VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@4000
126kW@6000
Torque
392Nm@1800
229Nm@4400
Fuel
7.5L/100km
9.6L/100km
Towing
1600kg
1500kg
0-100 km/h
9.9s
11s
Engine
1995cc
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 130kW@4000 while the Subaru Forester produces 126kW@6000. On fuel, the Sportage returns 7.5L/100km while the Forester uses 9.6L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R389 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.
Specification
KIA Sportage2.0 CRDI 4x4 AT 2010 - From R389 995
Subaru Forester2.5 XS Premium AT 2008 - From R386 000
Performance
Power Output
130kW@4000
126kW@6000
Torque
392Nm@1800
229Nm@4400
0-100 kph
9.9s
11s
Top Speed
195km/h
182km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995cc
2457cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
LONGITUDINAL FLAT 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
UNLEADED
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
6
4
Drive Wheels
ALL
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5L/100km
9.6L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
-
12.9L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
-
7.7L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
58L
60L
CO2 Emissions
198g/km
227g/km
Dimensions
Length
4445mm
4560mm
Width
1855mm
1780mm
Height
1635mm
1700mm
Wheelbase
2640mm
2615mm
Ground Clearance
172mm
215mm
Kerb Weight
1609kg
1490kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600kg
1500kg
Load Capacity
1887kg
1660kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESC
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✗
Satellite Navigation
✗
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
Optional
Park Distance Front
✗
✗
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
36
Warranty Distance
100000km
100000km
Service Plan
S
M
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 (7.5L/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1600kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (9.9ss)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
Lower starting price (R386 000)
Higher fuel consumption (9.6L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage uses 7.5L/100km and the Forester uses 9.6L/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 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque while the Forester delivers 126kW@6000 and 229Nm@4400 of torque. The Sportage is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Forester?
The Sportage starts from R389 995 and the Forester from R386 000. The Forester is cheaper by R3 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 1600kg and the Forester can tow 1500kg. 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.