VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
194hp @ 5600
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
154lb-ft @ 3600
Fuel
24 mpg est.
36 mpg est.
Towing
1653lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid produces 194hp @ 5600. On fuel, the Sportage returns 24 mpg est. while the Crosstrek Hybrid uses 36 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,290 for the Sportage and $33,995 for the Crosstrek Hybrid. 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 SportageEX AWD 2026 - From $32,290
Subaru Crosstrek HybridLimited Hybrid AWD 2026 - From $33,995
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
194hp @ 5600
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
154lb-ft @ 3600
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
36 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
36mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (2025)mpg
36mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
176.4in
Width (in)
73.4in
70.9in
Height (in)
66.1in
63in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
3662lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
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
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Crosstrek Hybrid
Fuel Economy
Crosstrek Hybrid
Value
Sportage
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Lower starting price ($32,290)
Higher towing capacity (1653lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Better fuel economy (36 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Crosstrek Hybrid?
The Sportage gets 24 mpg est. and the Crosstrek Hybrid gets 36 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Crosstrek Hybrid 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 Crosstrek Hybrid?
The Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Crosstrek Hybrid delivers 194hp @ 5600 and 154lb-ft @ 3600 of torque. The Crosstrek Hybrid is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Crosstrek Hybrid?
The Sportage starts from $32,290 and the Crosstrek Hybrid from $33,995. The Sportage is cheaper by $1,705 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Crosstrek Hybrid?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Crosstrek Hybrid can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage or the Crosstrek Hybrid?
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.