VS
At a Glance
Power
132 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
265 Nm
229Nm@4400
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
9.6
Towing
1650 Kg
1500
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
11
Engine
1598 cc
2457
Choosing between the Kia Sportage and the SUBARU FORESTER is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sportage delivers 132 kW while the SUBARU FORESTER produces 126kW@6000. On fuel, the Sportage returns 6.3 l/100km while the FORESTER uses 9.6 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R738 995 for the Sportage and R386 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.
Performance
Power Output
132 kW
126kW@6000
Torque
265 Nm
229Nm@4400
0-100 kph
8.8 s
11
Top Speed
201 Km/h
182
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
2457
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
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
6.3 l/100km
9.6
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
12.9
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
7.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
60
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
227
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4560
Width
1865 mm
1780
Height
1650 mm
1700
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2615
Ground Clearance
170 mm
215
Kerb Weight
1497 Kg
1490
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
591-1780 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1650 Kg
1500
Load Capacity
—
1660
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
100000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
12500
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Kia Sportage
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
FORESTER
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
Kia Sportage
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1650 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.8 ss)
Higher starting price
SUBARU FORESTER
Lower starting price (R386 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.6)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or FORESTER?
The Sportage uses 6.3 l/100km and the FORESTER uses 9.6 on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sportage or FORESTER?
The Sportage produces 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque while the FORESTER delivers 126kW@6000 and 229Nm@4400 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and FORESTER?
The Sportage starts from R738 995 and the FORESTER from R386 000. The FORESTER is cheaper by R352 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 1500. 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.