VS
At a Glance
Power
100 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
320 Nm
320Nm@2800
Fuel
5.0 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Towing
1650 Kg
2000kg
0-100 km/h
11.4 s
7.9s
Engine
1598 cc
2457cc
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The KIA Sportage delivers 100 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 169kW@5200. On fuel, the Sportage returns 5.0 l/100km while the Forester uses 10.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R790 995 for the Sportage and R420 000 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
KIA Sportage1.6 CRDI GT LINE PLUS A/T 2023 - From R790 995
Subaru Forester2.5 XT Sportshift 2008 - From R420 000
Performance
Power Output
100 kW
169kW@5200
Torque
320 Nm
320Nm@2800
0-100 kph
11.4 s
7.9s
Top Speed
180 Km/h
207km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
7
4
Drive Wheels
front
ALL
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.0 l/100km
10.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.2L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
60L
CO2 Emissions
129 g/km
248g/km
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4560mm
Width
1865 mm
1780mm
Height
1650 mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1493 Kg
1525kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
571-1760 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1650 Kg
2000kg
Load Capacity
—
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✗
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6yr
—
Service Plan Distance
90000km
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Forester
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Better fuel economy (5.0 l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R420 000)
Higher towing capacity (2000kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.9ss)
Higher fuel consumption (10.5L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage uses 5.0 l/100km and the Forester uses 10.5L/100km on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage produces 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 169kW@5200 and 320Nm@2800 of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Forester?
The Sportage starts from R790 995 and the Forester from R420 000. The Forester is cheaper by R370 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1650 Kg and the Forester can tow 2000kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.