VS
At a Glance
Power
187hp @ 6100
180hp @ 5800
Torque
178lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Towing
1653lbs
1500lbs
Engine
2.5 L/152cc
2.5 L/152cc
Choosing between the KIA Sportage and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 180hp @ 5800. Pricing starts at $32,990 for the Sportage and $30,625 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)
187hp @ 6100
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
178lb-ft @ 4000
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.5 L/152cc
2.5 L/152cc
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 - City (mpg)
23 (2025)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
30 (2025)mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
14.3gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
183.5in
176.4in
Width (in)
73.4in
70.9in
Height (in)
66.9in
63in
Wheelbase (in)
108.5in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
—
3332lbs
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
—
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Crosstrek
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
KIA Sportage
Higher towing capacity (1653lbs)
Higher starting price
Subaru Crosstrek
Lower starting price ($30,625)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Sportage or Crosstrek?
The Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Crosstrek?
The Sportage starts from $32,990 and the Crosstrek from $30,625. The Crosstrek is cheaper by $2,365 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Crosstrek?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Crosstrek can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage 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.