2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid vs 2025 Subaru Impreza

$28,790 · Crossover

$24,360 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid screams modern efficiency with a potent 227 hp punch, instantly elevating everyday driving above the spirited but less powerful 2025 Subaru Impreza, which boasts 152 hp. The Sportage Hybrid dominates efficiency metrics, delivering an exceptional combined 43 MPG, crushing the Impreza's 30 MPG rating, and it starts at a higher MSRP of $28,790 compared to the Impreza's $24,360. While the Kia offers significant power and better fuel economy, the Impreza counters with standard All-Wheel Drive capability and a lower entry point, making the $4,430 price difference a major consideration. The Impreza is notably smaller and lower, measuring 176.2 inches long versus the Sportage's 183.5 inches. Ultimately, the choice hinges on whether you prioritize the Sportage's superior 75 hp advantage and 13 MPG cushion or the Impreza’s lower cost and standard AWD grip.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid wins for commuters due to its outstanding 43 combined MPG, significantly reducing running costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

The Sportage Hybrid offers considerably more space, providing 39.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid

With 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, the Sportage Hybrid delivers a much more exciting and quicker driving experience than the Impreza's 152 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The 2025 Subaru Impreza offers superior foundational value with a lower MSRP of $24,360 and standard All-Wheel Drive.

Choose the Kia Sportage Hybrid if...

You demand segment-leading fuel economy, evidenced by its 43 combined MPG.
Performance is paramount, leveraging its substantial 227 hp engine.
Maximum utility is required, benefiting from 39.5 cu ft of cargo space.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is crucial, starting at $24,360.
Year-round, all-weather traction via standard All-Wheel Drive is a necessity.
You prefer a smaller footprint, with the Impreza measuring 176.2 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage Hybrid	Subaru Impreza
Length	183.5"	176.2"
Width	73.4"	70.1"
Height	65.4"	58.3"
Wheelbase	108.5"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	227 hp	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	258 lb-ft	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Transmission Type	6-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/44 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	43 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	575.4/602.8 mi.	448.2/564.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.7 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	39.1 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	205/55R16
Wheel Material	—	Steel
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and 2025 Subaru Impreza.

How much more expensive is the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid than the 2025 Subaru Impreza?

The 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at an MSRP of $28,790, making it $4,430 more expensive than the 2025 Subaru Impreza, which begins at $24,360.

Which vehicle provides better highway fuel economy for long trips?

The Kia Sportage Hybrid is the clear efficiency winner, achieving 44 MPG on the highway compared to the Subaru Impreza's 34 MPG highway rating, leading to fewer fill-ups.

Is the performance gap between these two vehicles significant?

Yes, the gap is significant; the Sportage Hybrid produces 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Impreza's 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

Why would I choose the Impreza if the Sportage has better MPG?

You should choose the Impreza if guaranteed traction is your priority, as it comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Sportage Hybrid reviewed is Front Wheel Drive.

How much more cargo room does the Kia offer over the Subaru?

The Sportage Hybrid offers nearly double the storage capacity for hauling gear, boasting 39.5 cu ft of cargo room versus the Impreza wagon's 20.4 cu ft.