DecodedCarsKia Sportage vs Subaru Forester
2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Subaru Forester — two small SUVs compared on efficiency, size, safety and reliability.
The short version
The Kia Sportage is more fuel-efficient: 42 vs 35 MPG combined in its best version.
That works out to about $300 a year less in fuel for the Kia Sportage (EPA estimate, 15,000 miles).
Across all model years since 2005, the Kia Sportage has had fewer recall campaigns (23 vs 39).
The two cars
The 2026 Kia Sportage is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,618 lb (AWD 4dr SUV).
The 2026 Subaru Forester is a small SUV offered with a 2.5L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive. It measures about 184 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,580 lb.
Buying used? The 2022 Sportage and the 2024 Forester have the fewest problems in our data; avoid the 2017 Sportage and the 2019 Forester.
Basics
Efficiency
Performance & space
Safety & reliability
Interest
Green = clearly better. Prices are not included. How we calculate this →
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Kia Sportage if…
- You want lower fuel bills (42 vs 35 MPG)
- You put reliability history first (23 vs 39 recalls since 2005)
Choose the Subaru Forester if…
It doesn't clearly beat the Kia Sportage on any measure we track.
Pros & cons of each
2026 Kia Sportage
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 39% better than the average 2026 small SUV (30.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
2026 Subaru Forester
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2026 small SUV (25.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Full 2026 Kia Sportage specs →Full 2026 Subaru Forester specs →Compare fuel costs for your driving →Compare size & garage fit →