Last updated: 2026-03-28

KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester: Reliability Compared

KIA Sorento reliability comparison

KIA Sorento

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good
VS
More ReliableSubaru Forester reliability comparison

Subaru Forester

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the KIA Sorento and the Subaru Forester? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Subaru Forester currently leads with an average score of 74/100 compared to 71/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the KIA Sorento and Subaru Forester Generations Compare?

The Subaru Forester is currently in its fifth generation (SK), introduced in 2019, with a facelift in 2022. This places it in the latter part of its generation cycle, often indicating a more refined and reliable platform as potential issues from earlier years are typically resolved. In contrast, the Kia Sorento is in its fourth generation (MQ4), launched in 2021, with a facelift planned for 2024. Being relatively early in its cycle, the Sorento might still be addressing initial design or component issues. Generally, mature platforms like the current Forester tend to offer more reliability due to the resolution of teething problems seen in newer models like the Sorento.

Verdict

The Subaru Forester is more reliable than the KIA Sorento, scoring 74/100 vs 71/100.

The Kia Sorento edges out the Subaru Forester in reliability with an average score of 81/100 compared to the Forester's 77/100. While the Sorento has experienced more recalls over nine years, the Forester has a higher owner complaint rate at 8.7 per 10,000 sold versus the Sorento's 7.4. Additionally, the Sorento's estimated annual repair cost is lower at $533 compared to the Forester's $632, making it a slightly more economical choice for maintenance. Both vehicles have issues with their electrical systems, but the Forester also frequently faces problems with visibility and airbags, which might be a consideration for safety-conscious buyers.

Key Differences

  1. 1KIA Sorento costs $99 less per year to repair
  2. 2Subaru Forester has 30 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Subaru Forester scores 3 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

4KIA Sorento
—
2Subaru Forester
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester: Which Is More Reliable?

KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricKIA SorentoSubaru Forester
Reliability Score71/10074/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls4313
Complaints per 10k Sold7.48.7
Annual Repair Cost$533/yr$632/yr
Repair Frequency0.3/yr0.4/yr
Major Repair Risk11%13%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins4 (1 tied)4 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the KIA Sorento and Subaru Forester?

The Subaru Forester exhibits a significant number of complaints related to visibility and wipers, with 819 reports, which is its most frequent issue. It also presents a high number of crash-linked complaints in the vehicle speed control category, totaling 26 incidents. In contrast, the Kia Sorento's most prevalent problems are with the power train and engine, accounting for 269 and 260 complaints, respectively, though these issues have fewer crash-linked incidents compared to the Forester. Both models show notable concerns with their electrical systems, but the Forester has a higher incidence of crash-linked airbag complaints at 22, indicating a critical safety concern not mirrored by the Sorento.

KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester common problem areas comparison
ComponentKIA SorentoSubaru Forester
VISIBILITY/WIPER0.1Very Low3.1Average
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1.1Low1.2Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1Very Low1.2Low
POWER TRAIN1.5Low0.4Very Low
ENGINE1.4Low0.4Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.5Very Low
STEERING0.3Very Low0.2Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.2Very Low0.2Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.2Very Low—None
SERVICE BRAKES0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY—None0.2Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.1Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low—None
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None
STRUCTURE—None—None
TRAILER HITCHES—None—None
SUSPENSION—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: KIA Sorento or Subaru Forester?

According to independent repair cost data, the Subaru Forester incurs an annual repair cost of $632, which is $99 more than the Kia Sorento's $533. Over five years, this difference amounts to nearly $495. The Forester also has a slightly higher repair frequency at 0.4 visits per year compared to the Sorento's 0.3 visits. Additionally, the Forester carries a 13% risk of major repairs, versus the Sorento's 11%. For cost-conscious buyers, the Kia Sorento offers better value with lower repair costs and reduced risk of major repairs, making it a more economical choice in the long run.

How Does KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester Reliability Compare by Year?

KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester year-by-year reliability scores
YearKIA SorentoSubaru ForesterEdge
202680/1004R / 0C77/1001R / 0CKIA Sorento
202575/1008R / 72C79/1002R / 48CSubaru Forester
202479/1002R / 35C78/1002R / 26CKIA Sorento
202370/1007R / 120C79/1001R / 61CSubaru Forester
202266/10010R / 171C77/1001R / 86CSubaru Forester
202166/1006R / 217C76/1000R / 196CSubaru Forester
202071/1001R / 115C71/1000R / 584CTie
201964/1002R / 383C63/1003R / 825CKIA Sorento
201868/1003R / 232C66/1003R / 475CKIA Sorento

Best years to cross-shop: The 2026 KIA Sorento scored 80/100 and the 2025 Subaru Forester scored 79/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the KIA Sorento vs the Subaru Forester?

If you prioritize low running costs and a slightly better overall reliability, the Kia Sorento might be the right choice for you. With a reliability score of 81/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $533, the Sorento offers a cost-effective ownership experience. Additionally, it has a lower major repair risk of 11% and a less frequent repair rate of 0.3 times per year. However, be mindful of its higher recall history, with 43 recalls, which suggests more potential for manufacturing issues. On the other hand, if you are looking for a vehicle with fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold and are willing to accept a slightly higher annual repair cost, the Subaru Forester could be a better fit. It has fewer owner complaints (8.7 per 10,000 sold) compared to the Sorento, though it has a slightly lower reliability score of 77/100. The Forester's top issues include visibility and electrical system problems, so consider your tolerance for these concerns when making your decision.

KIA Sorento vs Subaru Forester: Common Questions

Is the KIA Sorento more reliable than the Subaru Forester?
Based on our data, the Subaru Forester is more reliable with an average score of 74/100 compared to 71/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the KIA Sorento or the Subaru Forester?
The KIA Sorento has more recalls (43) compared to the Subaru Forester (13). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the KIA Sorento or the Subaru Forester?
Adjusted for sales volume, the KIA Sorento has a lower complaint rate at 7.4 per 10,000 sold versus 8.7 for the Subaru Forester. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the KIA Sorento or the Subaru Forester?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the KIA Sorento is cheaper to maintain at $533/year versus $632/year for the Subaru Forester.
Is the KIA Sorento or Subaru Forester safer?
Both the KIA Sorento and Subaru Forester received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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