2025 Kia Sportage vs 2025 Subaru Impreza

$27,390 · Crossover

$24,360 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage storms onto the scene boasting 187 hp, offering spirited acceleration that leaves the 2025 Subaru Impreza’s 152 hp in its rearview mirror, making it the dynamic choice. However, the Impreza counters with efficiency and legendary grip; its standard All-Wheel Drive system pairs beautifully with its frugal 30 MPG combined rating, beating the FWD Sportage's 28 MPG combined. Design-wise, the Sportage is substantially larger at 183.5 inches long with 39.6 cu ft of cargo space, dwarfing the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft capacity. While the Impreza grabs attention with its lower $24,360 MSRP compared to the Sportage’s $27,390, the power deficit is significant. This battle pits practical bulk and power (Sportage) against nimble handling and fuel savings (Impreza).

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, achieving 30 MPG combined versus the Sportage's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The Kia Sportage is the clear family choice, offering significantly more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

Enthusiasts will favor the Sportage for its higher output of 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque over the Impreza’s 152 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza offers better overall value starting at $24,360 and including standard AWD, offsetting the Kia's $3,030 higher starting price.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prioritize sheer power, benefiting from the 187 hp engine and 187 lb-ft of torque.
You need maximum hauling capability, highlighted by the generous 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the visual presence of a larger crossover body, measuring 183.5 inches in length.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

All-weather confidence is essential, thanks to the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You want to save money on fuel costs with a rating of 34 MPG highway.
Your budget is tighter, with a lower MSRP starting at just $24,360.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	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	✓	✓
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	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	187 hp @ 6100 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	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	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	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	357.5/457.6 mi.	448.2/564.4 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	—	✓
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	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	39.4 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.
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 Impreza.

How much larger is the 2025 Kia Sportage compared to the 2025 Subaru Impreza?

The Kia Sportage is considerably larger, measuring 183.5 inches long, 73.4 inches wide, and 65.4 inches high. In contrast, the Subaru Impreza wagon is shorter at 176.2 inches and narrower at 70.1 inches, making the Sportage feel much more substantial.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between these two vehicles?

Yes, the difference is noticeable; the Sportage produces 187 hp, giving it 35 more horsepower than the Impreza’s 152 hp. This power gap should translate directly into quicker acceleration times for the Kia.

Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for daily driving?

The Subaru Impreza has the edge in efficiency, rated at 30 MPG combined (27 city/34 highway) versus the Sportage's 28 MPG combined (25 city/32 highway). This efficiency is achieved despite the Impreza having standard AWD.

Why does the Sportage have such a much higher cargo capacity?

The Sportage, being a larger crossover, offers substantially more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Impreza, built on a smaller wagon platform, provides only 20.4 cu ft for storage, making the Kia better for large gear hauls.

Which car is the better choice for drivers focused on initial purchase price?

The Subaru Impreza is the clear budget winner, starting at an MSRP of $24,360. The Kia Sportage commands a premium of $3,030 more, starting at $27,390.

Does the difference in drivetrain affect performance or efficiency?

The Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive provides superior traction over the FWD Sportage, yet the Impreza still manages slightly better fuel economy, suggesting Subaru's CVT and AWD tuning are very efficient for regular unleaded fuel.