What is the best year for a Kia Sorento?

Strongly avoid 2011-2017, which logged complaint counts between 741 and 1,515 annually — tied to engine and powertrain issues across multiple generations. The 2024 Sorento (35 complaints, 10/10 safety, 7 severe) is the best year on record. The 2020-2025 window represents a substantially improved reliability profile, with 2024 as the standout pick.

How much does Kia Sorento insurance cost?

Sorento insurance averages about $2,005/year — roughly $167/month. The lowest insurance rate in the three-row class.

Is the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander cheaper to maintain?

The Highlander is cheaper to maintain by $44/year — $489 versus $533 for the Sorento. Both carry a reliability score of 8. Repair frequency data isn't available for the Highlander, but on cost and reliability score, the two are closely matched. The Sorento's $44 premium is modest given its improving complaint trajectory.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Kia Sorento?

Major repair probability of 11% and repair frequency of 29% are both well below the three-row class average. For 2020 and newer models, extended warranty isn't needed — the data supports self-insuring. For used buyers in the 2011-2017 range, coverage is strongly recommended given the documented complaint history.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?

At $492/year the Crosstrek sits just $26 above the subcompact segment average of $466 — essentially at par on sticker cost. Where it distinguishes itself is frequency: a 13% repair rate versus the segment average of 20% means fewer unscheduled shop visits per year. Combined with a 7% major repair probability (below the 9% class average) and a 9/10 reliability score, it's a strong long-term ownership choice.

What is the best year for a Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2023 Crosstrek stands out with only 32 complaints, a 10/10 NHTSA safety score, and just 4 severe issues — the cleanest year in its recent history. Avoid the 2019 model, which had 276 complaints. The 2023–2025 window represents the most refined version currently available on the used market.

How much does Subaru Crosstrek insurance cost?

The Crosstrek averages about $1,968/year to insure — roughly $164/month — making it one of the more affordable subcompact SUVs to insure. Its strong safety ratings and low theft profile keep rates competitive across most driver profiles.

Is the Subaru Crosstrek or Honda HR-V cheaper to maintain?

The HR-V is cheaper by about $191/year — $301 versus $492 for the Crosstrek. The HR-V also leads on reliability (10 vs. 9) and major repair probability (5% vs. 7%). The Crosstrek's counterargument is standard AWD, which the HR-V doesn't offer — a meaningful difference depending on where and how you drive.

Should I buy an extended warranty for a Subaru Crosstrek?

Probably not. A 7% major repair probability and 13% repair frequency both sit below the subcompact segment average, and a 9/10 reliability score puts it in low-risk territory. If buying a 2019 model used, some coverage is worth considering given elevated complaints that year — otherwise, self-insuring makes more financial sense.

Kia Sorento vs Subaru Crosstrek

Two three-row SUVs compared on the numbers that matter — maintenance cost, reliability, and insurance.

// VERDICT

Our verdict

Buy the Kia Sorento if its specific features or size suit your needs better.

Buy the Subaru Crosstrek — lower 5-year cost and better reliability.

// COST HEAD TO HEAD

Maintenance and ownership cost

	Kia Sorento	Subaru Crosstrek
Annual maintenance	$533	$492winner
5-year total cost	$2,665	$2,460winner
Reliability score	8 / 10	9 / 10winner
Major repair risk (5yr)	11%	7%winner
Cargo space	—	54.7 cu ft
Starting price (new)	$32,390	$27,600winner
Best years to buy	—	2021

// RELIABILITY

Which is more reliable?

	Kia Sorento	Subaru Crosstrek
RepairPal score	8 / 10	9 / 10winner
NHTSA complaints / 100k	494.7	74.9winner
Years to avoid	2011, 2013, 2014	2018, 2019, 2023
Value retained · 3 yr	75.6%	90.5%winner
Value retained · 5 yr	51.6%	71.2%winner
Value retained · 7 yr	39.8%	59.5%winner

// COMMON PROBLEMS

What breaks — and what it costs

	Kia Sorento	Subaru Crosstrek
Engine	41.0%	10.7%winner
Electrical	7.2%winner	10.1%
ADAS	5.0%winner	10.4%
Brakes	4.8%	1.6%winner
Suspension	0.9%winner	1.0%
Steering	3.5%	3.1%winner
Fuel system	1.1%	—winner
Tires/Wheels	—winner	2.2%
Glass/Windows	2.1%winner	33.0%
Airbags	5.3%	1.4%winner
Lighting	5.2%	2.5%winner

One major repair on either model can run $1,500–4,000. A warranty caps your exposure, especially on known problem years.

// INSURANCE

Which is cheaper to insure?

	Kia Sorento	Subaru Crosstrek
Avg annual premium	$2,005	$1,968winner

// FULL MODEL PAGES

GAS

Kia Sorento

$533/yr maint · 8 reliability

Full model page

GAS

Subaru Crosstrek

$492/yr maint · 9 reliability

Full model page

// FAQ

Common questions

The Sorento costs $533/year to maintain — $40 below the three-row segment average of $573. Repair frequency of 29% is well below the class average of 40%. Reliability score of 8 is above the segment average of 7, and major repair probability of 11% is well below the 13% norm. One of the strongest ownership-cost profiles in the three-row class.

How we calculated this. Maintenance costs and reliability scores from RepairPal. Complaints and recalls from NHTSA. Fuel economy from the EPA. Insurance averages from CarEdge. Pricing from KBB. Depreciation from iSeeCars. Full methodology →