Three-row SUV comparison · West Palm Beach, Florida
2027 Subaru Ascent vs. 2027 Kia Sorento in West Palm Beach
The 2027 Ascent is the stronger shortlist choice for shoppers who need seating for up to eight, standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance and up to 5,000 pounds of towing. The Sorento may suit drivers who prefer a smaller three-row footprint, available 274-horsepower turbo performance, a large display or a hybrid with much higher fuel economy. Ascent has no hybrid, so it does not overcome Kia's efficiency advantage when electrification is required now.
Which one belongs on your shortlist?
Choose the 2027 Subaru Ascent if…
- You need eight seats in the compared configuration rather than six captain-chair seats.
- You want standard AWD, 8.7 inches of clearance and X-MODE across the lineup.
- You need a 5,000-pound towing maximum when properly equipped.
- You want 75.6 cubic feet of maximum cargo room with a family-size three-row cabin.
Keep the Kia Sorento on your list if…
- You prefer a smaller three-row SUV with an available 274-horsepower turbo engine.
- You want a hybrid rated up to 37 MPG combined with FWD or 34 MPG combined with AWD.
- You value Kia's available approximately 24-inch combined panoramic display.
- You prefer the X-Pro's all-terrain tires and six-passenger captain-chair layout.
Compare exact configurations and decision points
This exact configuration match keeps AWD, the stronger Sorento turbo and the X-Pro towing package in view. It does not use Kia's lower FWD entry price as if it bought the equipment below.
| Decision point | 2027 Subaru Ascent Premium 8-Passenger 2.4L turbo / CVT / AWD | 2027 Kia Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD 2.5L turbo / 8-speed DCT / AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $40,795 | $47,990 |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical AWD standard | Torque-vectoring AWD with Terrain Mode standard on this trim |
| Published output | 260 hp / 277 lb-ft | 274 hp; Kia's cited page does not state torque in the summary used here |
| EPA estimate, city / highway / combined | 19 / 26 MPG; combined not listed in the cited Subaru summary | 20 / 27 / 23 MPG |
| Passenger seating | 8; Premium also offers a 7-passenger configuration | 6 in the cited captain-chair configuration; Sorento lineup seats up to 7 |
| Maximum published cargo volume | 75.6 cu. ft. | 75.5 cu. ft. |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 8.3 inches |
| Maximum towing capacity | 5,000 lb. when properly equipped | 4,500 lb. on X-Pro SX Prestige AWD when properly equipped |
Manufacturer MSRPs exclude destination, taxes, title, license, options, dealer-installed equipment and dealer charges unless specifically stated. Dealer prices vary. EPA estimates are for comparison and actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru of West Palm Beach can provide current inventory and itemized pricing only for the Subaru vehicles it sells; it cannot quote or verify another dealer's price, fees, incentives or payments.
Where Kia Sorento has an advantage—and what Ascent offers instead
Sorento offers stronger turbo horsepower and a smaller footprint
Kia's turbo publishes 274 horsepower versus Ascent's 260. Ascent counters with eight-passenger availability, slightly more maximum cargo space, higher ground clearance and a higher towing maximum.
Sorento Hybrid is far more efficient
Kia publishes up to 37 MPG combined with FWD and 34 with AWD. Ascent has no 2027 hybrid and does not overcome that advantage for a shopper who requires one. Its case is standard AWD, up to eight seats, 8.7-inch clearance and 5,000-pound towing.
Sorento offers a large panoramic display
Kia's available combined display is a real technology advantage. Ascent's counterbalance is not screen size; it is the standard AWD family package, seating flexibility and capability figures. Try both interfaces rather than choosing by diagonal measurement alone.
Does Sorento Hybrid change the recommendation?
Yes, if hybrid fuel economy is a requirement. The 2027 Ascent has no hybrid powertrain, while Sorento Hybrid publishes 37 MPG combined with FWD and 34 MPG combined with AWD. Subaru has not announced an Ascent Hybrid for this model year.
If gasoline remains acceptable, Ascent may be the stronger family tool because AWD is standard, eight-passenger seating is available, clearance is higher and its towing maximum is 500 pounds greater than the cited Sorento X-Pro configuration.
Build a useful West Palm Beach comparison drive
Schumacher Subaru serves West Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and communities north toward Jupiter and Stuart. A short route can reveal more than a generic ranking:
- Seat adults or teens in all three rows, then compare access with the second row positioned for real passengers.
- Use Okeechobee Boulevard traffic and an I-95 merge to compare turbo response, transmission behavior and driver-assistance controls.
- Load a stroller, luggage, sports equipment or mobility gear behind the third row and with it folded.
- Confirm whether eight seats, a hybrid, 5,000-pound towing or a smaller parking footprint is the non-negotiable requirement.
Visit Schumacher Subaru: 3021 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Contact Sales before traveling so the exact Ascent trim and test-drive time can be confirmed. Courtesy delivery for a completed new-vehicle purchase may be available to agreed locations from West Palm Beach through Port St. Lucie; ask the team to confirm eligibility and timing.
Questions shoppers ask about Ascent and Kia Sorento
Does the 2027 Ascent seat more people than the Sorento?
Ascent offers seven- or eight-passenger configurations. Sorento seats up to seven, while the cited X-Pro SX Prestige uses six seats with second-row captain's chairs.
Which can tow more?
Ascent publishes up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Kia publishes 4,500 pounds for Sorento X-Pro SX Prestige AWD when properly equipped.
Does Ascent have a hybrid?
No. The 2027 Ascent is gasoline-only. Sorento offers a separate hybrid with substantially higher published fuel economy.
Can Schumacher Subaru quote a Kia Sorento?
No. We can provide current availability and itemized pricing for an Ascent. Kia specifications and MSRP references come from Kia's official materials.
Compare the Subaru before you decide
Tell our West Palm Beach team which priorities control your decision. We can show an available Ascent, explain its exact equipment and provide itemized Subaru pricing. You do not need to own the competing brand or have a trade.
Optional: estimate the value of any trade. A trade is not required to use this guide or contact the Sales team.
