2026 Kia Sportage EX vs 2026 Subaru Forester Premium
$995 less vs 3 MPG better. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $995 price gap, 187 vs 180 hp, 26 vs 29 MPG.
The Sportage EX leads on $995 less. The Forester Premium leads on 3 MPG better. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.
| Spec | 2026 Kia Sportage EX | 2026 Subaru Forester Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $32,390 | $33,385 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 187 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 24 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.3 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,827 lbs | 3,569 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 108.5" | 105.1" |
| Length | 184.4" | 183.3" |
| Width | 73.4" | 72.0" |
| Height | 66.3" | 68.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/100k | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Kia Sportage EX and 2026 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2026 Kia Sportage EX starts at $32,390, $995 less than the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium at $33,385. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $18/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Kia Sportage EX?
The 2026 Kia Sportage EX is the stronger pick when you want to keep $995 in your pocket and the 2026 Kia Sportage EX covers your needs.
Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $167/year less on fuel.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Kia Sportage EX or 2026 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium rates 29 combined MPG, 3 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Kia Sportage EX or 2026 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2026 Kia Sportage EX produces 187 hp, 7 more than the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium at 180 hp. The 2026 Kia Sportage EX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium uses a 2.5L flat 4.
Is the 2026 Kia Sportage EX bigger than the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium?
The 2026 Kia Sportage EX is 1.1″ longer at 184.4″ vs 183.3″. The 2026 Kia Sportage EX has a 3.4″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
How do the warranties compare?
The Kia Sportage comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Subaru Forester offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.
Explore more: Kia trims, Kia Sportage trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims
The Sportage–Forester Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Sportage and Forester compare. The $995 gap is about $18/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Kia Sportage EX runs a 2.5L I4; the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 7 hp difference (187 vs 180) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Subaru Forester Premium saves roughly $167/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $835. The fuel savings help offset the higher sticker price, but it takes roughly 6.0 years to break even. Most buyers will not hold the vehicle that long.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Kia Sportage EX when you want to keep $995 in your pocket and the 2026 Kia Sportage EX covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Subaru Forester Premium when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $167/year less on fuel. At $18/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Kia or Subaru or any dealership.