What to choose between the Kia Sorento, the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Subaru Forester?

I need to replace my 335,000 km 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan with another small SUV. I drive between 40 and 45,000 km per year and tow a 1,500 lb trailer. Which of the following 2022 models do you recommend: the Kia Sorento, the Mitsubishi Outlander and the Subaru Forester Wilderness?

------------------------------------------------

Hello Pat,

For the Kia Sorento, the answer depends on the engine chosen. Avoid turbocharged engines and hybrids. These are more fragile vehicles, given the intensive use you make of yours. Opt for a version with a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter engine and you'll be well served, with exceptional comfort and interior layout. Heavier and more imposing, this model will nevertheless consume slightly more fuel than the other two.

At Mitsubishi, the Nissan powertrain has proved very viable so far. And the standard 10-year/160,000 km warranty gives you an advantage that others don't have. What's more, you'll sit on the most comfortable seats in the segment, the same as those in the Nissan Rogue. Equipped with a superb all-wheel drive system, the Outlander will also please you in winter. However, you may find it a little less refined than the more modern Sorento. At this point, it's a matter of taste.

As for the Forester Wilderness, it's clearly sportier and more dynamic. Its power may not impress, but its dynamics make for a sharper, more engaging ride. Understandably, you'll lose comfort thanks to its firmer, higher suspension, but this Subaru stands out for its towing capacity and handling, especially in winter conditions. Highly reliable, it may cost you a little more in maintenance but will break very little.

My personal choice is the sturdy, fun-to-drive Forester. And because you currently own a first-generation Tiguan (which is more dynamic to drive), a little bird tells me that you're likely to get bored behind the wheel of a Sorento or Outlander.