2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$27,390 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage bursts onto the scene with youthful energy, boasting 187 hp from its standard engine and a lower entry price of $27,390. It prioritizes efficiency with 32 MPG on the highway, making it a zippy choice for daily travel. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Forester embodies rugged capability, featuring standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to conquer tricky conditions, even if its 180 hp output is slightly lower. The Forester offers superior stature at 68.1 inches tall, suggesting better ground clearance, while the Sportage appeals with a roomier cargo hold of 39.6 cu ft compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft. Although the Forester nets a slightly better 29 combined MPG, the Sportage starts almost $2,605 cheaper, creating a fascinating battle between expressive style and sure-footed practicality in the competitive crossover segment.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $27,390 and superior city fuel economy rating of 25 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage accommodates more gear with a significantly larger 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Forester's 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

The standard All-Wheel Drive system on the Forester provides a distinct dynamic advantage for spirited driving in varied weather.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Sportage

Starting at $27,390, the Kia Sportage presents a better initial investment than the $29,995 Subaru Forester.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You need maximum cargo space for gear or luggage, as the Sportage offers 39.6 cu ft.
Budget is a primary concern, given the Sportage's lower starting MSRP of $27,390.
You prioritize maximizing highway efficiency, achieving 32 MPG on the open road.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

All-weather traction is mandatory, as the Forester includes standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer a taller driving position, as the Forester stands significantly higher at 68.1 inches.
Superior overall efficiency is desired, reflected in the Forester's 29 combined MPG rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Subaru Forester
Length	183.5"	183.3"
Width	73.4"	72.0"
Height	65.4"	68.1"
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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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	8-speed shiftable 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)	25/32 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	431.6/547.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.3 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control 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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate 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	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	39.6 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.5 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.8 in.	54.7 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	39.4 in.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	41.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	53.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear 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.
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 and 2025 Subaru Forester.

Which crossover has better raw power between the 2025 Sportage and the 2025 Forester?

The 2025 Kia Sportage holds a slight edge in pure output, generating 187 hp from its engine. The 2025 Subaru Forester produces 180 hp, making the difference negligible in real-world use, but the Kia technically offers more.

How does the cargo capacity compare for weekend trips?

The Kia Sportage is the clear winner for hauling capacity, offering 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Subaru Forester provides 29.6 cubic feet, which is nearly 10 fewer cubic feet for bulky items.

Is the 2025 Forester truly more fuel-efficient than the Sportage?

Yes, the Forester wins slightly on efficiency with a combined rating of 29 MPG versus the Sportage's 28 MPG combined. However, the Sportage pulls ahead on the highway with 32 MPG compared to the Forester's 33 MPG.

Why is the Subaru Forester more expensive if its horsepower is lower?

The Subaru Forester has an MSRP of $29,995 because it includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is typically a paid option on competitors like the front-wheel drive Sportage ($27,390 MSRP). AWD adds complexity and value.

Which vehicle has a more traditional automatic transmission?

For drivers who prefer distinct gear shifts, the Kia Sportage is the choice, featuring an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. The Forester utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).

How do their physical sizes affect their look on the road?

The Kia Sportage is wider at 73.4 inches, giving it a broader stance, while the Subaru Forester is noticeably taller at 68.1 inches versus the Sportage's 65.4 inches, suggesting a more upright, rugged profile.