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How important is interior comfort when it comes to car buying?
The average new vehicle can easily last for over 13 years of ownership when well-maintained, so comfy seats are important to many drivers interested in long-term ownership. J.D. Power conducted a study to examine the seat quality of 2025 vehicles using several metrics including comfort. The results are surprising and add major points to two nameplates.
These cars have the comfiest seats, J.D. Power says
J.D. Power is an American data analytics and consumer intelligence company specializing in car reviews, ratings, and awards. It conducted a study to determine which cars, trucks, and SUVs have the highest-quality seats.
The study was based on responses from 92,694 car buyers and leasees of 2025 vehicles. The drivers who participated in the study were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The number of problems and level of satisfaction were factors in determining which vehicles have the best seat quality.
Two SUVs models earned the highest J.D. Power scores out of 10 points. The Kia Sorento and Subaru Outback not only scored above the Chevy Traverse (7.3/10) and Kia Telluride (7.5/10) in the mass market/SUV segment, they also earned the highest scores across all segments.
Both models scored a 9.3/10 from J.D. Power, based on data from the study. The cabin comfort of both models aren't usually emphasized compared to other prominent features, so the results of the study is great news for both nameplates.
The 2025 Kia Sorento is a value-packed family SUV
South Korean automaker Kia is a mass-market brand that produces several impactful nameplates known for strong value propositions. The Sorento is a midsize three-row SUV that's great for large families on a budget because it's affordable and can seat six to seven passengers.
The 2025 Kia Sorento starts at just $31,990, which is cheap for its segment. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The Sorento achieves 23 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway.
Kelley Blue Book calls the 2025 Sorento a "budget-friendly" SUV with modern tech. Its superior seat quality, according to the study, makes the three-row SUV an even sweeter deal.
The 2025 Subaru Outback is an adventure-ready SUV
Subaru's SUV models like the Crosstrek, Forester and Outback are known for their rugged exteriors and off-roading potential. Subaru offers several Wilderness trim models that are the most capable versions of the adventure-ready SUVs. The Outback midsize SUV has extremely comfy seats based on the J.D. Power study, despite its tough and durable design language.
The 2025 Subaru Outback starts at $29,995. It's a five-seater midsize SUV that's designed to be safe on roads and off the beaten path.
Subaru's midsize SUV uses a 2.5-liter four cylinder engine to make 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 26 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.
The Outback has a "spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride" according to a vehicle review by Edmunds. Now, the Outback can count quality seats amongst its strengths, according to J.D. Power.
2025 Kia Sorento vs. 2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Kia Sorento and 2025 Subaru Outback got identical seat quality scores from J.D. Power, so which is the better midsize SUV? When it comes to these two models, the short answer is: preference. The Sorento has more seating capacity, which is a huge factor for car buyers who need to seat more than four passengers.
Subaru's model is geared towards drivers looking for an SUV with heightened off-roading capabilities, while the Sorento is a more typical budget-oriented family SUV. The Sorento is slightly more powerful and Subaru's Outback is slightly more efficient.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: These 2025 Subaru and Kia models have the comfiest seats, according to J.D. Power study. How do they compare?
Reporting by Charles Singh , USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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