Kia Sorento vs Subaru Outback
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Kia Sorento wins on money kept: 66% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 129 439 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Sorento | Outback | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 999 995 | R 839 000 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 17 478/m | R 14 664/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 82% | 80% |
| Retained after 3 years | 66% | 63% |
| Value after 3 years | R 659 462 | R 530 023 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 340 533 | R 308 977 |
| Value after 5 years | R 520 274 | R 408 248 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Mainstream |
Kia Sorento →
The Sorento arrived in 2003 as a ladder-frame 4x4 and has evolved into a premium-feeling seven-seat family SUV. The 2.2 turbodiesel is the volume choice in South Africa. Priced around the million-rand mark it sells in small numbers, so residuals behave more like a niche import than a mainstream Kia.
Known for: upmarket seven-seat diesel suv
Subaru Outback →
Effectively a raised Legacy wagon, the Outback has been Subaru SA's alternative to mid-size SUVs since the late 1990s. The current generation sells from R839k with a five-year maintenance plan included. Buyers rate its touring comfort and safety scores, though resale trails the Toyota crowd.
Known for: go-anywhere wagon with awd
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Kia Sorento or the Subaru Outback?
The Kia Sorento. It keeps about 66% of its price after three years against 63% for the Subaru Outback, a gap of 3 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Kia Sorento loses about R 340 533 over three years and the Subaru Outback loses about R 308 977. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Kia Sorento runs about R 17 478 per month and the Subaru Outback about R 14 664, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.