2025 Kia Sportage vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Kia Sportage

2025 Kia
Sportage

MSRP*: $27,190 to $38,090
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,695 to $39,995
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MPG - City 23 - 25 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 26 - 33 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 74.1 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 187-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain All Wheel Drive, Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 187 hp 180 hp
Towing Capacity 1,653 lbs 1,500 lbs
Exterior Length 183.5 in 183.3 in
Exterior Width 73.4 in 72.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.4 in
Rear 41.3 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 37.8 - 39.6 in
Rear 38.0 - 39.4 in
Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.7 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Kia Sportage than in the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester will be a hit with tall drivers and their front seat passengers, since it has greater front head- and legroom than the Kia Sportage.

Convenience
The Subaru Forester requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Kia Sportage, making it more convenient to drive.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Kia Sportage will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Subaru Forester.

Dimensions
The Kia Sportage is a little wider than the Subaru Forester, so getting in and out of the car in a crowded parking lot may be a little more of a squeeze. When looking at overall length, the Kia Sportage takes up about the same amount of space in your garage as the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Kia Sportage has a larger turning radius than the Subaru Forester, making it slightly more difficult to maneuver in and out of tight spots.

Performance
With the Kia Sportage, you'll be able to pull heavier loads than the Subaru Forester. The Kia Sportage has a little more horsepower than the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
With similar torque, the Kia Sportage and the Subaru Forester are about even in transmitting their respective horsepower to the wheels.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Kia Sportage and the Subaru Forester. The Kia Sportage has a roomier cargo area for putting your bags or other items than the Subaru Forester.