With over a dozen compact SUVs to choose from, there’s bound to be a model that fits your needs and lifestyle. Two of the most alluring are the 2025 Kia Sportage and 2025 Subaru Forester. Both have some of the freshest designs and technology in their class, plus a long history in the marketplace.
Which of these might be right for you? Here’s how the Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester compare.
2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage lineup itself is surprisingly vast. The brand’s compact SUV and best-selling model is available in seven trims, from the base LX to the top-line X-Pro Prestige. Powering them is a 187-horsepower 4-cylinder engine. Unlike several competitors, including the Subaru Forester, the Kia uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which some drivers find can drone. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional or standard on the upmarket X-Pro trims. The Sportage is also available as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, which we review separately.
Kia Sportage Highlights
Dual-screen displays: All Kia Sportage trims except the base LX come standard with a prominent 12.3-inch center touchscreen with navigation (the LX has an 8-inch screen), and all come with either a 12.2-inch or 12.3-inch instrument display. In addition to providing a lot of helpful information, these screens look great.
X-Pro trims: These more rugged and adventurous trims most directly compete with the Subaru Forester. In the X-Pro configuration, you get off-road features such as extra ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and off-road settings for the all-wheel-drive system.
Excellent warranty coverage: Kia has warranties that its rivals just can’t match. They include a 5-year/60,000-mile standard warranty, plus powertrain coverage for 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Sportage models for sale near you.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester has long been the go-to compact SUV for adventure-loving individuals and families. It’s got the traits Subaru loyalists love — standard all-wheel drive, ample ground clearance, and top safety marks — along with rugged appeal and lots of cargo room for all the gear. The Forester is all new for 2025 and brings all those goods along with the latest tech and safety features. For this all-new generation, Subaru is also introducing the first-ever Forester Hybrid for those seeking improved fuel economy.
Subaru Forester Highlights
Standard all-wheel drive: Having power go to all four wheels instead of just the front, like most SUVs, means enhanced traction. This extra traction and capability aren’t just handy for off-roading. If you regularly deal with snow or slick roads, all-wheel drive grants better handling and assurance. The Sportage offers all-wheel drive, but it costs extra.
EyeSight safety suite: This standard safety and driver assistance suite includes features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a rear-seat reminder.
Adventurous attitude: A Subaru Forester is more than your ordinary, commuter-minded SUV. The Subaru brand and adventure are intertwined. These vehicles are ideal for drivers seeking an escape into the wild, and the Forester is known and loved for enabling that. This is especially true if you opt for the Subaru Forester Wilderness model with its extra ground clearance and off-road hardware.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Forester models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester have nearly the same horsepower, max cargo room, and active safety features. They both appeal to buyers seeking a compact SUV with a personality.
New 2025 Kia Sportage Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$28,785 |
TBD |
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$30,885 |
TBD |
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$33,685 |
TBD |
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$34,385 |
TBD |
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$36,385 |
TBD |
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$37,885 |
TBD |
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$39,685 |
TBD |
New 2025 Subaru Forester Prices
|
Retail Price
|
Fair Purchase Price (92620)
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|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
$31,415 |
TBD |
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$34,805 |
TBD |
|||
$37,525 |
TBD |
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$37,705 |
TBD |
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$39,115 |
TBD |
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$43,015 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Kia Sportage vehicles and New 2025 Subaru Forester vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Kia Sportage | 2025 Subaru Forester | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder |
| Towing Capacity | 2,500 pounds | N/A |
| Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,100 rpm | 180 hp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm |
| Transmission | automatic, 8-speed | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic |
| Fuel Economy | 25 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined mpg |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | Not rated | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 inches | 105.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 183.5 inches | 183.3 inches |
| Width | 73.4 inches | 81.2 inches |
| Height | 65.4 inches | 68.1 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 19.3 feet | 35.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.6 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.4 inches | 43.3 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 41.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 57.5 inches | 57.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 55.6 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Cargo Behind Second Seat | N/A | N/A |
| Cargo With All Seats Down | 74.1 feet | N/A |
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
The Kia Sportage attracts with a slightly lower starting price, longer warranties, impressive technology, and sleek design. There are also ample trim levels to choose from. The Subaru Forester, meanwhile, is more adventurous and comes standard with all-wheel drive, a rugged attitude, and its own impressive technology and trim lineup. This is another instance when two rivals are quite different but equally desirable. We recommend assessing your needs and lifestyle, then test driving both to see which connects with you.
