VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@4000
136 kW
Torque
392Nm@1800
247 Nm
Fuel
7.5
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1600
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
9.9
—
Engine
1995
2498 cc
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 130kW@4000 while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the SPORTAGE returns 7.5 while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R389 995 for the SPORTAGE and R790 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
130kW@4000
136 kW
Torque
392Nm@1800
247 Nm
0-100 kph
9.9
—
Top Speed
195
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1995
2498 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.5
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
63 l
CO2 Emissions
198
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4445
4655 mm
Width
1855
1830 mm
Height
1635
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2640
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
172
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1609
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1887
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESC
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
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
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5
Warranty Distance
100000
150000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
KIA SPORTAGE
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
SPORTAGE
Value
SPORTAGE
Practicality
SPORTAGE
Pros & Cons
KIA SPORTAGE
Better fuel economy (7.5)
Lower starting price (R389 995)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Forester
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SPORTAGE or Forester?
The SPORTAGE uses 7.5 and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km 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 130kW@4000 and 392Nm@1800 of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SPORTAGE and Forester?
The SPORTAGE starts from R389 995 and the Forester from R790 000. The SPORTAGE is cheaper by R400 005 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 1600 and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. 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.