2017 Kia Sorento vs Subaru Outback

What's the difference?

Parenthood is a funny thing. And not always in a 'ha ha' way.

There you are one minute, living it large, travelling to amazing locations, climbing the career ladder, partying 'til dawn, with money in the bank, and a fabulous shoe collection. The next you are a parent. And the world changes. Or yours does, in every way.

The flash sporty car makes way for a sedate sedan or SUV. As the kids grow you play taxi driver to not just them, but their friends as well. That seven-seater you scoffed at on your way home from a weekend music festival just a few short years ago, is now a coveted prize.

If this scenario feels familiar, Kia's award-winning Sorento may be just the ticket. We put the all-wheel drive (AWD) Platinum to the family test.

Australians get a pretty good deal from Subaru. We have not one but two cars named especially for us. The Liberty is known everywhere else as Legacy and frankly, I reckon we got the better name, so we can thank that venerable veteran's organisation for that one.

Second is the Outback. Essentially a jacked-up Liberty station wagon, Subaru obviously liked the name and so we got our second Australian-themed moniker, this time exported all over the globe. The Americans are particular fans of this one.

It's no secret Australians love a wagon that can go places (we're not alone in that regard, just make sure you call it an SUV if it looks like one!), and as the Outback has evolved it has leaned towards being more rugged, a bit like what Subaru has done with the Forester.