The Kia Sportage has been fully redesigned for 2023, and the Subaru Forester was updated for 2022. If you’re in the market for a compact SUV, you may find yourself cross-shopping these two rivals.
Both of these SUVs have many strengths, but there are some key differences you should know about. Let’s take a closer look at these compact SUVs and find the right one for you.
2023 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage was completely redesigned for 2023, with new looks inside and out, more modern tech features, and a bigger, roomier body. Pricing starts at $25,990.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Modern tech: The all-new 2023 Sportage comes with cutting-edge tech features. You get what you’d expect from a new car, like standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some high-tech optional features include wireless phone charging, 12.3-inch dual panoramic displays, plus Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration.
Roomy interior: The Sportage got a bit bigger with the latest redesign, and the result is one of the roomiest interiors in the compact SUV class. The interior space in the Forester is pretty good, but the Sportage has more rear-seat legroom and much more cargo space behind the rear seats.
Outstanding warranty: The Kia Sportage is backed by an excellent warranty that can give long-term owners greater peace of mind. It boasts a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. By contrast, the Forester comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models for sale near you.
2022 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester carries its brand’s reputation for impressive off-road capabilities and an emphasis on safety. Pricing starts at $25,895.
Subaru Forester Highlights
Standard AWD: All-wheel drive [AWD] is a standard feature on every Subaru Forester. This is the basis of the Forester’s good off-road capabilities, which are further enhanced with optional features like X-Mode with hill descent control, and the extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires you get with the Wilderness trim.
Excellent safety scores: Both SUVs achieve good safety ratings, but the Forester has earned the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. This is thanks to its good crash-test ratings, generous list of standard safety tech features, and standard LED projector headlights for optimal visibility.
Great fuel economy: The Forester is more fuel-efficient than a Sportage with AWD. The Forester gets a combined fuel economy rating of up to 29 combined mpg, while the AWD-equipped Sportage only gets 25 mpg. That can add up to significant fuel savings over time, especially if gas is expensive in your area.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.
Similarities
Similar standard safety and infotainment tech, 4-cylinder engine, rugged off-road trims, similar pricing, good safety ratings
Conclusion
If you insist on AWD, then the Subaru Forester is a more value-conscious choice since AWD comes standard and it’s more fuel-efficient than the Kia. However, the all-new 2023 Kia Sportage has a lot going for it, like a roomy interior, the latest tech features, and a longer warranty. Which is right for you depends on your priorities.
2023 Kia Sportage | 2022 Subaru Forester | |
Starting Price | $25,990 | $25,895 |
Popular Powertrains | ||
Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
Fuel Economy | 25 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg |
Also Available | Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid, AWD | |
Specs | ||
Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
NHTSA Overall Safety | TBD | 5 stars |
Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 182.7 inches |
Width | 73.4 inches | 71.5 inches |
Height | 65.4 inches | 67.5 inches |
Turning Diameter | 38.6 feet | 35.4 feet |
Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 41.2 inches |
Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 43.3 inches |
Legroom, Rear | 41.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 58.1 inches |
Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.6 inches | 57.2 inches |
Cargo Volume | 39.6/74.1 cubic feet | 28.9/74.2 cubic feet |