2025 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$27,390 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Sportage explodes onto the scene with 187 horsepower, promising a more spirited pull from its 8-speed automatic transmission compared to the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek's 180 horsepower managed by a CVT. The Sportage boasts a significantly larger footprint, measuring 183.5 inches in length and offering a cavernous 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, dwarfing the compact Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft capacity. Conversely, the Crosstrek fights back with superior fuel efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Kia's 28 MPG, a tangible benefit for daily commuting. While the Sportage carries a slightly higher MSRP of $27,390 compared to the Crosstrek's $26,995 entry point, the Kia offers better interior volume. However, the Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, absent on the base FWD Sportage, gives it an immediate edge in adverse weather capability, making these two crossovers distinct choices for different priorities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek wins for commuters due to its superior efficiency, netting 29 combined MPG, and standard AWD for all-weather assurance.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage clearly wins for families by offering nearly double the usable storage with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

The Sportage offers higher peak output with 187 horsepower and the engaging feel of a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is priced lower at $26,995 and includes the valuable standard feature of All-Wheel Drive, making its baseline offering stronger.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You prioritize maximum hauling capability, leveraging the generous 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You prefer the traditional feel and quicker response of an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You need the extra reach provided by its 187 horsepower output for highway passing maneuvers.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

All-Wheel Drive capability is non-negotiable, as it comes standard on the Crosstrek.
Maximizing fuel economy is key, thanks to its 33 highway MPG rating.
You prefer a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle, as it is significantly shorter at 176.4 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Sportage	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	183.5"	176.4"
Width	73.4"	70.9"
Height	65.4"	62.8"
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	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓

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	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
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	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/65R17	P225/60R17
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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover is better suited for driving in snow and ice?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the better choice, as its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system provides superior traction and stability compared to the base front-wheel drive setup of the 2025 Kia Sportage.

How much passenger and cargo space separates these two vehicles?

The 2025 Kia Sportage offers substantially more utility, boasting 39.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. Additionally, the Sportage is longer by 7.1 inches, suggesting more interior passenger room overall.

Is the difference in horsepower significant between the two models?

There is a slight performance edge for the Kia, delivering 187 horsepower compared to the Subaru's 180 horsepower. The Kia also pairs its power with an 8-speed automatic, while the Subaru uses a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Which vehicle costs less money upfront?

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek has the lower starting MSRP at $26,995, making it the more affordable entry point compared to the 2025 Kia Sportage, which starts at $27,390.

Where does the fuel economy comparison stand between the two?

The Crosstrek edges out the Sportage slightly in efficiency, achieving 29 MPG combined versus the Kia's 28 MPG combined. The Subaru also leads on the highway with 33 MPG compared to the Kia's 32 MPG.

If I want a more traditional driving feel, which transmission should I choose?

For a more conventional driving experience with distinct gear shifts, the 2025 Kia Sportage, equipped with its 8-speed shiftable automatic, would be the preferred choice over the smoothness but less engaging feel of the Crosstrek's CVT.