VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
180hp @ 5800
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
1653lbs
3500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Sportage returns 24 mpg est. while the Forester uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $38,090 for the Sportage and $38,385 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 SportageSX-Prestige AWD 2026 - From $38,090
Subaru ForesterWilderness CVT 2026 - From $38,385
Performance
Power Output (hp)
187hp @ 6100
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
26 (2025)mpg
28mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
182.9in
Width (in)
73.4in
72.4in
Height (in)
66.3in
69.3in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
104.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
3675lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
3500lbs
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
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Subaru Forester
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Sportage
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Tied
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Lower starting price ($38,090)
Higher fuel consumption (24 mpg est.)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (26 mpg est.)
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage gets 24 mpg est. and the Forester gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Sportage is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Forester?
The Sportage starts from $38,090 and the Forester from $38,385, a difference of just $295, 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 Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Forester can tow 3500lbs. 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 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.