is real for shoppers who want FWD and a lower initial MSRP. Adding AWD or moving to turbo, hybrid or X-Pro equipment changes the Kia comparison.
Ascent's counterbalance is simpler: its starting proposition includes AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance and the ability to choose a seven- or eight-passenger cabin. Compare equivalent drivetrains and the equipment your family will actually use, then request itemized pricing for the exact Subaru.
Which is the stronger three-row family fit?
Ascent offers up to eight seats, while Sorento offers up to seven. Published maximum cargo volume is nearly tied at 75.6 cubic feet for Ascent Premium and 75.5 for Sorento. The decision therefore turns on passenger count, third-row access, seat shape and how much cargo remains when all rows are in use.
Sorento's more compact footprint may be easier for some shoppers to park. Ascent answers with the eighth seat, standard AWD and 31.7 inches of published third-row legroom. Bring child seats or measure them, test second-row movement and make every regular passenger try the third row.
What if a hybrid is a requirement?
Kia offers a 2027 Sorento Hybrid and publishes 37 MPG combined for FWD and 34 MPG combined for AWD. The 2027 Ascent does not offer a hybrid. Subaru does not overcome that powertrain disadvantage for a buyer who needs a three-row hybrid now.
For shoppers who do not require a hybrid, Ascent offers standard AWD, eight-seat availability, 8.7 inches of clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing. Compare your annual mileage, passenger needs and trailer requirements instead of assuming one advantage decides every household's use case.
How should Delray Beach shoppers compare the Ascent?
Visit Schumacher Subaru of Delray at 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. We work with shoppers from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Highland Beach, Deerfield Beach and nearby Palm Beach County communities. Reserve the exact Ascent trim first so your drive answers the same questions raised by this page.
- Fit people before features. Set the driver's seat, place regular passengers in the rear rows and check access, sightlines and child-seat space.
- Load your real dimensions. Bring measurements for strollers, golf bags, beach gear, pet crates or luggage; maximum-volume numbers use folded seats and do not describe every load.
- Use a mixed local route. When conditions permit, include low-speed US-1 traffic, parking maneuvers and a short highway segment to compare response, road noise, visibility and driver-assistance controls.
- Ask for an itemized Subaru proposal. Compare MSRP, destination, installed equipment, taxes, fees and any current Subaru offer on separate lines. We cannot quote the competing brand.
Ascent vs. Sorento questions
Which starts at a lower MSRP?
The 2027 Sorento LX FWD starts lower. The Ascent's starting MSRP includes AWD, so compare equivalent drivetrain and equipment rather than the two headline prices alone.
Which seats more people?
The Ascent offers seven- or eight-passenger layouts. Sorento offers up to seven, giving Ascent the advantage for households that need an eighth seat.
Which has more maximum cargo room?
The published figures are nearly tied: 75.6 cubic feet for Ascent Premium and 75.5 for Sorento. Test cargo with the third row raised because maximum figures use folded seating.
Does the Ascent offer a hybrid?
No. The 2027 Ascent is gasoline only. Kia offers Sorento Hybrid, which has a clear fuel-economy advantage for shoppers who require an electrified three-row SUV now.
Which tows more?
Ascent publishes up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Sorento publishes up to 4,500 pounds on X-Pro SX Prestige. Confirm the exact trim, equipment, load and owner's-manual limits.
Continue your Subaru comparison
Use these Delray Beach resources to compare another vehicle or learn more about the Ascent:
Decide whether the Ascent belongs first on your list
Compare the exact Subaru configuration, confirm current availability and let our Delray Beach team answer the questions the numbers cannot. Subaru inventory and itemized pricing are available through the links below.
