VS
At a Glance
Power
139hp @ 5700
180hp @ 5800
Torque
195lb-ft
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
54 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
1.6 L/96ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Niro and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Niro delivers 139hp @ 5700 while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Niro returns 54 mpg est. while the Crosstrek uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $27,090 for the Niro and $26,995 for the Crosstrek. 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 (hp)
139hp @ 5700
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/96ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
54 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
53 (Est)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
54 (Est)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
11.1gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
174in
176.4in
Width (in)
71.9in
70.9in
Height (in)
60.8in
62.8in
Wheelbase (in)
107.1in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
3071lbs
3296lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
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
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Crosstrek
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Crosstrek
Fuel Economy
Niro
Value
Tied
Practicality
Crosstrek
Pros & Cons
KIA Niro
Better fuel economy (54 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Crosstrek
Lower starting price ($26,995)
Higher fuel consumption (30 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Niro or Crosstrek?
The Niro gets 54 mpg est. and the Crosstrek gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Niro 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 Niro or Crosstrek?
The Niro produces 139hp @ 5700 and 195lb-ft of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Crosstrek is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Niro and Crosstrek?
The Niro starts from $27,090 and the Crosstrek from $26,995, a difference of just $95, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Niro or Crosstrek?
The Niro has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Crosstrek can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Niro or the Crosstrek?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - 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.